Diamond Glossary

There are many terms used to describe diamonds and the many unique qualities they have. To assist you in understanding these sometimes technical terms, Odimo.com has compiled these definitions for you.

4C's Diamonds are graded and priced according to what is universally referred to as the "4C's". They are Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight. Visit Choosing the Right Diamond in our Education section for more information.

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Appraisal
A written estimate of the approximate retail replacement value of diamond jewelry, which may be used for insurance coverage or other purposes.

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B
Bezel Facet
Facet located on the Crown of a diamond. See illustration at the top of this page.

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C
Carat Weight
One of the 4C's. Unit of weight for diamonds and other gemstones. 100 points equal one Carat. One carat equals one-fifth of a gram. Visit Choosing the Right Diamond in our Education section for more information.

Certification
The measurement and description of a diamond in written form by an independent laboratory such as the AGI, AGS or IGI.

Clarity
One of the 4C's. A description of the quantity, size and location of small flaws, or inclusions, present in a diamond. The accepted GIA grading system for measuring a diamond's clarity ranges from "flawless" or F1 to "included" or I3 (which is very obvious, even to the naked eye). Visit Choosing the Right Diamond in our Education section for more information.

Color
One of the 4C's. A description of the absence or presence of color in a diamond. Generally speaking, the less color a diamond is, the more valuable it is. Color is evaluated by comparing it to the Gemological Institute of America's color scale (called a Master-set), which rates the visible amount of body color as seen through the side of the diamond.

This grading system is a series of letters, each letter marking a different grade of color. Diamonds with a color grade of D, E or F are considered colorless; G, H, I and J are near colorless; K, L and M have a faint yellow tint; N, O, P, Q and R have a very light yellow tint and S, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are light yellow. Visit Choosing the Right Diamond in our Education section for more information.

Crown
Top section of a diamond that comprises the Table, Star Facet, Bezel Facet and Upper Girdle Facet. See illustration at the top of this page.

Culet
The point on the bottom of a diamond's Pavilion. See illustration at the top of this page.

Cut
One of the 4C's. A diamond's Cut refers to the geometric proportions to which a diamond is cut (usually by a master diamond cutter with many years of experience). Once the diamond's shape has been determined, facets are cut. It is these facets that refract light like a prism and produce the stone's fire and brilliance. Visit Choosing the Right Diamond in our Education section for more information.

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D
Depth
The distance from the Table (top) of a diamond to its Culet (bottom).

Depth Percentage
Measurement of a diamond's depth, relative to its diameter. A diamond's depth is measured from its Table (top) to its Culet (bottom). Visit Choosing the Right Diamond in our Education section for more information.

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E
EGL
European Gemological Laboratory. An independent laboratory that grades diamond quality and provides a certificate along with each stone they grade.

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F
Facet
The flat planes or surfaces on a diamond. Each facet must be cut in exact geometric relation to the others to create the most fire and brilliance.

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G
GIA
Gemological Institute of America. Established in 1931 as the nonprofit educational resource for the gem and jewelry industry, the GIA is the universally accepted authority on diamonds. It is an independent laboratory that grades diamond quality and provides a certificate along with each stone they grade.

Girdle
The outermost edge of a diamond that sits in the setting. See illustration at the top of this page.

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H
I
IGI
International Gemological Institute. One of the leading gemological institutions in the world. The IGI is an independent laboratory that grades diamond quality and provides a certificate along with each stone they grade.

Inclusion
A small flaw inside a diamond or on its surface. The fewer inclusions, the rarer the diamond and the greater its value.

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J
K
L
M
Mounting or Setting
The part of a ring that holds the diamond or diamonds. Usually made of gold or platinum.

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N
O
P
Pavilion
Lower part of a diamond that comprises the Lower Girdle Facet, Pavilion Facet and Culet. See illustration at the top of this page.

Points
Each Carat in a diamond's weight is divided into 100 parts, called "points." A 1-Carat diamond has 100 points, a ¾ Carat has 75 points, etc. Points in a fraction of one Carat are measured within ranges, so that a ¾ Carat diamond may have between .69 and .82 points and still be considered a ¾ Carat. Visit Choosing the Right Diamond in our Education section for more information.

Prong
One of several claw-like wires used to hold a diamond in place.

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Q
R
S
Setting or Mounting
The part of a ring that holds the diamond or diamonds. Usually made of gold or platinum.

Shape
Description of the shape of a diamond (as opposed to its Cut). Common diamond shapes are brilliant, oval, heart, marquise, pear, radiant, emerald and princess. Visit Choosing the Right Diamond in our Education section for more information.

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T
Table
The large, flat facet on the top of a diamond. See illustration at the top of this page.

Table Percentage
A measurement of a diamond's table size, relative to its entire surface area at the top of the stone.

U
V
W
X
Y
Z

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