Diamonds
From Mine to You - The Diamond Story in Brief
Now is a great time to familiarize yourself with everything that glitters, glows and shines its way into the legacy of your life and here is the place to do it!
There are many topics to explore from choosing your perfect diamond to the meanings associated with colors, and more.
Enjoy Bella True University where learning is a beautiful thing.
The Four C's
Fine diamonds are among the most coveted of all gems. Their value, however, differs widely from one diamond to another. Experts evaluate every diamond for rarity and beauty, using four primary guidelines. These are called The Four C's - Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight.
Cut
When you think of the cut of a diamond, you probably think that refers to its shape. You are partially correct. While cut does refer to shape, it also refers to the proportions of how the diamond is actually cut. These overall proportions include measurements of width and depth, as well as the size of its many reflective surfaces, or facets, which also play a large part in the quality of the cut and the grading of the diamond.
Depth: The height measurement from the culet to the table of a cut diamond.
Diameter: The width as measured from the girdle of a cut diamond.
Table:The largest facet of a cut diamond, located on the top and in the center.
Crown:The top portion from the girdle to the table of a cut diamond.
Girdle: The defined perimeter of the diamond, where the crown and pavilion meet.
Pavilion: The portion of a cut diamond that extends from the girdle to the culet.
Culet: The facet at the bottom tip of a cut diamond. In a superior cut, the culet is not visible to the naked eye.
It's All About Brilliance
The cut of a diamond is considered by many gemologists to be the most important characteristic of a diamond. This is because the cut of a diamond determines its brilliance. Picture a diamond of superior cut like a room full of mirrors reflecting light off of one another. This cut allows light to originate at an entry point and get "bounced" off of as many facets as possible until it is beamed out from an exit point, in a display of brilliance. Too shallow a cut can cause light to fall straight through the bottom of the diamond's pavilion, causing it to loose brilliance. In the same respect, a diamond that is cut too deep looses light from its sides, causing it to have a dull an dark appearance. This means that a diamond can have perfect color and clarity, but if its cut is inferior, its brilliance, quality and grading are adversely affected.
P.S. - Polish and Symmetry are Important Too
Other important aspects of the cutting process include polish and symmetry. The surface smoothness - or polish grade - of diamond's facets and the alignment - or symmetry - of those facets can greatly affect the appearance and quality of a cut diamond. A diamond with inferior polish displays dull sparkle and a blurred or brushed appearance. Poor symmetry misdirects light and inhibits a cut diamond's light performance.
Making The Grade
Quality of cut, polish and symmetry affect the overall grade of a cut diamond. Our diamonds are are either GIA or AGSL graded, to the highest industry standards, for cut, polish and symmetry. BellaTrue.com makes it a priority to carry diamonds of ideal (ID), excellent (EX), very good (VG), or good (G) polish and symmetry, and in the following cut grades:
- Ideal - an exquisite and rare cut that reflects nearly all light that enters the diamond
- Very Good - reflects almost as much light as the Ideal, but is priced lower
- Good - reflects most light and is the least expensive
BellaTrue.com does not carry diamonds with the following cut grades:
- Fair - considered a quality diamond, but lacks the brilliance of a good cut
- Poor - diamonds that are generally shallow and wide or deep and narrow that do not display a high quality of brilliance
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Color
Completely colorless diamonds are extremely rare. Most diamonds have a slight, natural tint of yellow, brown or gray, and - with the exception of some fancy colored diamonds - their value is based in part on their degree of color saturation. This is because color in a diamond acts as a filter to light and can reduce the brilliance of the fire produced by its facets.
When diamonds are formed with traces of other minerals, rare and beautiful colors can result. These "fancy" colors range from blue to brilliant yellow to red, brown, pale green, pink, and violet. Because of their rarity, colored diamonds are highly desirable and may be quite valuable. For this reason, Fancy Yellow diamonds have gained popularity as breathtakingly unique statements in engagement ring settings.
Another natural anomaly that can, at times, determine diamond color value is fluorescence. Though fluorescence can only be detected by using a specific type of UV light, it has the ability to give a near-colorless diamond a brighter and more white appearance. Too much florescence can make a diamond appear foggy, but a diamond with the right amount may be considered a better value in the end.
| D | Extremely rare, completely colorless |
| E | Rare, colorless with only minor hints of color |
| F | High quality, still considered colorless but with color more easily detected |
| G - H | Excellent value, near-colorless but with noticeable color in comparison to other stones of higher colorless grade |
| I - J | Still an excellent value and considered near-colorless, but with more noticeable color |
| K - M | Obvious color - not carried by BellaTrue.com |
| N - Y | Very obvious color - not carried by BellaTrue.com |
| Z | Fancy color such as Yellow, Blue, or Pink |
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Clarity
A diamond's clarity is measured by the existence, or absence, of visible flaws. Tiny surface blemishes or internal inclusions (natural imperfections) - even those seen only under magnification with a jeweler's loupe - can alter the brilliance of the diamond and, thus, affect its value. Transparency is another factor that figures into the clarity grade of a diamond. A diamond of quality should never have a milky or cloudy appearance.The most desired and expensive diamonds are absolutely clear, but diamonds that appear flawless to the naked eye can be just as stunning and for a better price.
Traditionally, the most popular diamonds tend to be those of VS1 - VS2 clarity or better and in the F - G color range, but again, allow us to reiterate that the diamond you choose should appear beautiful to you. If, after reviewing the following clarity charts you would like our assistance in selecting your diamond, please contact one of our jewelry consultants by calling 1-800-TRUE-YOU (1-800-878-3968), or clicking here to send us an email.
Clarity levels begin with Flawless (F & IF) and moves down to Very Very Slight (VVS1 & 2), Very Slight (VS1 & 2), Slightly Included (SL1 & 2), and Included (I1, 2 & 3).
| FL, IF Diamonds | Flawless: No internal or external flaws Internally Flawless: No internal flaws |
| VVS1, VVS2 Diamonds | Very, Very Slightly Included: Very difficult to see inclusions with 10x magnification |
| VS1, VS2 Diamonds | Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are not typically visible to the unaided eye |
| SI1, SI2 Diamonds | Slightly Included: Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification and may be visible with the unaided eye |
| I1, I2, I3 Diamonds | Included: Inclusions are visible with the unaided eye |
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Carat Weight
The size of a diamond is measured, not by its dimensions, but by weight. One carat, the traditional unit of measure for diamonds, is equal to approximately 0.2 grams. You may also hear the weight of a diamond referred to in points. A point is equal to 1/100 of a carat; therefore, a 75-point diamonds equals 0.75 carat. Diamonds of equal weight may appear slightly different in size, depending on their depth and proportions. Because they are quite rare, larger diamonds of gem quality are much more valuable.
For those searching to find the perfect carat weight size for an engagement ring, the general rule of thumb is to choose what looks best on each individual hand. However, current trends in the United States and Europe tend to lean toward a 1 carat minimum.
Carat Sizing Chart
(sizes are approximate)
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A Shapely Choice
Diamonds are cut into many different shapes, reflecting not only popular taste but the proportions and quality of the rough diamond. The most popular shapes include Round, Oval, Square, Princess, Emerald, Baguette, and Marquise cuts, but specialty shapes are also available.
Round | Emerald | Princess | Radiant | Oval | Heart | Pear | Marquise | Asscher | Cushion
Round
First introduced in the 19th century, the round cut is still the most desired of all shapes. It stands as a symbol of life, mystery and power with perfectly balanced facets displaying the brilliance of a diamond at its full potential. This shape makes it easier to balance cut, color and clarity without sacrificing brilliance and fire. If you desire a round cut, allow us to suggest selecting one of ideal or very good cut grades and of ideal, excellent or very good polish and symmetry grades.
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Emerald
Prized for its regal appearance and quiet elegance, the emerald cut showcases a diamond's clarity. The rectangular facets on the pavilion give the emerald cut a unique optical flair. This shape is ideal for those who desire a glamorous look with bold, crisp lines. If the emerald cut is for you, we invite you to consider one of VS1 clarity or better.
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Princess
An engagement ring favorite, the princess cut is second only to the round in popularity. It projects youthful effervescence and dazzling brilliance packaged in a trend-setting shape of modern style. For those who favor the princess cut, we suggest choosing a stone that is slightly higher on the color scale - of G or better - to avoid color variation at the corners.
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Radiant
A brilliant marriage of details from the emerald and round cuts, the radiant cut is a versatile and very popular choice for jewelry, yet can be rare to find in engagement ring settings. 70 facets on its pavilion give the radiant it's extra special and unique sparkle that has the power to take your breath away. Radiant cuts really shine when accompanied by side settings of straight baguettes, and if they are of G or better on the color scale.
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Oval
with a brilliance that is similar to the classic round, the oval cut complements smaller hands with shorter fingers by creating the illusion of length. A very popular size for solitaires, the oval is also a wonderful center for a multi-stone ring. The oval stands as a shape of symmetrical perfection and broadcasts an air of innovation and creativity.
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Heart
Often referred to as the ultimate symbol of love, the heart cut delights the senses with romantic sentiment. More of a novelty shape favored in cocktail rings, the heart makes an occasional appearance as a solitaire, yet more commonly lives in the side-settings of engagement rings. If the heart has stolen yours, then allow us to recommend a stone of G or better color, to avoid the appearance of color variance along the edges.
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Pear
Take the best attributes of the marquise and the oval and you will discover the pear cut. This shimmering "teardrop" is another wonderful style to bring length and a slimness to fingers. Though most popular in pendants and earrings, the pear makes a unique and brilliant engagement solitaire. This is another shape we recommend to maximize carat appearance, while broadcasting dazzling elegance.
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Marquise
Clever and majestic, the marquise cut lays claim to a saucy origin during the 18th century. It is reputed to have been inspired by the smile of Marquise de Pompadour, mistress to Louis XIV. The marquise gives the illusion that a diamond is of larger carat weight, and flatters the finger with an appearance of length and slimness. We recommend the marquise to those who appreciate dramatic elegance.
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Asscher
A creative gift from the Asscher brothers of Holland in 1902, this cut gained popularity during the Art Deco period of the 1920s - 1930s, and is growing in popularity once again. Considered the square cousin of the emerald cut, it too has glorious rectangular facets on its pavilion. The Asscher's vintage style is best showcased on diamonds of VS1 clarity or better and of a color grade of G or better.
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Cushion
Also referred to as the "pillow" cut, the cushion is considered to be the most romantic of all the cuts. Larger facets display greater brilliance, while rounded corners enhance the overall femininity of the cut. The cushion varies in shape from square to rectangular and is generally the best cut for larger carat diamonds. If the cushion is your cut of choice, allow us to suggest a diamond of VS1 clarity or better.
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Fancy Yellow Diamonds
When significant levels of nitrogen are present as a diamond forms, it becomes colored by yellow hues that range from pale champagne and very pale eggshell to amber and very bright canary. What qualifies this type of diamond as "fancy" is the intensity of color saturation present in the diamond, in addition to the even distribution of that color. These traits, more than anything, determine its value. Clarity and cut matter less when selecting this type of diamond because the diamond's color hides imperfections and inclusions that could detract from its value. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the variety of fancy yellow diamonds we have available for you.
Color
Evaluation of the color in fancy colored diamonds is determined by a combination of tone and saturation, and the basic color category for fancy colored diamonds is determined by the hue. Though vibrant yellow diamonds had long been characterized as "canaries", it was as recent as the 1990s that GIA first published its fancy color system to further classify and value these rare colorations. In contrast to grading in colorless diamonds, fancy colored diamonds populate the color scale well past "Z". For example, fancy yellow diamonds are graded by increasing color intensity and under the following grades:
- Fancy Light Yellow
- Fancy Yellow
- Fancy Intense Yellow
- Fancy Vivid Yellow
Carat Weight
Carat weight is the second factor, behind color grade, that determines the value of a fancy colored diamond. This is due in large part to the lack of large gems discovered during the mining process. This rarity of occurrence is the reason that the carat weight of a fancy colored diamond often determines price. Discover more information on carat weight to further explore your options.
Diamond Clarity
While clarity is a high point of valuation in colorless diamonds, it has very little bearing on the value of fancy colored diamonds. This is because the saturation of color in fancy colored diamonds has a tendency to mask inclusions, and in some cases, fancy colored diamonds lack inclusions all together.
Diamond Cut
Colorless diamonds are cut to amplify brilliance, while fancy colored diamonds are cut to amplify the intensity of their color. This is also the reason that the cuts used on fancy colored diamonds take color into consideration over brilliance and may result in non-traditional shapes.
Diamond Shape
Since fancy colored diamonds are rare and usually cut into non-traditional shapes to enhance their color, it may be hard to find a fancy colored diamond in the shape you desire. Let us help you find the shape that you are looking for, contact one of our jewelry consultants by calling 1-800-TRUE-YOU (1-800-878-3968), or clicking here to send us an email.
Diamond Certification
One of the most important steps you can take in selecting a diamond is to the review its certificate, which is also referred to as a grading report. This certificate/report will give you comprehensive information on the diamond's Four C's, which will assist you in your decision process.
Certifications We Use
To ensure you are completely comfortable with the diamond you choose, we invite you to review our available certifications. You may view each one by selecting the corresponding link below.
GIA
The GIA's grading system serves as benchmark credentials of the international gem and jewelry industry. They set the standard for diamond grading and gemological identification. The following information is included in the GIA certifications we provide:
- Diamond Characteristics
- Shape and Cutting Style
- Measurement
- Carat Weight
- Clarity & Color Grades
- Cut Grade
- Finish
- Polish
- Symmetry
- Comments
- Clarity Plot
- Proportion Diagram
Proportion diagrams may include the following information:
- Depth
- Table
- Girdle
- Culet
AGS
The American Gem Society Laboratories is the only diamond grading laboratory backed by the jewelry industry's premier consumer protection agency, the American Gem Society, and the first prominent diamond grading laboratory to offer diamond grading reports with a Diamond Cut Grade for not only round brilliant cut diamonds, but princess cut and emerald cut diamonds as well.
AGS Laboratories is the preeminent authority in diamond grading, including diamond cut, providing grading reports for diamonds of all sizes using a succinct 0 to 10 grading scale. AGS Laboratories possesses the only objective and scientifically vetted method of evaluating a diamond's cut.
Known industry-wide as the laboratory with the highest standards of evaluating diamond quality, the American Gem Society Laboratories employs leading-edge research and technology on diamond grading, diamond cut grade research and the light performance of a diamond, all to benefit you in your diamond purchase.
The Diamond Quality? Document (DQD) provides a complete grading analysis of Color, Clarity, Carat Weight, and most importantly, Cut. Included in the Cut Grade is information about proportions, as well as, polish and symmetry. AGS nomenclature (classification) is used for Cut, Color, and Clarity.
The following information is contained in the DQD:
- Shape & Style
- Measurement
- Cut Grade
- Color & Clarity Grades
- Carat Grade
- Diamond Profile
- Plot
- Important Notices
Diamond Care
How often should I clean my ring?
Though there may be times when your ring needs an emergency cleaning, if worn every day, once a week is recommended. If not worn regularly, then it should only need to be cleaned once a month. The better care you take of your ring - removing your ring when you apply hand lotion, wash the dishes or do any messy work with your hands - the easier it will be to maintain the radiance of the stone and the integrity of the setting.
What is the best way to clean my ring?
The simplest way to clean your ring is to soak it in a mild detergent for approximately 10 minutes and then gently clean around the setting with an extra soft-bristle brush. Finally, rinse your ring in warm water and blot dry with a soft cloth. Other options include ammonia-based jewelry cleaners and sonic jewelry cleaners, both of which are available for home use, and should be used according to directions. We also recommend having your ring professionally cleaned and checked at least once a year.
