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The value and attractiveness of a diamond is measured by its attributes
contained by the four essential diamond features of
Cut | Color
| Clarity and Carat weight. If you have a basic
understanding of these four qualities, you will know enough to make
intelligent choices in the significant process of buying a diamond.
Cut describes the geometric relationship of a diamond's facets,
which in turn supplies its luster and brilliance.
Color in a diamond is indicated by a scale from D to Z that renders
a colorless (D) diamond to be more valuable
and desirable than one with a
higher indication of yellowish coloration.
Clarity is a calculation of the number and type of natural
blemishes found in a diamond.
Carat is a measure of a diamond's weight. It is not a description
of size.
Diamond Grading, or the summary of these qualities, determines a diamond's
price. Of the four, only Cut is subject to human intervention, and perhaps
is the most important, since, all other features being equal, the quality
of a diamond's cut can enhance or moderate a rough diamond's natural
potential.
Cut
If a diamond is poorly cut, no amount of good color and clarity can make
up for it. That's why a diamond's cut and proportions are pre-eminently
significant. It is what makes a rough stone sparkle and shine; what
transforms it into a dazzling gem.
A diamond's facets, or flat planes on the stone, as they have been cut and
polished will realize the amount of light that refracts through the
diamond. Therefore the better the cut, the finer the luminescence.
The following terms apply to parts of a faceted diamond, and will help in
describing an ideal cut versus ones that are either too deep or too
shallow. (Non-faceted stones are called cabochons.)
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Crown
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The top part of the diamond.
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Girdle
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The edge or border of the diamond.
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Pavilion
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The bottom part of the diamond, measured from the girdle to the bottom point.
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Culet
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The lowest point of the diamond. In certain stones, this may be partially open.
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Table
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The flat top of the diamond, and its largest facet. Also called the face.
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Table Spread
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The width of the table facet, often given as a percentage of the total width of the diamond.
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There are several ways that a diamond may appear to be improperly cut:
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If the table is centered but not symmetrical
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When the table is off-center and asymmetrical
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If
the crown is too shallow (extremely thin)
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When the crown is too heavy (extremely thick)
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If the pavilion is too shallow
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When the pavilion is too deep
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One Page
 (Diamond Shapes and Color)
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