Diamond Scale Helps Determine Value

To determine how valuable a diamond is a diamond scale is typically used, based on the four characteristics of this precious gem. Clarity, color, cut and carat weight make up what jewelers refer to as the four "C's" with the clarity, color and cut having their own diamond scale. The scales are laid out from left to right and the more a diamond is graded to the left hand side of the scale, the more valuable it is.

Carat

While there is no diamond scale for this characteristic, the carat referred to as the "weight" of the gem and is also used with other stones as well. Each diamond carat is divided into 100 points so a diamond deemed ½ carat in weight would also be listed as 50 points or 0.50ct. Obviously, the larger the carat of the diamond, the larger the size will be although this does not drive the price alone.

Color

Color is one of the most important considerations in terms of how a diamond should be valued and the diamond scale for it is based on the alphabet. The grading starts at the letter "D" and continues through to the letter "Z" and any diamonds beyond "Z" are considered exotic or colored and therefore are graded on a different type of diamond scale.

Diamonds graded D,E, or F are near colorless and therefore the most valuable of all diamonds but that does not mean that diamonds rated higher in the alphabet are any less striking. A near colorless distinction is rated D through J while faint yellow is K through M and pale light yellow is graded N through R. On the color diamond scale of S through Z, the stone is a clear light yellow, just a bit darker than the K through M grades.

Clarity

Clarity of a diamond refers to the characteristics of the stone, some being visible to the naked eye while others require the use of a loupe to see. The word "inclusion" is the name of the term that refers to any crystallized formations, cracks, cloudy areas or other "faults" that might be found within the stone.

There are five basic levels of clarity on the diamond scale for this characteristic and they range from flawless and internally flawless all the way to three sublevels of imperfect. The flawless and internally flawless diamonds have no imperfections whatsoever and are among the rarest of gems. The next level on the diamond scale is the very, very slightly imperfect diamonds which reveal very few inclusions when inspected with a magnified loupe.

Most diamonds on the regular retail market are categorized by the clarity diamond scale as very slightly imperfect to just slightly imperfect. It is important to note that any flaws or inclusions can affect the brilliance of the stone and therefore the flawless and internally flawless diamonds are the most revered.

Cut

While there is a diamond scale for the cut of a diamond, it is not referred to as often as the ones for color and clarity. A good cut diamond is one that provides that flash and brilliance that you look for in a quality stone. If your diamond does not have those qualities, chances are the stone is on the right end of the cut diamond scale spectrum.

If you are serious about your diamonds, refer to the different diamond scales when making a purchase for a special someone or even as an investment. Of course, the better the rating is for your diamond on each diamond scale, the higher the price you will pay.