CUT | This is the shape of the diamond, and can be established with the naked eye. | A round stone has 58 facets, which must be in perfect proportion, ensuring light is reflected to the top of the stone. This gives the stone its beautiful ‘life’. | The original shape of the rough stone often determines the shape of the cut and polished diamond, e.g. pear shape. | The number of facets of fancy shaped stones may vary. | | | | | CARAT | This refers to the weight of the diamond. | The carat reading of a stone is also an indication of its size although it is actually a measure of weight. | 1 Carat = 100 points = 200 milligrams = approximately a 6.5 mm round stone. | A .75 or a 3/4 carat stone is the same as a 75 "points". | | | | | COLOUR | The perfect white stone has no colour, and is graded as D. | Going down the alphabet, between D to J, stones are graded as white. | From K to Z, a yellowish tint may be detected. Jewellery stone technically often have a hint of colour, which makes it more affordable, although it looks white to the naked eye. | Recommended colours for jewellery stones are: | Yellow / Red gold: H, I, J, K, or better. | White gold and platinum: G, H, I, or better. | | | | | CLARITY | Clarity refers to the purity of the stone. | Most stones have minute inclusions, both in or outside. These non-crystallized carbon specs can be white or black. | Ideally one should choose a jewellery grade stone with inclusions that cannot be detected by the naked eye. | Recommended clarity for round jewellery stones: VS1 to SI2, or better. | Emerald cut jewellery stones: VS1 to VS2, or better. | |