Diamond Grades

Diamond Grading Reports

Most consumers have only a rudimentary knowledge of a diamond’s characteristics, particularly the 4 Cs: clarity, cut, color, and carat. Getting a diamond grade provides assurance and authenticity of diamonds from an expert evaluation. A diamond grading report will commonly include a plotted diagram of the Anatomy of a Diamond and all significant characteristics, including the 4 Cs, shape, exact measurements, proportions and depth percentages as well as grade, polish and symmetry. It should also comment on the characteristics like fluorescence (how the stone reflects different types of light), graining, and any imperfections in the diamond. The American Gemological Society (AGS), International Gemological Institute (IGI), and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) are a few reputable organizations that provide such grading reports.

Diamond grading reports are essential paperwork for higher-quality stones. If you plan to have your engagement ring appraised or insured, the report will help you plan adequate protection in case of theft, loss, or damage.

Warnings for Fake Diamonds

Imagine the irresistible greed and temptation any unscrupulous jeweler would have if he could pass off a piece of cut glass or a cubic zirconia as real a diamond. Unfortunately, they succeed when unsuspecting buyers are uneducated about their purchase.

Simple tests can identify a fake diamond. Because light is internally reflected within a properly cut stone, you cannot see the bottom of a diamond looking directly from the top. Another aspect of a diamond’s sparkle is that you should see few, if any, rainbow reflections – the light is so completely reflected that the sparkle will appear in shades of gray. Rainbow reflections indicate an extremely low-quality or imposter stone.

Another simple test can identify a cubic zirconia. If a cubic zirconia were viewed in front of something black, lot of black spots would be visible whereas in case of real diamonds, you would not see any black spots at all as light is well scattered inside it. If it were glass, you would see lot of air bubbles at 10x magnification (standard settings for a jeweler’s loupe).

You must note, however, that any visual inspection is subject to error, especially for naturally low-quality stones. The best course of action is to seek an independent expert inspection or appraisal if you have any suspicion about diamond grades.

De Beers Diamonds

In the diamond industry, De Beers is the brand leader with 45% of the total annual diamond production. With aggressive advertising that captivates millions, De Beers has become a household name. The result: even the most informed people carry a misleading impression that ‘Diamond jewelry of De Beers’ is the best in the market. However, the company is only in diamond exploration, mining, and related businesses. Through their marketing wing, Diamond Trading Company (DTC), De Beers markets two-thirds of the world’s supply - all rough diamonds. In other words, De Beers does not make jewelry at all – rather, they supply stones to jewelers throughout the world, and their stones are of many different grades.

Every diamond is unique, with different characteristics that ultimately determine its overall quality or grade. By carefully examining a stone and seeking expert appraisals of its worth, you can be assured of purchasing an exquisite piece equal to the love you share with the one you hope will wear it.