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This is the shape of the diamond and the proportions of the faceted stone. The cut changes how light is refracted and determines the fire and brilliance of the stone.
Common cuts: round, pear, oval, marquise, and emerald.
Newer cuts: asscher, princess, radiant, and triangle.
The best color is no color. Diamonds are graded for color on a scale of D or colorless, to Z or dark yellow.
- Color grade K or better is preferred.
- ‘Fancy’ diamonds have definite color.
- Popular fancies include shades of pink, blue, green, amber or even red.
- Fancy colored diamonds are the most expensive because of their extreme rarity.
Diamonds are formed deep in the earth from carbon. As the mineral crystallizes, imperfections make each diamond unique.
- Flawless: No flaws with 10X magnification.
- Diamonds which show very slight imperfections through magnification are VVS.
- Minor inclusions are given VS or SI.
- The lowest grade is I, where inclusions can be seen without a microscope.
Diamond weight is expressed in carats. A carat weighs 200 milligrams. Points are often used to describe stones under one carat. 100 points equal one carat. Carat weight dramatically affects the price because rarity increases as size increases.
- The classic diamond solitaire.
- Cuts with more facets like asscher or princess.
- Sleek settings like bezel and tension set.
- Modern takes on antique-style rings.
- Matching engagement and wedding sets.
- Platinum for contemporary ring designs.
- Colored diamonds in pink, blue or yellow.
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