Basic terminology

Let’s start out with some really simple definitions. We can explore each in more detail later on, but it’s always nice to have a common foundation.

Cut makes a diamond shine. The best cut diamonds are cut for maximum beauty – not for excess weight. They must have the best proportions and finish to maximize the play of light. Their color looks better, their clarity looks better, and they often look larger for their “size”, because the best cut diamonds shine from edge-to-edge with brilliance and fire. And, on top of all that, they sparkle like crazy.

Color is the shade of the diamond itself. This is distinct from the spectral components of light that should radiate from any well cut gem diamond.

Clarity is how clean it is. Most diamonds have natural identifying marks. On very rare occasion they have no inclusions. The value of diamonds is significantly higher for those with nothing visible to the naked eye.

Carat is a weight – not a size! One carat is equal to 1/5th of a gram. One point is 1/100th of a carat. Carats are expressed like money - 1.50 ct. is one carat fifty points or 1 ½ carats. Size is the measurement of the diamond’s diameter in millimeters (mm). Many one carat diamonds measures less than 6.0 mm in diameter. The best cut rounds measure much wider at 6.50+ mm in size.