COLOR:  
     Color or the lack of color is probably the easiest characteristic for the novice to detect. Color grading as we describe it is based on the standards set by G.I.A. (The Gemological Institute of America). G.I.A. is recognized worldwide as a leader and its guidelines are considered the standard for diamond grading. The scale for color is alphabetical, beginning with D for colorless and ending in Z.

G.I.A. Color Grading Scale:

                               D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

The closer to D, obviously, the more valuable the diamond. A diamond in the near colorless range, when mounted, will give results similar to those in the colorless range.

CUT:  
      The cut of a diamond is the only one of the four Cs to be determined by man rather than nature. The cut is often mistakenly referred to as the shape of the diamond, but cut and shape are in reality two different terms, though part of the same process. When a jeweler refers to the cut of a diamond, he or she is not simply talking about the geometrical shape of the stone. When a diamond is cut to Ideal proportions, for example, it will exhibit the maximum brilliance (reflection of light) and scintillation (sparkle during movement). An Ideal Cut round diamond is cut to specific mathematically proven proportions and has 58 precisely placed facets which allow light entering the diamond from any direction to reflect back through the top of the diamond, displaying a dazzling show of light and rainbow flashes of color. The standard for cut grading is based upon proportions set forth by Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919. These proportions allow a diamond's brilliance to meet the strictest requirements in the world. Less than one percent of all diamonds cut fall into  Ideal proportions. Such diamonds are very rare and display the most beautiful show of brilliance and fire. To deviate slightly from Ideal proportions may also achieve beauty and fire. A Premium cut diamond can fall into close-to-Ideal proportions and still give the viewer a beautiful show.

IDEAL CUT:

    Light entering the diamond reflects internally from facet to facet and is reflected back through the top creating maximum brilliance.

            Outside of this range fall diamonds that have not been cut to maximum brilliance but possibly maximum size. For example, when a diamond is cut too deeply, light passes out through the bottom of the diamond, and brilliance is lost, causing the center of the diamond to appear dark. If a diamond is cut too shallowly, making it look larger than it weighs, light will pass through the bottom of the diamond. As a result, brilliance is lost; the diamond will display a ring or circle in the middle, and may look glossy and dark.



TOO DEEP:

    When a diamond is cut too deep, light* leaks out of the bottom, brilliance is lost and the center of the diamond will appear to be dark.

TOO SHALLOW:

    When a diamond is cut too shallow, light* leaks out of the bottom, brilliance is lost and the diamond appears watery, glassy and dark.

            At Stevens Jewelers, we recommend that you decide which diamond is best for you. You may find that color, clarity, or carat weight are factors on which you are willing to compromise; however, we feel that our customers should never settle when it comes to the cut of a diamond. Cut is too important to sacrifice, and a smaller Ideal Cut diamond with lower-grade color and clarity will look more beautiful than a larger, non-Ideal cut diamond with fine color and clarity. See for yourself and stop in at any time to view the brilliance and splendor of Tolkowsky Ideal cut diamonds. A fine diamond purchase is a difficult decision, and many factors determine price. A rare diamond, such as a one-carat Ideal Cut rated Flawless and with D (colorless) rating commands very high prices, but there is a happy medium for those who wish to adhere to a particular budget. By taking the information we've provided and using it wisely, you can acquire a diamond of beauty for a price you can live with. If you have any questions about our diamonds or services, please feel free to e-mail or call us. We will be happy to assist you in any way possible.

CARAT WEIGHT:
   Carat weight refers to the actual weight of a diamond. The weight is determined by weighing the diamond on a special scale. A carat (which should not be confused with the term "karat" used for gold) has been used since ancient times for comparing gems to the weight of the seed of a carob tree. Nowadays, the method used to weigh gems is more precise. One carat equals 1/20th of a gram*. Carat weight is the least important of the four Cs in determining a diamond's beauty; therefore, the weight of the diamond should be only a matter of personal desire.

*A carat is further divided into smaller units called points. There are 100 points in a one-carat diamond. For example, 25 points = ¼ carat or .25 carats; 50 points = ½ carat or .50 carats, etc. Diamonds rarely fall into even weight categories. For instance, you may find a "half carat" diamond that weighs .53 carats or 53 points.

CLARITY:   
    Clarity refers to the presence or lack of presence of naturally occurring internal characteristics of a diamond, called inclusions. Most diamonds exhibit these characteristics, but the size, location and amount of the inclusions determine the value of the diamond. The G.I.A. standards again are applied to clarity grading. The terms range from flawless to imperfect and 1's are slightly better than 2's and 3's but differences vary slightly.

G.I.A. Clarity Grading Scale:

(no inclusions visible by an expert under 10x magnification)

IF:        Internally flawless

(no inclusions visible possible surface blemishes)

VVS1, VVS2:  Very very slight inclusions

(minute inclusions extremely difficult to see under 10x)

VS1, VS2:        Very slight inclusions

(minor inclusions difficult to see under 10x)

SI1, SI2, SI3:   Slight Inclusions

(noticeable inclusions somewhat easy to see under 10x)

I1, I2, I3:          Imperfect

(obvious inclusions under 10x maybe visible to the naked eye)

When grading clarity, diamonds are examined under 10X magnification, because inclusions are rarely visible to the naked eye unless in the imperfect range. We  find that excellent results may be achieved with diamonds that have a clarity grade from the V.S. (very slightly included) to the S.I. (slightly included) range.