Every diamond is graded on four things: cut, color, clarity and carat weight. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) created this system, and it's how every diamond gets compared and priced.
Here's what each one actually means for the ring on her hand.
Cut
Cut is how well a diamond is shaped and faceted to reflect light. It's the biggest factor in sparkle. A well cut diamond can look brighter and even larger than a poorly cut one that weighs more.
Our advice: don't cut corners on cut. It's the one you'll notice every day.
Color
White diamonds are graded from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The difference between neighboring grades is almost impossible to see without training.
Our advice: near colorless grades (G to J) look white to most eyes, especially in yellow or rose gold, and cost noticeably less than D to F.
Clarity
Clarity measures tiny natural marks inside or on the surface of a diamond. Grades run from Flawless down to Included. Many of these marks are only visible under magnification.
Our advice: look for a stone that's "eye clean," meaning you can't see anything without a loupe. You don't need to pay for perfection you can't see.
Carat weight
Carat is weight, not size. Two diamonds with the same carat weight can look different sizes depending on cut and shape. Prices also jump at popular weights like 1.00 carat.
Our advice: a stone just under a round number, like 0.90 carat, can look nearly identical to a 1.00 and save real money.
The fifth C: confidence
Grades on paper only tell part of the story. Two diamonds with the same grades can look different in person. Ask to see stones side by side, in good light, and trust your eyes.
Our GIA certified team will walk you through any stone in the store. Visit us at 1146 Harrison Avenue in Panama City or call 850-787-8711.
