Can we set a baseline for the cut, color and clarity.

These things will vary the price, especially the cut.


Here is some info from http://www.bbimpex.com/diamonds.asp

Diamond Cut
Cut determines the brilliance of the diamond and refers to the precise proportions and dimensions of the stone. Cut should not be confused with its shape. Cut is considered by far the most important property of the diamond. A stone that has been cut properly allows light to enter and refract through the stone, which creates brilliance. Symmetry of the cut is very important in the behavior of light passing through the diamond. An experienced diamond cutter knows that the a diamond that is too shallow or too deep will not refract the light fully and will look dull.

Diamond Color
The more color a diamond has, the more light it will absorb thus less light will pass through the stone thus making it less brilliant. Thus, a colorless diamond will create the maximum brilliance. Colorless diamonds, however, are extremely rare and therefore very expensive. Colorless and near-colorless diamonds are most highly valued and are priced accordingly. Other diamonds may have a slight tint of color, and some can even have a noticeable tint which can diminish the brilliance. Diamonds are color graded on a 23 point scale, from D to Z, D being completely colorless and Z having noticeable color.

Diamond Clarity
Like any other naturally occurring material, diamond also has some impurities. These are called inclusions. Inclusions are small amounts of foreign minerals trapped inside the stone during its formation millions of years ago. The characteristics of the inclusions determine the clarity of the diamond. Diamonds that have no inclusions will reflect more light and are very rare. Nearly all diamonds contain these inclusions which make each stone unique. Most are unseen to the unaided eye. Jewelers need magnifiers to identify them.

Diamonds completely free from internal flaws, or inclusions, are very rare and highly valued. Clarity is graded based on the number, location, size, and type of the inclusions found in a diamond. Below is the chart defining the different clarity levels of diamonds.

Clarity Description
FL, IF Flawless - No internal or external flaws. Internally Flawless - No internal flaws. Very rare and beautiful diamonds. Very expensive.
VVS1, VVS2 Very, Very Slightly Included. Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. An excellent quality diamond.
VS1, VS2 Very Slightly Included. Inclusions are not typically visible to the unaided eye. Less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades.
SI1, SI2 Slightly Included: Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification, and may be visible to the unaided eye. A good diamond value.
I1, I2, I3 Visible inclusions. Least expensive.
Source(s):
http://www.bbimpex.com/diamonds.asp


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