Carat

The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 parts called points.
(1 ct. = 1.00 1/2 ct. = 0.50) The value of two diamonds of the same weight can vary greatly depending on the color, clarity and especially the cut. Below are two identical pieces of rough, (uncut diamonds) each of the same quality and value.

The top example shows how from one piece of rough a diamond can be cut to ideal proportions, retaining a weight of 1 carat. Note how the light will be reflected totally through the top.

The bottom example shows how the diamond being cut is being "spread" in its cutting, resulting in a diamond weighing approximately 1.40 ct. Note: the girdle is thicker, the table is much larger, the angles are exaggerated, all at the expense of the diamond's ability to reflect light.

The value of a diamond can vary as much as 40% in the cutting alone.

Clarity

Practically all diamonds contain naturally occurring internal characteristics called inclusions. The size, nature, location and amount of inclusions determine a diamond's clarity grade and affect its cost.

One unique advantage of the ideal cut is that its sparkle can mask otherwise noticeable inclusions.

Color

Most diamonds while appearing colorless, actually have slight tones of yellow or brown. As these tones become more easily apparent, the rarity and the cost decrease. Ideal cutting dramatizes the rare splendor of the diamond because it produces such dazzling brilliance.

Diamond color is graded on a scale ranging from D - Z or
0-10 The lower ranges are superior and start at colorless.
The diamonds above are rated left to right: D - G - I - L - Z

Cut

	The ideal cut diamond describes a round brilliant diamond that has been cut to exact and mathematically proven proportions. Its symmetry, with 58 exactly placed facets, produces the ultimate in luster and beauty. When a round brilliant diamond has been cut to "Ideal" proportions by a master cutter, it is a splendor to behold.

	Proportions of the Ideal Cut Light entering the diamond reflects internally from facet to facet and is reflected back through the top ONLY, creating maximum brilliance. When a diamond is cut to ideal proportions, all of the light entering from any direction is totally reflected through the top and dispersed into a display of sparkling flashes and rainbow colors.

	Too Deep When a diamond is cut too deep, light leaks out of the bottom, brilliance is lost and the center of the diamond will appear to be dark.

	Too Shallow When a diamond is cut too shallow, light leaks out of the bottom, brilliance is lost and the diamond appears watery, glassy and dark.