The quality and value of a diamond is measured by four characteristics known as 4C's. The 4 C's are the diamond's Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight. The quality of a diamond is measured by its color, cut, and Clarity. The carat weight measures the size of the diamond.
A diamond's color is one of the most important factors in determining its value.
For White Diamonds- the closer a white diamond is to being absolutely colorless, the more valuable it is.
For Fancy Colored Diamonds-the more intense the color the more valuable the diamond is, they are graded to their intensity of color, not lack of it.
The graduations in color are so subtle that intricate international grading scales are used.
Diamonds are graded into categories defined by letters. The color range from exceptional whites (Categories D, E and F) to tinted colors (categories M to Z). The best way to pinpoint a diamond's true color is to place it next to another diamond which has previously been graded.
During formation of diamonds, very small particles of non-crystallized carbon or non-diamond crystals can be caught within the diamond. These imperfections are called inclusions and provide each individual diamond with its unique characteristics.
Inclusions may not always be visible to the naked eye, however they do interfere with the passage of light through the diamond. Therefore the fewer inclusions a diamond has, the more valuable it is.
Just like color, clarity is categorized using an international grading scale. The categories of clarity are based upon the number, size and position of the inclusions within the diamond to be graded. Gradings range from flawless, and internally flawless, through very small and small inclusions, to imperfect.
Black Diamond Clarity Classification
AAA Quality: No Cracks/Chips on face or Girdle of the diamond with Fine Lustre.
AA+ Quality: Clean Table with a small crack or chip on girdle with Fine Lustre or sparkle.
AA Quality: Few Cracks/Chips on girdle with Fine Lustre or Sparkle.
A Quality: Few Cracks on Table & Girdle with Fine Lustre or Sparkle.
I1 Quality: Inclusions like patches on the table + Cracks and Chips on Girdle with ordinary lustre.
Solid Gold Standards
9K : 37.5% Pure Gold, Hallmarked 9K
10K: 41.7% Pure Gold, Hallmarked 10K
14K: 58.5% Pure Gold, Hallmarked 14K