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Cut
The cut of a diamond is arguably the most critical factor in determining its beauty. A well-cut diamond reflects light in a way that maximizes its brilliance, fire, and sparkle. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond cuts on a scale from Excellent to Poor. For the best results, aim for a cut grade of Excellent or Very Good. Cut quality directly impacts a diamond’s visual appeal and should be your top priority when choosing a diamond.
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Carat Weight
Carat weight is a measure of a diamond’s size. While larger diamonds are often more valuable, it’s crucial to find a balance between size and quality. A smaller, well-cut diamond can appear more brilliant than a larger, poorly cut one. Consider your budget and personal preferences when choosing carat weight.
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Color
Diamonds are graded on a color scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). For a beautiful, sparkling diamond, aim for a color grade between D and H for a colorless or near-colorless appearance. Beyond H, you may start to notice subtle hints of color.
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Clarity
Clarity refers to the presence of internal or external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes, respectively. A diamond with fewer imperfections will have better clarity. The GIA grades clarity on a scale from Flawless (no imperfections visible under 10x magnification) to Included (imperfections visible to the naked eye). A diamond with a clarity grade of SI1 or higher is generally considered eye-clean and beautiful.