A diamond is pure or nearly pure carbon, with three extraordinary qualities. A diamond owns unique powers of light reflection. When cut to proper proportions, it gathers light within itself, and sends it back in a shower of fire and brilliance.
It is the only gem mineral composed of a single, unadulterated element, making it the purest of earth's gemstones.
A diamond is the hardest transparent substance known to man.
Cut
The cut and geometric proportion of a diamond has a tremendous affect on the sparkle of a diamond. Even if the diamond has perfect color and clarity, a poor cut will make a diamond look dull and lackluster. Cut determines the fire and brilliance of a diamond. In order to maximize this fire and brilliance, the diamond cutter must place each of the stone's facets and angles, which act as light-dispersing mirrors, in exact geometric relation to one another.
Color
Diamonds are found in various colors, ranging from standard colors as exceptional white, slightly yellow and light brown to fancy colors such as bright yellow, pink, green, black or even blue. White diamonds, those with the least amount of color, are most highly valued and are priced accordingly.
Clarity
Diamonds completely free from internal flaws, or inclusions, are very rare and highly-prized. Clarity grades are based on the number, location, size, and type of inclusions found in a diamond.
Carat
A "carat" is the gemologist's standard measure of a diamond's weight. Since larger diamonds are rarer than smaller diamonds, diamond value tends to rise exponentially with carat weight.
