All diamonds are precious, but the most valuable are those combining the highest qualities of carat,

clarity,
cut, and color – the four C's. Our consultants will help you make an informed decision about which
combination of the four C's makes a diamond just right for you.

A diamond's weight is measured in carats. There are five carats in a gram, and 100 points in each carat. For
example, a 50-point diamond is the same as a half-carat. In general, larger diamonds are more rare and
valuable. But size does not determine a diamond's beauty and brilliance. Two stones of the same carat
weight can have very different values, depending on their cut, color and clarity.

Images may not reflect actual carat size, which may vary with your browser and computer display size.

The more clear a diamond is, the more rare it is. Most diamonds contain natural 'inclusions' that look like
tiny crystals. These are the diamond's birthmarks, making each stone unique. The number, size and position
of these inclusions affects the value. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) clarity scale ranges from Fl
(flawless) to I3 (many inclusions visible to the naked eye).

Diamonds are graded on the GIA color scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). At either end of the scale,
diamonds are very costly because of their rarity, although not necessarily their beauty. At Spence, you can
choose from a wide range of diamond colors.

Nothing is more important to the brilliance and fire of a diamond than its cut. A well proportioned diamond
reflects light from one facet to another and through the top of the stone. If the pavilion angle is cut too
deep, your diamond will look dark. If it is too shallow, your diamond will look watery. Only a skilled master
craftsman can cut a diamond with pinpoint precision to release its true brilliance.
F-IF
Flawless or Internally Flawless (two grades) - No internal inclusions - very rare and extremely
valuable.
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VVS1-VVS2
Very Very Slightly Included (two grades) - Minute inclusions very difficult to detect under 10x
magnification and still invisible to the naked eye. Still an extremely valuable stone.
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VS1-VS2
Very Slightly Included (two grades) - Minute inclusions invisible to the naked eye and seen only
with difficulty under 10x magnification.
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SI1-SI2
Slightly Included (two grades) - Minute inclusions easily detected under 10x magnification and
possibly visible to the naked eye. These are very popular stones because the flaws lower the
price but are not so visible as to detract from its beauty.
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I1-I2-I3
Included (three grades) - Inclusions visible under 10x magnification as well as to the naked eye.
Stone may appear cloudy and otherwise imperfect from various angles. These are the least
expensive types of diamonds because the flaws diminish the stone’s sparkle.
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Judging and Enhancing Diamond Clarity

Jewelry Lab Certificates and Appraisals are the best resource for judging diamond clarity, and
are available from reputable jewelers. However, the best judge of diamond clarity is the person
who will wear the stone.
The most common clarity gradings are VS2, SI1 and SI2. These stones are in the middle of the
scale for flaws - not totally flawless and yet not having lot of flaws. That makes them affordable
for many, and depending on the cut and setting of the stone, many of the flaws may not be
noticeable.
Flaws can also be camouflaged in the laboratory to avoid detection by inexperienced eyes. This
makes less desirable stones more appealing while keeping the total cost affordable. Techniques
for diamond clarity enhancement laser drilling to remove inclusions and fracture filling for
filling cracks.
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Laser Drilling

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/wiki/Image:Laserdrilling.jpg /wiki/Image:Laserdrilling.jpgWithout altering the strength of a
diamond, laser drilling removes inclusions permanently. It becomes very difficult to detect when
laser drilled areas are filled with a clear substance. However the filling is not permanent and the
stone is more susceptible to chemical erosion and other damage.
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Fracture Filling
This treatment fills tiny cracks with a clear, glasslike substance. It creates an optical illusion that
conceals cracks from casual observers. Fracture filling is not permanent, however, and any
cleaning or heat from repairs or sunlight can remove or darken the filler, revealing the fracture.

Diamond clarity is a large factor in determining a stone’s cost. A significant flaw may detract
from an otherwise suitable diamond, lowering the price substantially. Many people prefer
flawless stones, and laboratory treatments can help increase a diamond’s clarity while still
keeping the price affordable for engagement rings and other types of jewelry.