Our online tutorial is designed to help you understand the relationship between the diamond’s value, its shape and its cut, color, clarity and carat weight, often referred to as the Four Cs. This tutorial does not replace the trained human eye or the magic ingredient of a truly stunning piece of jewelry.

Take Advantage of Our Diamond Expertise

Every center diamond we offer has been certified by the GIA® exclusively, the world’s most recognized diamond grading laboratory. We select only the most exquisitely cut diamonds that have been individually checked and perfectly matched to your chosen setting. We ensure that our diamonds are ethically sourced and compliant with the industry’s most rigorous standards of social responsibility.

Shape

A diamond’s shape refers to its form, which is largely dependent on the shape of the rough crystal from which our cutters begin. The Round Brilliant shape is the most popular, comprising approximately 80% of all diamonds. All other shapes are collectively referred to as fancies.

Cut

Cut or make is the term commonly used to refer to the quality and professionalism of a diamond’s craftsmanship. Cut is an extremely important characteristic in determining the overall beauty of the diamond. For this reason we only select the highest cut grades available.

Color

Color is graded on the lack of color present in a diamond. Color found in diamonds presents itself as varying hues of yellow and brown. The less color present in a diamond, the higher the color grade. Color grades range from D-Z with D being colorless or the highest grade. We can recommend the color combinations that work best for each specific setting.

Clarity

Clarity refers to the number and size of small imperfections naturally found in nearly all diamonds. These imperfections, often referred to as inclusions, determine a diamond’s clarity grade. The more frequent and greater the size of inclusion, the lower the clarity grade. Clarity grades range from FL (Flawless) to I3. Along with color guidance, we recommend the clarity combinations specific to each setting.

Diamond Clarity

I = Included SI = Slightly Included VS = Very Slightly Included VVS = Very, Very Slightly Included IF = Internally Flawless FL = Flawless

Carat

Carat is a measure of a diamond’s weight. A carat is one fifth of a gram. The larger the carat weight, the more rare and valuable the diamond. A diamond’s physical appearance is not only influenced by its carat weight, but also the quality of its craftsmanship. Properly proportioned diamonds will look larger and more beautiful than most poorly cut diamonds.

SETTINGS & FINISHES

Prong Setting

In this classic setting, two or more prongs wrap around the crown of a stone to secure it in place. Also known as a claw setting, this mounting style minimizes the amount of metal used, allowing more light to pass through a diamond or gemstone.

Shared Prong Setting

In a variation of the classic prong setting, prongs are wrapped around the crown of a stone to secure it in place. This type of setting minimizes the presence of metal, allowing more light to pass through a diamond or gemstone.

Channel Setting

Diamonds or gemstones are secured in place between vertical metal walls, creating a smooth channel. In this contemporary setting, the stones are nestled side by side with no metal in between.

Bar Channel Setting

In this more secure variation of the traditional channel setting, diamonds or gemstones are secured in place between two vertical metal walls on either side of each diamond.

Pave Setting

In this dramatically elegant setting type, diamonds or gemstones are set low and very close together using tiny beads. The surface of the ring will appear to be encrusted with stones for a brilliant effect.

Bezel Setting

A metal rim surrounds a diamond or gemstone by the girdle to secure it in place. This dramatic setting style can create the illusion of a larger stone.