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Blemish |
Imperfections found on the surface of a Diamond. |
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Brilliance |
describes how well a diamond reflects white light. |
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Carat |
is a unit of weight measurement used for weighing diamonds. One carat equals 0.2 grams or 200 milligrams. 142 carats equals one (1) avoirdupois ounce. |
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Clarity |
measures the degree of visibility of surface blemishes or internal inclusions of a diamond. |
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Cloud |
Minor inclusion appearing milky rather than dark or ash like, only minimally detracting from the stone's appearance. |
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Color |
measures the tint or internal color of a diamond, ranging from colorless to light brown or yellow. |
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Crown |
refers to the upper domed surface above the girdle of a cut diamond. The angle of the crown between the girdle and the table is considered acceptable at between 30.0-37.0 degrees. Crown height is considered acceptable when between 11.0-16.2% of the girdle's diameter. |
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CT or CTS |
Stands for total carat weight of singular stone. |
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CTW |
Indicates the total diamond carat weight of the jewelry item. |
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Culet |
is the end point of the pavilion, finer being considered better, however a sharp point is susceptible to chipping. |
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Cut |
refers the shape (round, square, emerald, pear, oval, marquis, etc.) and proportions of a cut diamond. |
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Depth |
is the vertical height of the diamond from the table to the cutlet. Considered acceptable when between 57.0 to 65.0% of the girdle's diameter. |
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Eye Clean |
Diamond appears to be free of surface blemishes and inclusions to the naked eye. Diamonds graded SI-2 or better will appear to be eye clean. |
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Facets |
are the small polished plane surfaces of a cut gem stone. A brilliant (round), full-cut diamond has 56 facets, while stones under 3 points can have as few as 16 (single cut). |
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Finish |
Refers to the quality of the diamond's polish and symmetry. |
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Fire |
Describes the intensity and diversity of the light spectrum (rainbow colors) emanating from a diamond. |
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Fluorescence |
Refers to the emission of photoluminescence by a diamond detectable under a black light. Blue fluorescence can enhance a diamonds color, but other colors are considered less desirable. |
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Girdle |
refers to the edge where the crown and pavilion of a cut diamond meet, marking the maximum diameter or width of the diamond. A girdle width of between 2.0-4.0% of the girdle's diameter is considered acceptable. Too sharp or thin a girdle increases the likelihood of chipping. |
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Girdle Diameter |
is the diameter of the diamond at the point where the crown and pavilion meet. Other dimension characteristics of a cut diamond are expressed as a percentage (%) of the girdle diameter. |
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Included |
refers to the internal defects of a diamond, appearing as ash like flakes, cracks, clouds, or other imperfections. |
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Make |
Describes the diamond's cut and proportions. |
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Pavilion |
is the tapered underhalf or base of a cut diamond below the girdle. The angle of the pavilion from the girdle to the cutlet is considered acceptable when between 39.7-41.7 degrees. Pavilion depth is considered acceptable when between 41.5-45.5% of the girdle's diameter. |
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Point |
is a unit of weight equal to 1/100 of a carat, 100 points equaling one carat, and written as 1.00 carat. |
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Polish |
Describes the luster of a diamond's exterior finish. |
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Symmetry |
Describes if the diamond is true to its desired shape and is in balanced proportions. |
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Table |
is the flat top surface of a cut diamond. Table diameter is considered acceptable when between 51.4-66.0% of the girdle's diameter. |
