The Cut of a Diamond Clarity, Color and Carat Weight

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		View Gem Chart IDEAL CUT The Ideal Cut Diamond describes a round, brilliant diamond that has been cut to exact and mathematically proven proportions. When a diamond is cut to these exacting proportions, the light entering the diamond is returned to the eye in an explosion of brilliance and a rainbow of colors. PREMIUM CUT Diamonds in the Premium grades demonstrate subtle variations from the Ideal Cut. Although small dimensional differences slightly effect a diamond's reflection of light, they still achieve a harmonious balance between the proportions and the display of brilliance. FAIR (COMMERCIAL) In these grades diamonds may be cut too shallow or too deep to maximize weight retention while significantly reducing their brilliance. In a diamond that is cut too deep, much of the light is reflected to opposite facets at the wrong angle and is lost through the side. The diamond may appear black in the center. POOR Diamonds in these grades are cut either very shallow or very deep to retain maximum weight, have poor polish, symmetry, and have dramatically reduced brilliance. In a diamond cut too shallow, light leaks through the bottom and the eye may see a dull reflection in the diamond. CLARITY VVS1-VVS2...Minute - extremely difficult to find under 10x (VVS - very, very slight inclusions) VS1-VS2...Minor - difficult to find under 10x (VS - very slight inclusions) SI1-SI2...Inclusions are relatively easy to find under 10x. Although they usually remain invisible to the unaided eye when the diamond is viewed face up, some larger diamonds may have minor inclusions visible to the unaided eye. IMPERFECT (3 levels)... 1. One or more inclusions, or their effect, can be seen by the unaided eye. 2. Inclusions are so obvious and large that they affect both the brilliance and beauty of the diamond. 3. Shattered appearance or vivid disfiguring and dangerous inclusions and surface marks. May affect the durability of the diamond.