Diamond Education

The 4 C's
 

At Nili Jewels, we believe that every diamond tells a story, a unique narrative that reflects your personal journey. Our commitment goes beyond just providing exquisite jewelry; we aim to educate and empower you in your diamond selection process. Let us help you find the perfect piece that captures your essence.

Clarity

Clarity measures the purity of a diamond by assessing internal inclusions and external blemishes. The clarity scale spans from Flawless (FL), which is extremely rare, to Internally Flawless (IF) to Included (I), where inclusions are visible to the naked eye. Many inclusions are microscopic, so diamonds with clarity grades VS1 (Very Slightly Included) or SI1 (Slightly Included) offer an excellent balance of beauty and value, as most imperfections are not visible without magnification.

Diamond Clarity Descriptions

IF (Internally Flawless) – No internal inclusions, only minor surface blemishes, very rare and valuable.

VVS1 / VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included) – Extremely tiny inclusions, visible only under 10x magnification, hard to detect even for skilled graders.

VS1 / VS2 (Very Slightly Included) – Minor inclusions, visible with effort under 10x magnification, not visible to the naked eye.

SI1 / SI2 (Slightly Included) – Noticeable inclusions under 10x magnification, may be visible to the naked eye in SI2.

I1 / I2 / I3 (Included) – Obvious inclusions visible without magnification, which can affect transparency and durability.

Cut

The cut is the foundation of a diamond’s beauty, influencing how it reflects light. Beyond just shape, the cut refers to the diamond’s proportions, symmetry, and polish. A well-cut diamond optimally reflects light, creating a vibrant sparkle. Key cuts include Round (the most brilliant), Princess (modern and angular), and Emerald (elegant and vintage). A quality cut enhances any diamond’s value, making it appear brighter and larger than similarly-sized stones with poorer cuts.

Diamond Clarity Descriptions

Emerald. A rectangular cut with step-like facets and an open table, highlighting clarity. Known for a sophisticated, vintage charm.

Marquise. Long and pointed at both ends, this cut maximizes carat weight and creates a slenderizing effect on the finger.

Pear. A graceful teardrop shape combining the elegance of round and marquise cuts, offering a unique silhouette.

Oval. A timeless, elongated shape with brilliant facets, offering sparkle similar to round but with a flattering, lengthening effect.

Round. The most popular and classic cut, designed for maximum brilliance with 58 facets that reflect light beautifully.

Princess. A modern square shape with sharp corners, known for its brilliance and contemporary appeal.

Cushion. Square or rectangular with rounded corners, exuding a vintage look with pillow-like softness and plenty of sparkle.

Asscher. Square with step-cut facets, similar to emerald but with deeper angles, delivering a distinct, art-deco feel.

Heart. The ultimate symbol of love, this romantic shape is less common and requires precision to achieve its balanced silhouette.

Radiant. A combination of brilliant facets with a rectangular or square shape, blending the sparkle of round cuts with a unique profile.

Color

The color of a diamond is one of its most noticeable features. Color grades range from D (colorless) to Z (light color). Diamonds graded D-F are prized for their rarity and purity, while near-colorless grades (G-J) offer a balance of value and visual beauty. The absence of color in a diamond allows it to reflect more light, enhancing sparkle. In warmer settings, even slightly tinted diamonds may look brilliant, making the choice of color both personal and contextual.

Diamond Color Descriptions

D-F (Colorless). Completely colorless and rare; these diamonds have the highest value and brilliance due to their purity.

G-J (Near Colorless). Slight traces of color detectable under magnification, but generally appear colorless to the naked eye. A good balance between quality and value.

K-M (Faint Color). Noticeable warmth or yellow tint, often chosen for vintage or yellow gold settings to enhance their appeal.

Z (Light Yellow/Brown). Prominent color visible to the naked eye; these diamonds are distinct and less expensive, often used for unique designs.

Carat (Size)

Carat weight is often mistaken for size, but it actually measures a diamond’s weight. Larger diamonds are rarer and therefore more valuable, yet carat alone doesn’t dictate a diamond’s beauty. Two diamonds of the same carat can look different based on cut proportions and depth. Customers often balance carat with the other Cs to find a diamond that maximizes beauty while fitting their budget. Additionally, minor carat differences are not always visually noticeable, so focus on a diamond that captures your ideal look.

Diamond Sizing Descriptions

0.10 ct – Very small and delicate, ideal for subtle jewelry.
0.25 ct – Slightly larger, adds a hint of sparkle.
0.50 ct – Half-carat, noticeable but still delicate.
0.75 ct – Approaching standard size, good for solitaire rings.
1.00 ct – Classic one-carat size, visually impactful.
1.25 ct to 1.50 ct – Greater presence, ideal for statement jewelry.
1.75 ct to 2.50 ct – Large, high-impact stones with significant sparkle.