Carat: The metric unit of weight for diamonds and gemstones. Carats are further divided into points with one carat equaling 100 points. Carat weight alone does not does not determine the value of a diamond. A smaller diamond may actually be of more value than a larger stone with an inferior cut ,clarity and color.

Clarity: Measures the degree to which a gemstone is free from flaws that are a part of a diamonds natural growth. A flawless diamond is very rare and valuable but a diamond does not have to be flawless to be stunning. The clarity ranking is determined by the ease or difficulty of which a trained gemologist can see inclusions under a 10X magnification.

Color: When jewelers talk about a diamonds color they are usually referring to its absence of color. A colorless diamond, like a clear window, allows more light to pass through it than one with color. The passing light emits more sparkle and fire. Only a few rare diamonds are truly colorless. This is the GIA professional colorless scale which ranges from D (colorless) to Z (yellow).

Cut: The cut is the geometric proportions that dictates the reflection and refraction of light within the stone. Shape refers to the general outward appearance of the diamond.