How to Compare Diamonds

The Jewelry Factory understands that this is one of the most important committments in your life and we're here to provide you with the best information, selection and value possible. The most important aspect of any diamond engagement ring is the message that it conveys to a woman's heart. No matter the budget, the message will always be the same. It is an extraordinary gift of love.

However, in order to determine the diamond attributes which fall within your budget range, it is important to have a clear understanding of the 4 c's (Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat Weight). These are the four attributes used to help you compare diamonds and establish your price parameters. This article is one of several that we have on our website for your personal education, go to the NEWS section at http://www.jewelryfactory.com for more diamond facts.

How to compare diamond Color :

On the GIA (world wide industry standard developed by the Gemological Institute of America) grading scale below, diamonds are categorized based upon the presence or absence of color . Diamonds graded D-F fall within the colorless range. These diamonds are considered the finest, most rare and therefore the most expensive. Diamonds graded G-I fall within the near-colorless range. This indicates that these diamonds appear white in color. Diamonds graded J begin to show a tinge of color which increases in grades K-M and even more so in grades N-Z. The presence of color however will not affect the brightness or sparkle of a diamond. .

Color range

How to compare diamond Clarity:

On the GIA grading scale below, diamonds are categorized based upon the presence of "eye visible" inclusions. These inclusions are naturally ocurring and do not generally detract from the overall beauty of a diamond because it may require magnification to see them. In other words these inclusions may not be visible to the unaided eye (in the industry, we call that 'eye clean'). However, diamond grades I1, I2 and I3 can be expected to have "eye visible" inclusions. The fewer and less visible the inclusions, the higher the value of the diamond.

Diamonds clarity range

How to compare diamond Cut, Symmetry and Polish:

A diamond's Cut is what gives it its beauty and brilliance. It is considered to be the most important attribute. As illustrated in the photo below, an excellent cut diamond reflects a brilliant light internally streaming out and then returning back through the top of the stone to the viewer's eye. A diamond which is poorly cut will not return back to the viewer's eye but instead will leak out the bottom and sides as illustrated in the photo below.



Excellent Cut

                                                       Light enters and leaks
                                                    out of the bottom

Light enters and returns
to the viewer's eye



Symmetry also plays an important role in a diamond's beauty and brilliance. When the facets of a diamond are lined up accurately, more light is returned to the viewer's eye. A well Polished diamond will also reflect more light and brilliance to the eye of the beholder. Your Diamond Certificate will include the Symmetry and Polish ratings of Poor to Excellent.

Although nature will determine the raw qualities of a diamond, a master cutter will bring out the stone's ultimate brilliance and beauty. This extraordinary journey from a natural phenomenon to a skillfully crafted diamond then becomes an extraordinary gift of love and a promise of life's own journey together.

How to compare diamond Carat Weight:

Hand shot w/ ring
Click on the buttons below
to view the relative size of different diamonds in a solitaire engagement ring.
  • 2 carat total weight
  • 1 1/2 carat total weight
  • 1 carat total weight
  • 3/4 carat total weight
  • 1/2 carat total weight
  • 1/3 carat total weight
  • 1/4 carat total weight