Color

Diamonds come in all shades, but most diamonds in jewelry range from colorless to almost colorless. For a long time, the perfect diamond was considered to be completely colorless. A colorless diamond is rarer than a light yellowish diamond and is also the most sought-after color for engagement rings and jewelry. Therefore, a colorless diamond is usually more expensive than a yellowish diamond.

Keep in mind that a diamond with a slight shade of color (E and lower) can also have hints of brown or green undertones. This is not desirable and is not indicated on the certificate. Always ask your jeweler about this before making a purchase to ensure you are getting a high-quality diamond.

Clarity

Diamonds usually contain internal or external inclusions, or both. Common inclusions in diamonds are uncrystallized carbon (graphite), crystals, or cleavages in the crystal. Inclusions can usually be divided into two groups: white inclusions and black inclusions. Black inclusions are typically easier to spot with the naked eye, while white inclusions can affect the strength and durability of the diamond. The certificate usually provides information about what inclusions your diamond has and where they are located.

When assessing clarity, four factors are considered: size of the enclosure, position, contrast and number of reflections. A diamond with many inclusions is naturally more delicate than a flawless diamond. The more inclusions a diamond has, the more difficult it will be for the light to bounce through the stone and reflect the desired brilliance.