Diamonds are graded according to the four "Cs" as established by the Gemological Institute of America--cut, clarity, carat, and color. The cut identifies the way the diamond has been shaped. Facets are used to create different shapes and to intensify the brilliance of the diamond. Some of the popular diamond shapes include heart, princess, marquise, emerald, pear, oval, baguette, and round. The cut can impact the appearance and make a diamond look larger than it is in reality. The clarity of a diamond identifies the amount of flaws or inclusions in the stone. The determination ranges from flawless, to VVS (very, very slight), VS (very slight), and SI (slightly included). The higher the clarity rating, the more expensive the diamond. Likewise, the more carat weight in a diamond, the higher the price will be. Color is the fourth determination in the value of a diamond. In fact, the lack of color in a diamond is the most expensive of diamonds. Raw diamonds often have flaws or inclusions that result in a slight discoloration. On the other hand, when the color reaches a certain intensity, the result is a brilliantly colored diamond known as fancy colored diamonds. Brown diamonds should be carefully evaluated to determine if the color is a result of flaws in the stone, or if the diamond has been color-enhanced. Some of the enhancement techniques are so sophisticated that it is impossible to know if the stone is a naturally colored stone or color enhanced. A certificate of authenticity should accompany any naturally brown diamond purchase to avoid the possibility of paying the higher natural colored stone price for a brown diamond that has been color enhanced.
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