Cut

The majority of people focus on colour and clarity when discussing the attributes of a diamond. Colour and clarity are important, but it is the quality of the cut that makes the difference between a dull and lifeless diamond that is alive with remarkable fire and brilliance. The more perfect the cutting, the more sparkle you and everyone else will see.

Colour

A diamond's colour is determined on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (yellow/brown). The most sought after diamonds have no colour. Whilst most diamonds appear to have no colour, in actual fact they have tints of colour as shown on the colour scale.

Clarity

Refers to the amount and size of natural imperfections in the diamond. This may be internal (inclusions) or external (blemishes). The fewer inclusions in a diamond, the rarer and more valuable the gem.

Carat Weight

A diamond's weight is measured in carats, abbreviated ct. One carat can be divided into 100 points. Therefore, a diamond weighing one quarter of a carat can also be referred to as being 25 points.

Fluorescence

A diamond with fluorescence "None" is a more valuable gem. A diamond with fluorescence tends to have a blue milky appearance when in direct sunlight.

So what is fluorescence? Fluorescence is the visible light some diamonds emit when they are exposed to invisible ultraviloet (UV) rays. On a GIA Diamond Grading Report, fluorescence refers to the strength, or intensity, of the diamond’s reaction to long-wave UV, which is an essential component of daylight. - (CREDIT - GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE of AMERICA)