Top View of Loose Diamonds in Different Shapes Mobile image of a Collection of Six Diamonds in Different Shapes

DIAMONDS 101

Learn about loose diamonds, the 4Cs and the variety of diamond shapes Shane Co. offers.
Learn about loose diamonds, the 4Cs and the variety of diamond shapes Shane Co. offers.
 

THE FOUR Cs OF A DIAMOND

 
CARAT
Diamonds are sold by the carat (ct), which is a unit of weight, not size. One carat weighs 200 milligrams, the world standard since 1914. A carat is divided into 100 points, with one point corresponding to .01 carat.
Range of Diamonds in Different Carat Sizes with Dime at End for Reference Mobile image of a Dime for Size Reference Next to Range of Diamond Carat Size Options
 
 
CLARITY
Person Using Magnifier To Check Clarity of A Round Diamond Round Diamond Held Up to A Magnifier For Clarity Check
How Pure It Is
 
The clarity refers to the purity of the diamond and is based on the absence or presence of internal characteristics. Some inclusions or birthmarks can be visible to the naked eye or only noticeable under 10x magnification.
 

IF

An Internally Flawless diamond has no inclusions and very minor surface blemishes. It can be extremely difficult to locate them even at 10x magnification.

IF
VVS1
VVS2
VS1
VS2
SI1
SI2
I1
I2
I3
Diamonds 101 Clarity Rating IF for Desktop Diamonds 101 Clarity Rating IF for Mobile
 
COLOR
Top View of Loose Diamond Held with Tool Close Up View of Loose Diamond Held with Tool
The Depth of Color
 
Refers to the depth of color or how noticeable it is. Normal color range is colorless to varying degrees of yellow or light brown. Diamonds are graded for color by comparing them to a master scale of diamonds. The "master stones" represent the absolute least amount of color accepted for diamonds.
 

D

A Colorless (D-F) diamond is completely clear and absent of color. Not to be confused with clarity — a diamond could be a 'D' in color but could appear dark if it's heavily included.

D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
Colorless Near Colorless Faint Yellow
diamonds 101 color D for desktop diamonds 101 color D for mobile
 
CUT
Close Up of Hands Holding Loose Diamond and Tool Person Using Tool To Cut Loose Diamond
How Much It Sparkles
 
Cut refers to the polish of a diamond coupled with balancing the proportions and symmetry to maximize light return. Even diamonds with a lower color or clarity with a supreme cut are going to have maximum sparkle to the naked eye.
 

SHANE CLASSIC

Diamonds that are cut to specific parameters to maximize sparkle and provide the most light return, creating supreme brilliance and fire.

Shane Classic
Excellent/ Ideal
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
Diamonds 101 Cut Shane Classic on Desktop Diamonds 101 Cut Shane Classic on Mobile

DIAMOND SHAPES

Discover our selection of diamond shapes — from traditional to fancy cuts.
A Round Diamond
A timeless look and the most popular diamond shape. The round diamond represents the highest advances in diamond cutting, maximizing fire, brilliance and sparkle.
The oval cut shares the same brilliant faceting style as a round diamond. Its elongated shape has a surface area that creates the illusion of length, making it a popular cut for smaller hands.
The teardrop-shaped pear has both modern and vintage charm. Its unique cut flatters petite hands and lends a larger appearance to smaller carats.
Flattering on long hands, the emerald cut features corner facets and broad flat planes. You'll rarely see this cut in lower grades as inclusions are more obvious in this shape.
Similar to an emerald cut with the brilliance of a round diamond. The radiant cut can range from square to rectangle and is more forgiving of inclusions.
A favorite among royalty for centuries — the cushion shape varies in appearance with a square or rectangular shape and soft, rounded corners.
A graceful shape with curved sides and pointed ends. A marquise diamond can appear larger face-up while making fingers look long and slender.
This contemporary cut adapts well to a variety of settings. It has pointed corners and a modified brilliant facet arrangement that offers exceptional sparkle.
A modified round brilliant cut and the most romantic diamond shape. The cut must be exact with perfect symmetry, proportions and a well-defined outline.
An Art-Deco inspired shape often referred to as the "square emerald cut." It features a stepped square cut and cropped corners.