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Diamond Grading Reports
All diamonds sold by Union Diamond are accompanied by a Diamond Grading Report (also refereed to as a diamond certificate or cert) from one of the worlds most respected Laboratories. Union Diamond is proud to offer diamond grading reports from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gem Society (AGS) and the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL).
Diamond Shape
Shape refers to the form or appearance of a diamond. For example the diamond may be Round, Princess, Radiant, Emerald, Marquise, Pear, Oval or Heart-Shaped, etc. Only you will know which shape is the right one.
Diamond Measurements
The measurements of a diamond are shown by length times width times depth.
Carat Weight
Carat Refers to the weight of a diamond and is often confused with size even though it is actually a measure of weight. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. One carat can also be divided into 100 "points." A .75 carat diamond is the same as a 75-points or 3/4 carat diamond. A 1.00 carat diamond costs exactly twice the price of a half-carat diamond, right? Wrong. Larger diamonds are found less frequently in nature, which places them at the rarest level. A 1.00 carat diamond will cost more than twice as much as a 1/2-carat diamond (assuming color, clarity and cut remain constant).
Diamond Depth Percentage
The overall depth percentage of a Round shape diamond is determined by measuring the height of the diamond from culet to table relative to the diameter. For fancy shape diamonds the depth percentage is determined by measuring the height of the diamond relative to the width.
Diamond Table Percentage
The size of the table of a round shape diamond is determined by measuring the width of the table facet relative to the average diameter. For fancy shape diamonds the table percentage is determined by measuring the width of the table facet relative to the width of the diamond.
Diamond Girdle
The girdle of a diamond is what separates the crown from the pavilion (the top and bottom of the stone). The thickness of the girdle is determined relative to the size of the diamond. The characteristics of the girdle, if any, are also noted. These may include such terms as polished, faceted, etc.
Diamond Culet
The size of a diamonds culet facet is determined relative to the size of the diamond. A grading report may also note any characteristics of the culet facet such as chipped, etc., in the comments section or it may be noted on the plotting diagram and noted in the key to symbols on a Diamond Grading Report.
Diamond Color
Diamond Color refers to the degree to which a diamond is colorless. Diamonds range in color from icy winter whites to warm summer whites. Diamonds are graded on a color scale which ranges from D (colorless) to Z. Warmer colored diamonds (K-Z) are particularly desirable when set in yellow gold. Icy winter whites (D-J) look stunning set in white gold or platinum. Color differences are very subtle and it is very difficult to see the difference between, say, an E and an F. Therefore, colors are graded under controlled lighting conditions and are compared to a master set for accuracy. Truly colorless stones, graded D, are treasured for their rarity. Color, however, ultimately comes down to personal taste.
Diamond Clarity
Diamond Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions in a diamond. Inclusions are natural identifying characteristics such as minerals or fractures, appearing while diamonds are formed in the earth. They may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. To view inclusions, jewelers use a magnifying loupe. This tool allows jewelers to see a diamond at 10x its actual size so that inclusions are easier to see. The position of inclusions can affect the value of a diamond. There are very few flawless diamonds found in nature, thus these diamonds are much more valuable. Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection, known as clarity. The clarity scale, ranging from FL (Flawless) to Included (I), is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x.
Diamond Symmetry
The symmetry of a diamond is the precise cut & arrangement of the facets and their subsequent angles. This is created when the diamond is cut by craftsmen. When a diamond is cut to these excellent standards, the symmetry and proportions create a diamond with an excellent array of brilliance and fire. Most Diamond Grading Reports will state the diamond's symmetry in terms of Ideal, Excellent, Very good, Good, Fair, or Poor.
Diamond Polish
The Polish of a Diamond represents the condition of the surface of a diamond. The more care a cutter takes while cutting, polishing and shaping each facet will determine its overall polish. Most polish grades are impossible to determine with the naked eye. However, they will have a minor effect on the overall brilliance of the diamond.
Fluorescence or UV
When a diamond is exposed to ultraviolet light also referred to as UV, it may exhibit a more bluish, whitish or yellowish tint. This implies that the diamond has a property called fluorescence. To the untrained eye, one can rarely see the effects of fluorescence. Diamond grading reports state whether a diamond has any fluorescent properties. Fluorescence is not considered a grading factor, only a characteristic of that particular diamond.
Comments and Special Notes
At times, the Union Diamond experts may add a special comment or description. This is an observation and is based solely on the opinion of Union Diamond. There may also be comments noted on Diamond Grading Reports. These are for informational purposes.
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