Diamonds 101
Color
Although they may look colorless, most diamonds actually have a small amount of color.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has created a color scale that extends from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Color grades are determined by examining each diamond in a controlled environment. Each letter represents a level of discernable color.
Clarity
Diamonds have a fingerprint. Not in the human sense, but in the sense that they each have a unique pattern of imperfections called “inclusions.” Almost every diamond has inclusions (truly flawless diamonds are extremely rare); they are caused by the heat and pressure necessary to create diamonds and contribute to the stone’s character. A diamond’s clarity is a measure of its inclusions. The GIA Clarity Scale includes 11 clarity grades ranging from Flawless to I3.