Valuing a Diamond - part 2

Clarity refers to the presence of imperfections and flaws within a stone the INCLUSIONS. The vast majority of gemstones do contain flaws, bubbles, clouds and feathers whose size and placement affects the valuation of a stone. A totally transparent stone, which has no visible inclusions when examined under a jeweller's 10-power magnifying glass, is deemed FLAWLESS or loupe-clean. Inclusions are measured by the standard GLA (clarity grading system) of 12 basic divisions, from loupe-clean (flawless) to vvs (for very very small) to vs1 and vs2 and so on.

The fourth C in gemmology stands for CUT, a most vital factor in the valuation of a diamond. Cut refers actually to two aspects of the whole gemstone.

First there is the overall shape of the polished stone. Diamonds are generally considered in six basic and popular shapes, emerald (rectangular), oval, brillant (round), pear, heart and marquise(boat-shaped). The brilliant is the most popoular shape : a rounded spinning top-like full-cut diamond with 58 facets. The 70 facet radiant is a new cut in the market, similar to tech emerald cut but with more brilliance. A baguette is a small rectangular rod cut with less facets than usual. In the end, the shape of a gemstone is largely a matter of personal taste.