The size of a diamond is proportional to its carat weight. When rough diamonds are cut and polished into finished diamonds, up to 2/3 of the total carat weight may be lost. Since larger rough gems of high quality are found less frequently than smaller rough gems of high quality, a single two carat diamond will be more expensive than two one-carat diamonds of the same quality.

A diamond’s color is an important element of its quality. In a white diamond, the less body color present, the greater the value of the diamond. The GIA grades diamonds on a scale of D (colorless) to Z (noticeable color).

The predominant color you see in a diamond is yellow, which is caused by the trace element nitrogen.

Clarity refers to the presence of imperfections, flaws and blemishes inside or on the surface of a diamond.

The GIA grades diamond clarity under 10X magnification on a scale that ranges from Flawless (FL) to I2-3 (Included). Diamonds with the least amount of flaws having the highest clarity grading.

A diamond’s clarity has a significant impact on its value.

The cut of a diamond influences how effectively it reflects light. Well-cut diamonds appear fiery and brilliant and allow light to enter the stone and be reflected around the facets before exiting the stone through the top. Poorly-cut diamonds can appear lifeless and dark, despite their clarity or color grade.

Not only do well-cut diamonds appear more brilliant, they also tend to appear larger than other diamonds of the same carat weight.