Diamond experts like the folks at David Craig Jewelers work with grading systems that help customers better understand exactly what you are purchasing.

Diamond Grading 101

There’s no doubt that purchasing a diamond engagement ring is a big decision and a very emotional one. Back in the 1940s, the folks at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) realized how confusing diamond purchasing could be with value seemingly subjectively compared. They developed a standardized system that would once and for all provide best practice guidelines that all professionals could use. Since then, natural born diamonds (from the earth, not laboratory grown simulations) are assessed in four categories – those famous 4cs you may have heard of: Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat weight.

Diamond Cut: While the GIA grades diamonds with a scale of 0-10, the American Gem Society (AGS), another powerhouse and reputable source for diamond certification, labels stones “Ideal” on down to “Poor.” Shape refers to the outline of the diamond as you look down at it. It’s just one aspect of the diamond cut. The quality of the cut is what gives the diamond its brilliance. The more proportional the cut, the greater the brilliance and sparkle. A great cut captures light and reflects it back spectacularly.

Diamond Clarity: Clarity grading differs between the two key gemological institutions, the GIA and AGS, with GIA using more of an alphabetical system and AGS using a numbering system. As one example: An “IF” rating from the GIA is the same as a “1” from the AGS and indicates a diamond that has no inclusions visible at 10x magnification with insignificant surface blemishes.

Diamond Color Grading: Like diamond clarity, the AGS makes it easy with numbers running 1-10. As an example, a “5-6” rating signifies small stones that appear “face-up,” colorless when mounted, with larger stones tinted. The equivalent GIA category is a “J-K-L.”

Why are we telling you this?

We’re not trying to confuse you, honest! Quite the contrary. We just want to show you that tons of energy and thought has been put into comparing diamonds to make sure that an excellent diamond from one jeweler is still an excellent diamond as seen by the next. David Craig and his team of jewelry specialists are here to help you choose a diamond that you’ll love today and always. We can custom design a diamond ring to fit your unique taste and budget.