Diamond Guide

The Diamonds of Davis

Is an engagement or diamond upgrade on the horizon? Purchasing a stone for the love of your life is a special experience. You’ll learn quickly that many details go into finding the perfect diamond, setting and wedding bands. At Davis Jewelers, we want you to feel comfortable and confident while shopping for engagement rings. So, we’ve created a simple guide that outlines every important factor. Plus, if you have any questions, our team is always here for you.

Diamond Education: The 4 C’s

The value of a diamond is based on four grading qualities set by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). These attributes, known as the 4 C’s, are recognized all around the world. Together, a gemstone’s cut, color, clarity and carat will not only determine the cost, but also pinpoint which diamond is best for you. Learn about the various characteristics that go into each of these four key attributes.

CARAT
COLOR
CLARITY
CUT

CARAT

Diamonds are weighed in metric carats and each carat is equal to 100 points. A .75 carat diamond is the same as a 75-point diamond or a three-quarter carat diamond. It's not just a diamond's carat weight or size that makes it valuable, but a combination of the four c's.

COLOR

Diamonds are actually valued by their lack of color. This means that the less color a diamond has, the higher the value. They are graded on a range from D to Z, with D being colorless and Z being a yellowish color. Letters D to F are considered colorless, G to J are considered near-colorless, K to M are faint yellow, N to R are very light yellow and S to Z are light yellow.

CLARITY

Diamonds are formed deep beneath the surface of the Earth under extreme heat and pressure. Because of this, it’s perfectly normal for a diamond to have internal and external imperfections, known as blemishes and inclusions. Blemishes are found on the outside of the diamond, while inclusions are on the inside. Both affect clarity because they can interfere with the way light passes through the diamond. When there are many imperfections, the stone may appear murky. It’s extremely rare to find a flawless diamond that lacks these inclusions, but they are not always visible to the naked eye and can sometimes only be seen through 10x magnification. The grading scale for clarity ranges from flawless (F) to very very slightly included (VVS), very slightly included (VS), slightly included (SI) to included (I).

CUT

The cut of a diamond is often mistaken for the shape of the stone. However, it actually takes into account the diamond’s proportion, symmetry and polish, giving a diamond its sparkle. The GIA grades cut by Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor. An Excellent graded stone will shine brilliantly without any dark spots.

Diamond Shapes

One of a diamond’s most identifiable features is its shape, making it a great starting point for your search. Each diamond shape has its own unique benefits and attributes. While round diamonds are more traditional, some couples are drawn to fancy-shapes. These include cushion, oval, pear, emerald, radiant, marquise, princess and asscher diamonds. The key is finding which silhouette reflects your individual style.

Assorted diamond cuts

Diamonds have been highly valued for centuries due to their rarity, beauty, and durability. The earliest recorded history of diamonds dates back to India in the 4th century BC, where they were used as a tool to engrave and polish other gems. It wasn't until the 15th century that diamonds began to be used in jewelry, and by the 18th century, they had become a symbol of wealth and status among the European elite. Today, diamonds are still highly sought after and continue to represent wealth and luxury. The symbol of a diamond is often associated with love, commitment, and durability due to its strength and rarity.

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