Color 

Diamonds are graded on a scale using the letters D-Z in the Gemological Institute of America’s grading system.

At the top of the scale is the D grade from GIA, (Gemological Institute of America). This includes only diamonds that are absolutely colorless and highly transparent. This Grade represents an extremely rare group of diamonds.

GIA grades E to H are still considered colorless to a trained grader working under controlled conditions. The main difference between grades E-F-G-and H is not so much a matter of color, but a slight decrease in transparency.

GIA grades I-J may look colorless, especially if they are stones less than .25ct in size. The GIA grade I-J usually appear colorless if they are set in jewelry.

Grades K-L is an area of diamond color range in which you see significant price changes from one grade to another. This range represents big steps in color visibility and economy.

GIA grades N-O-P. Stones in this bracket will display a yellowish or brownish tint even to the untrained eye. The novice will usually notice the color it its tint goes toward the yellow. Some very light brownish and grayish diamonds in this grade range however, are not so apparent. These look “darker” than higher color grades.

As the diamond is graded, by a trained grader under controlled conditions, down the letter scale in the GIA system, the price of the same size and clarity grade diamond will show a drastic change in the price per carat. Thus the diamonds in these categories Q-R-S-T-U and V will be more of a promotional classification.

Stones graded past the letter “Z” are classified as a FANCY color and show an increase in price with the intensity of color. Fancy color diamonds are found in all colors.

GIA D-Z Color Grading Scale

Clarity

The clarity of a diamond is a measure of purity. Imperfections or inclusions are measures in the GIA Grading System from Flawless to I3 (Imperfect).

The following descriptions apply to round brilliant cut diamonds in typical stone sizes .25ct to 2.00ct. Characteristics mat be more visible in larger diamonds and in fancy shapes.

Flawless- No inclusions or blemishes of any sort when examined by a skilled grader under 10x magnification and proper lighting.

Internally Flawless- No inclusions of any sort and only minor blemishes when examined by a skilled grader under 10x magnification and proper lighting. Typical comments include: "Minor details of finish are not shown”. “Surface grain line is not shown.”

VVS1- Contains minute inclusions that are extremely difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification.

VVS2- Contains minute inclusions that are very difficult for a trained grader to see under 10x magnification. The GIA grades VVS1 and VVS2 clarity grades represent the top clarity grades normally used in jewelry. Inclusions typically seen in these grades are scattered pinpoints, faint clouds, reflective internal graining, slight bearding, minor bruises and tiny chips.

VS1- Contains minor inclusions that are somewhat difficult for a trained grader to see under 10x magnification. Typical inclusions are small includes crystals or feathers, clouds and groups of pinpoints. Although the clarity characteristics may be plain under magnification, they have no effect on the beauty of the diamond.

VS2- Contains minor inclusions that are somewhat easy for a trained grader to see under 10x magnification. Typical inclusions are small included crystals or feathers, distinct clouds and larger groups of pinpoints. Although the clarity characteristics may be plain under magnification, they have very little effect on the beauty of the diamond.

SI1- Contains noticeable inclusions that are easy for a trained grader to see under 10x magnification. Typical inclusions are larger included crystals, clouds, feathers, or other characteristics that are centrally located and noticed immediately.

SI2- Contains noticeable inclusions that are very easy for a trained grader to see under 10x magnification. Typical inclusions are included crystals, clouds, feathers, normally centrally located and noticed immediately. Some diamonds in this grade may have inclusions that can be seen with the unaided eye, but usually have very little effect on the appearance or are small relative to the size of the diamond. 

I1- Contains inclusions that are obvious under 10x magnification and often visible to the unaided eye. Grade setting inclusions typically are included crystals, knots and feathers.

I1-I2- Contain inclusions that are obvious under 10x magnification, usually easily visible to the unaided eye and may have effect on durability. Grade-setting inclusions typically are large included crystals, knots and feathers.

I2-I3- Contains inclusions that are very obvious to the unaided eye and may effect the diamonds durability. Grade-setting inclusions typically are large included crystals, knots and feathers.

I3- Contains inclusions that are very obvious to the unaided eye and may pose a definite treat to the diamonds durability. Grade-setting inclusions typically are extremely large included crystals, knots and feathers.

Cut

Cutting Grade- The cutting grade of a diamond, expressed as a scale from 0 to 10, is determined by analyzing the proportions and symmetry through the use of instruments and or visual techniques and applying whole number deductions for departures from standards of parameters for the table diameter, crown angle, girdle thickness, pavilion depth, culet size and or centering, roundness and finish.

Round Brilliant Diamonds
Today’s most popular diamond cut which accounts for around 75% of all diamonds sold today. The shape consists of 58 facets and displays the most fire and brilliance of all the diamond cuts.

Princess Cut Diamond
This is a square or rectangular cut with numerous sparkling facets. Because of its design, this cut requires more weight to be directed toward the diamond's depth in order to maximize brilliance. Depth percentages of 70% to 78% are not uncommon.

Emerald Cut Diamond
The Emerald Cut is rectangular with cut corners. It is a step cut diamond as opposed to a brilliant cut. The facets are broad with flat planes resembling the steps of a stair which is why it is referred to as a step cut.

Radiant - Popular before the princess shape was around, the radiant has more facets than a princess, but has the corners trimmed like the emerald shape. Seventy facets maximize the effect of its color refraction. Depth percentages of 70% to 78% are not uncommon. It requires this depth because of its cut and seventy facets.

Oval Diamonds
The Oval Shaped Brilliant is very similar to a Round except it is elliptical. The oval shape usually consists of 56 facets. Its elongated shape gives a flattering illusion of length to the hand and is popular among women with small hands or short fingers.

Pear Shaped Diamonds
The pear shaped diamond is shaped almost like a sparkling teardrop. It also belongs to that category of diamond whose design most complements a hand with small or average-length fingers. It is particularly beautiful for pendants or earrings.

Marquise Diamonds
Like the emerald, the marquise is a traditional shape which is probably the fourth most popular shape behind the round, princess and oval. An elongated shape with pointed ends, it is gorgeous when used as a solitaire or when enhanced by smaller diamonds.

Trillion Diamonds
This is a spectacular wedge of brilliance and the exact design can vary depending on a particular diamond's natural characteristics and the cutter's personal preferences. It may be a traditional triangular shape with pointed corners or a more rounded triangular shape with 25 facets on the crown, 19 facets on the pavilion, and a polished girdle.

Heart Shaped Diamonds
The ultimate symbol of romance is essentially a pear-shaped diamond with a cleft at the top. The skill of the cutter determines the beauty of the cut. Look for a stone with an even shape and a well-defined outline.

Asscher Cut Diamonds
The Asscher Cut Diamond was developed in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Holland. It is a stepped square cut, often called the “Square Emerald Cut” and like an emerald cur stone, the Asscher has cut corners.

Carat

The standard unit of weight used for gemstones. One carat equals .200 grams (or 200 milligrams). Abbreviated ct.

Diamonds are weighed to a thousandth (0.001) of a carat and then rounded to the nearest hundredth, or point. Over a carat, diamond weights are usually expressed in carats and decimals. A 1.05 ct. stone, for example, would be described as "one point oh five carats," or "one oh five." A diamond that weighs 0.87 ct. is said to weigh "eighty-seven points," or an "eighty-seven pointer."

The Fifth "C" - Continuing Commitment

Grier jewelers was founded in 1941 by J.C. Grier. A farm raised boy who taught himself the watch repairing trade. After graduating high school, in a small farming community just north of Wetumpka, Alabama, he traveled to Gadsden, Alabama to enroll in the trade school. A local jewelry store owner noticed the self-taught trade of watch repairing and offered him a job in November of 1941. Shortly after that the owner became very ill and could no longer operate the business. J.C. bought the store over time from the owner’s widow. This small store has now become Grier Jewelers. In 1945 J.C. married Gladys Tidwell and the two operated the small store until the late 1970’s when their sons Garry and Marvin entered the business. This small jewelry store has since grown into the largest home-owned fine jewelry store in Gadsden, employing a staff of twelve along with three in-house jewelers and a watch repairman. Grier jewelers is fully computerized offering the latest laser jewelry repairing technology available.

Over the years, through continuing education in diamond Grading, Colored Stone Grading, Gem Identification, and jewelry appraising, from the Gemological Institute of America and The American Gem Society, Grier Jewelers offers a Registered Jeweler, a Certificated Gemologist and a Certificated Gemologist Appraiser, along with one of only a few Gem Identification Laboratories in the state of Alabama.   

Grier Jewelers prides itself on offering the latest in fine jewelry designs with diamonds and colored stones and backing them with the latest in education and service. This insures you of the precise standards in stone grading, upholding the high standards of The Gemological Institute of America and The American Gem Society.

Grier Jewelers is a self controlled- family owned fine jewelry store offering you personal attention along with prices below market, but keeping the quality and workmanship to the highest the industry has to offer.