These are the factors that are used to determine the quality and value of a diamond. You will hear these terms a lot as you begin shopping for an engagement ring. Cut refers to a diamond's proportions and the way it reflects light. This reflection, known as brilliance, is extremely important in evaluating the quality of a diamond. A poorly cut diamond will loose light and appear dull, whereas a well-proportioned diamond will exhibit maximum brilliance and sparkle.
Clarity is the presence or absence of flaws, which occur when the stone is being formed in nature.
The fewer imperfections or irregularities, the greater the diamond's value. A diamond's imperfections are usually microscopic and invisible to the naked, untrained eye. Carat is the weight of the stone. A carat is equal to 200 milligrams, and there are 142 carats to an ounce. The cost of a diamond increases significantly when it reaches the full, one-carat weight since larger stones are more rare and limited in supply.