The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 parts called points, 1 ct. = 100 points; ct = 50 points. The value of two diamonds of the same weight can vary greatly depending on the color, clarity and especially the cut. 1 ct = 0.2 grams; 142 ct = 1 ounce.

The largest gem quality diamond ever found was in South Africa, named the Cullinan (after the founder of the mine). It weighed 3,106.75 ct, was about the size of a baseball and yielded the largest faceted diamond, the 530.20 ct Cullinan 1, which is mounted in the royal Scepter in the Crown Jewels of England. The Cullinan also yielded 104 other sizeable cut diamonds!

Because larger diamonds are more rare, the price per carat is higher. So all the other characteristics being equal, one hundred 1-point diamonds costs less than ten 10-point diamonds which cost less than four .25-ct, which cost less than two .5-ct, which cost less than one 1-ct diamondand so on.

Most diamonds, although appearing colorless, actually have slight tones of yellow or brown. As these tones become more easily apparent, the rarity and cost decrease.

Fancy colors are diamonds with distinct attractive tints, like blue, green, vivid yellow, pink, and most rare red.

Color is caused by trace elements or structural abnormalities in the crystalline structure. A trace amount of boron creates blue color, while nitrogen causes yellow and brown color.

The most famous blue diamond is the 45.52-ct Hope diamond now housed at the Smithsonian.

Many pink and the occasional red diamonds come from Australia.

Most diamonds contain inclusions. Inclusions are natural birthmarks and considered natures fingerprints on the diamond. A diamonds clarity is determined under 10-power magnification by a trained eye, taking into account the number, size, type and location of the inclusions.

Inclusions will help you identify your diamond, if you have an internally flawless diamond you may want to have the girdle engraved for identification.

In general, diamonds having a clarity grade of SI2 or above are free of inclusions to the naked eye. If you can see inclusions the diamonds is more likely an I grade or below.

Some diamonds can be clarity enhanced through laser drilling and fracture filling. These treatments have been tested and as long as they are disclosed to the buyer, it may be a way to purchase a diamond at a bargain price.

The cut of a diamond may be the most important aspect of a diamonds beauty. It is the only thing that man can do to enhance the brilliance of a diamond. Diamond has a fixed refractive index of 2.42, so precise cutting is critical in creating a gem with maximum scintillation. Cuts that are too shallow or too deep allow light to escape before reflecting through the top of the stone. A good cut enables a diamond to make the best use of light. A fully cut round brilliant diamond has 58 facets, small flat polished surfaces that reflect light throughout the diamond. An IDEAL CUT diamond is cut to precise tolerances giving the diamond the maximum brilliance for the largest face possible.

Shape is often mistaken for cut, but no matter what shape you prefer, good cut is essential for a brilliant, beautiful diamond.

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