Many people have heard that diamonds are graded on a color scale and are classified by clarity, but most don’t know what exactly that means or what’s considered high or low quality for either category. Not having the proper information can cause you to make a bad purchasing decision. In a situation like this, you always want to go to the experts so you could avoid the dreaded buyer’s remorse. If you’re in the Orlando area, you have Orlando Jewelers, the diamond jeweler. However, if you’re not in the area, you can always search “jewelers near me” to locate a reputable jewelry store that can answer any of the questions you have about color and clarity.
How The Diamond Jeweler Ranks Jewelry
Like most items that get ranked diamonds get put on a scale for both color and clarity.
- Diamond Color
This term actually refers to the diamond’s lack of color. In order to receive an high rating, the diamond needs to be colorless. A diamond that is chemically and structurally pure and perfect has no hue. Many people reference it to being like a drop of water. When this happens, the diamond becomes higher in value regardless of the size. Many jewelers rank diamonds on a color-grading scale from D to Z measuring the degree of colorness. Each diamond is examined under controlled lighting to ensure precise viewing conditions to establish color value. To an untrained eye, many of the color differences are invisible because they are so subtle. However, theses distinctions could make a great difference in the diamond’s quality and price.
- D-F is considered colorless
- G-J is near colorless
- K-M is faint
- N-R is very light
- S-Z is light
Now there are diamonds that are considered “fancy-color diamonds” however diamonds ranked as having color in them on the scale do not fall into that category because they are still within the normal color range of diamonds. To be considered “fancy colored” the diamonds need to have more color than a Z graded diamond and exhibit a color other than brown or yellow.
- Diamond Clarity
Clarity refers to the absence of inclusions and blemishes in a diamond. Natural diamonds are formed because carbon has been exposed to high heat and pressure deep inside the earth. Due to this process taking place in the ground the result could include a variety of internal characteristics called inclusions and external ones called blemishes. For an expert to evaluate and determine the clarity of a stone, they need to figure out the number, size, relief, nature, and position of the internal and external characteristics. Also, how they affect the overall appearance of the diamond needs to be considered. No diamond is “perfectly pure” or free from any inclusions or blemishes, but the closer it comes to perfection the higher its value is.
- Flawless (FL) no inclusions/blemishes visible under 10x magnification
- Internally Flawless (IF) no inclusions under 10x magnification
- Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS) inclusions are so small they’re hard to see
- Very Slightly Included (VS) Inclusions are barely seen under 10x magnification
- Slightly Included (SI) Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification
- Included (I) Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification
Being able to determine and understand these things on your own is nearly impossible, which is why it’s best to go to the experts. Any jeweler should be able to help you with any of these qualities just search “jewelers near me.”
Contact Us
Orlando Jewelers is the diamond jeweler in the Orlando area. We specialize in helping our customers find the highest quality stone available. There is no need to search for jewelers near me feel free to come in anytime to ask us questions. Call or visit us today!
