The timeless and exquisite beauty of a diamond is matched by its durability and one-of-a-kind appearance. It continues to be the natural stone of choice for engagement and wedding rings as a sign of longevity. Because they never depreciate, their value stands the test of time. Two of their most prominent features are color and clarity. Here is a helpful guide on their characteristics and how they affect a diamond’s worth.

A Guide to Diamond Color and Clarity

Color

Diamonds are graded on a quality scale of color. The highest quality is a stone that’s colorless. They are typically ranked on a letter scale from colorless to yellow. The less color, the more expensive the stone may be.

Colored diamonds span the rainbow. From blues and greens to reds, pinks, purples, and oranges, nature produces glorious hues with varying shades of light and sparkle. They, too, have a letter scale to determine value. The degree of color intensity is a strong measure for a colored stone’s worth.

Clarity

A diamond’s clarity refers to imperfections — also known as inclusions — in the stone. To determine clarity, jewelers examine the number of inclusion flaws, their size, position, nature, and relief, which is how much the imperfection stands out from the crystal.

Flawless diamonds are the rarest of them of all. They have no inclusions but may have minor marks on the surface level. Second on the clarity scale are VVS1 and 2, which means stones have minute inclusions that can only be visible under 10x magnification.

A VS1 and 2 clarity has minor inclusions while SI1 or SI2 contains more noticeable inclusions that can only be seen under 10x magnification, but considered eye clean. The last clarity grades SI3, I1, I2, I3 and I4 have even more apparent inclusions than their predecessors, which can be seen with the eye. Jewelers say the durability of a stone may be lesser in this category compared to other clarity levels.

Color and Clarity are only two factors that determine the quality of a diamond. Caret weight, proportion cut, symmetry and polish should be considered when purchasing your diamond.

Whether it’s a stunning ring, bracelet, or necklace, a diamond is the undisputed champion for superior styling. Since 1969, Klass Jewelers in Florence, KY, has been the region’s trusted resource for expert analysis of diamonds. The team of experienced artisans offers an extensive line of beautiful jewelry to celebrate life’s milestones. If you have a piece in mind, one of the professional designers can create a unique item to your exact specifications. To learn more, call (859) 525-7500 or stop by the store today. Visit the website to browse through the latest collections.