The clarity of a diamond is determined by visual examination,
based upon the size and number of its natural inclusions or
imperfections.

Clarity grading is carried out by highly qualified industry professionals,
using the following standard internationally accepted grading system.

    
           
     
           
     
           
  The colour in diamonds ranges from completely colourless through
various tinted grades to fully coloured stones, known as fancy yellow
diamonds.

The colour grading system used is based on the colours of the "cape"
or "yellow" series, which are generally those most often encountered.

    
           
     
           
     
  The cut of a diamond determines both the shape and look of the stone,
as well as its brilliance.

The brilliance of a diamond depends on three principal factors.

  1. The amount of light reflected from it
  2. The amount of dispersion or "fire"
  3. The amount of scintillation or "sparkle"
     
    
  All three of these factors are dependant upon the
"properties of the cut" namely the style, quality, symmetry and most
importantly, the proportions.		    
     
  In order to maximise the light returned from the top of the stone, the
proportions of an ideal cut diamond are controlled within a narrow,
strictly defined range.		    
           
 
 
           
  In a well "made" or "finished" diamond all of the individual properties
of the cut combine to optimise the performance or brilliance of the stone.		    
     
           
  The word carat is derived from the Greek word keration (carob tree),
the dried seeds of which were once used as counterweights for
weighing gemstones.		    
           
  The carat or metric carat is the standard international unit of weight
for diamonds, gemstones and pearls.

1 carat = 1/5 (0.2) gram

    
           
  The carat is further divided into 100 parts or points, a unit of weight
used exclusively for weighing diamonds.

1 point = 1/100 (0.01) carat

    
           
  The size of a single, one carat round brilliant cut diamond varies
depending on how well it has been cut, but as a rule the width or
diameter is around 6.5mm.