The numbers, sizes, colors, locations and visibility of any inclusions and / or blemishes in diamonds can also effect the grades, ratings and quality of diamonds. This page details the ratings systems and charts relating to diamond clarity, color grading and ratings for white or colorless diamonds, carat weight and a diamond fluorescence ratings and grading chart.

Ratings, Reports and Certificates
Many diamond rating reports provide facts and information relating to the quality of the diamond you have purchased and various ratings of the diamond. A typical diamond grading report details the quality elements of Carat Weight, Size, symmetry and proportions, Clarity Grade, Color Rating and Fluorescence. But having obtained a certificate would you understand the meaning of a rating or grading report which stated that the diamond was clarity VS2 and the color E with a faint level of fluorescence? All the diamond ratings and grading charts are detailed below to help you through the minefield of buying diamonds!

Diamonds are Forever...

The Diamond Clarity Ratings
An important factor in diamond ratings is the Clarity of a diamond which relates to exactly how clear a diamond is and describes the presence, or absence, of Diamond Inclusions (flaws) within the diamond and any blemishes on its surface. The numbers, sizes, colors, locations and visibility of any inclusions or blemishes can effect the clarity and ratings of a diamond. As the majority of inclusions cannot be seen by the naked eye they are located by a jeweller under a 10 power magnification and then graded and rated according to their clarity. Ratings systems have been developed to grade diamond clarity ranging from high quality, rare and expensive flawless to imperfect and cheap diamonds, as detailed on the following ratings chart:

Ratings Abbreviation - Ratings Descriptions -  Details of Clarity - Ratings, Cost & Quality

F - Flawless - No internal or external flaws - Very Rare and Expensive

IF - Internally Flawless - No internal flaws - Rare and Expensive

VVS1 - Very, Very Small Inclusions Level 1 - Very Difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification - Expensive

VVS2 - Very, Very Small Inclusions Level 2 - Difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification - Less Expensive

VS - Very Small Inclusions - Inclusions are noticeable to a jeweller under 10x magnification - ↓

VS1 - Very Small Inclusions Level 1 - Inclusions are noticeable to a jeweller under 10x magnification - ↓

VS2 - Very Small Inclusions Level 2 - Inclusions are noticeable to a jeweller under 10x magnification - ↓

SI - Small Inclusions - Inclusions are easily seen to a jeweller under 10x magnification - ↓

SI1 - Small Inclusions Level 1 - Inclusions are easily seen under 10x magnification but not visible to naked eye - ↓

SI2 - Small Inclusions Level 2 - Inclusions are easily seen under 10x magnification but not visible to naked eye - ↓

LI - Large Inclusions - Inclusions are visible to naked eye but minimum loss of brilliance - ↓

LI1 - Large Inclusions Level 1 - Larger Inclusions visible to naked eye with small loss of brilliance - ↓

LI2 - Large Inclusions Level 2 - Larger Inclusions visible to naked eye with dulling of brilliance - ↓

LI3 - Large Inclusions Level 3 - Larger Inclusions visible to naked eye with brilliance diminished - Cheapest

Color, Fluorescence and Ratings
The Color ratings relate to rarity, value and quality of a diamond. The most popular color is white, or colorless, which are rated in the following categories: Colorless, Nearly colorless, Faintly tinted (usually yellow), Lightly tinted (usually yellow) and Tinted (usually yellow but may progress to brownish). The color scale ratings for colorless diamonds goes from 'D' (colorless) to 'Z' (dark yellow). For more facts and information check out the details contained in the following link: Diamond Color. The amount of yellowish color decreases the value of a "colorless" stone.

Color -  Diamond Color Scale or Grading

Near Colorless G H I J - Grade G, Grade H, Grade I, Grade J - ↓

Very Light Yellow N O P R  - Grade N, Grade O, Grade P, Grade R - ↓

Diamond Fluorescence Chart / Ratings
Many diamond ratings reports confirm whether or not a diamond fluoresces, and if it does, the level of the effect varying from none, faint, slight, moderate, strong or extreme. The strength of fluorescence in diamonds is described in the following ratings chart by specific abbreviations:

Diamond Fluorescence Ratings Chart

The Carat Weight and Ratings
There are no actual ratings in relation to carat weight but the subject should be researched before purchasing a diamond because the price of a diamond does not increase in proportion to the weight of a diamond! The Carat Weight defines the weight, not the size, of a Diamond. The demand for a 1 carat diamond is very high and consequently, the price of a highest quality 1 carat  diamond will cost significantly more than an equivalent diamond quality weighing 0.95 carats. For additional facts and information about Carat Weight please click the following link:

The Ratings of Diamonds
The Ratings of diamonds is influenced by the Cut, Clarity, Color and Fluorescence. Remember that "Power flows from he who knows" so check out all of the facts and information to understand the ratings of diamonds before you buy.

Diamonds - Precious - Stone - Guide - Ratings - Color - Facts - Information -Info
Jewelry - Jewellery - Cost - Settings - Shapes - Cut - Clarity
Fluorescence - Ratings - Carat Weight