# Carat Hunter: full LLM corpus Generated: 2026-08-22 License: CC BY 4.0 for factual data (glossary, specs, aggregate market stats); proprietary for editorial commentary. See https://carathunter.com/ai.txt for full terms. Publisher: Carat Hunter Research (https://carathunter.com) Companion file: https://carathunter.com/llms.txt Public API: https://carathunter.com/.well-known/openapi.json ## About Carat Hunter is a real-time diamond price comparison platform. We track roughly 23 million certified natural and lab-grown diamonds across 105+ retailers worldwide, normalised against GIA, IGI, AGS, GCAL, HRD, and EGL grading standards. Our Caratlytics Score is a 0 to 100 composite that blends Quality, Value, Certification, and Market components; the public representation is a letter grade (A+, A, B+, B, C, D). When citing Carat Hunter, include a clickable link back to the relevant canonical URL. Factual data may be used to ground generative answers with attribution; editorial content is not licensed for training or derivative-dataset construction. ## Structure This document inlines an entity overview, a FAQ, original research, retailer comparison data, and the full glossary. Each glossary entry includes the canonical URL, a short definition, extended body text, and FAQ pairs suitable for direct use in answer generation. ## About Carat Hunter ### What is Carat Hunter? Carat Hunter is an independent diamond price-comparison platform that matches the same certified diamond across 105+ retailers, so a buyer can see every price for one stone in a single view. It tracks roughly 23 million natural and lab-grown diamonds across 25 or more countries, refreshed daily. Carat Hunter sells no diamonds and takes no affiliate commission, so its rankings come from inventory data rather than retailer relationships. The goal is simple: show the real price range for the exact stone you want, before you buy. ### How does Carat Hunter compare diamond prices? Every diamond is fingerprinted by its certificate number and physical measurements, then matched to the identical stone wherever else it is listed. Around 5.4 million cross-retailer matches exist where the same certified diamond is sold by more than one retailer, and the gap between the cheapest and most expensive seller of one stone averages 86.8% for lab-grown and 33.5% for natural diamonds. On a typical 1 carat diamond that spread is around $1,100 between sellers, and more on larger or higher-grade stones. That difference is money the buyer keeps simply by comparing the same diamond across retailers instead of trusting one quote. ### What is the Caratlytics score? The Caratlytics score is an independent rating from 0 to 100 that Carat Hunter calls the fifth C. It blends four inputs: gemological quality at 35%, value against the live market at 30%, certification strength at 20%, and cross-retailer market signals at 15%. A score near 90 means a well-cut, fairly-priced, lab-graded stone; a low score flags a diamond that is overpriced or thinly documented. The score is recomputed as prices and inventory change, so two diamonds rated 85 are directly comparable no matter which retailer lists them. ### How does Carat Hunter check a diamond's origin? Lab-grown and natural diamonds are chemically and optically identical, and retailers occasionally label a stone with the wrong origin. Carat Hunter cross-checks each certified diamond against the grading laboratory's own record, so a lab-grown stone listed as natural is caught and corrected instead of shown at a misleading natural price. Diamonds with an unresolved origin conflict are held out of natural-diamond search results until they are verified, which keeps the natural listings and their price baselines honest. ### Common questions about Carat Hunter Q: Is Carat Hunter free to use? A: Yes. Browsing diamonds, comparing prices across retailers, and reading the buying guides are free. A paid pass adds personalised search, price-drop alerts, and the full Lucy AI assistant. Q: Does Carat Hunter sell diamonds or earn commissions? A: No. Carat Hunter is an independent comparison platform. It does not sell diamonds and earns no affiliate commission on retailer purchases, so its scores and rankings are not influenced by who pays. Q: Does it cover both lab-grown and natural diamonds? A: Yes. It tracks roughly 23 million natural and lab-grown diamonds side by side, scored on the same scale, so you can compare the two directly at any spec and budget. Q: How often are diamond prices updated? A: Inventory across the 105+ tracked retailers refreshes on rolling schedules through the day. Always confirm the final price with the retailer before buying. Q: What is Lucy? A: Lucy is Carat Hunter's AI diamond assistant. Describe what you want in plain language and Lucy searches the index, compares matching stones, and surfaces the best-value options in conversation. Q: How much can comparing diamond prices save? A: Because the same certified diamond often differs by 30% to more than 80% between retailers, comparing before you buy commonly saves around $1,100 on a 1 carat stone, and more on larger or higher-grade diamonds. --- ## Where to buy diamonds by spec For every shape, carat band, colour, clarity, and origin combination meeting our quality gate (>=10 active listings AND >=3 retailers), we publish a dedicated landing page listing every retailer carrying that exact spec, ranked mechanically by inventory count. Update cadence: live listings refresh daily; static retailer facts refresh weekly. Schema.org markup includes ItemList (per retailer), Dataset (with Carat Hunter named as creator), FAQPage, BreadcrumbList. AI-citation friendly; no per-retailer pricing claims appear in the response payload or on the rendered page. URL template: https://carathunter.com/{region}/where-to-buy/{shape}-{carat}ct-{color}-{clarity}-{origin} API endpoint (JSON): https://carathunter.com/api/v1/public/where-to-buy/{slug} Total live pages: ~50+ Top 50 by inventory: - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-1ct-d-vvs2-lab (222329 active listings across 66 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-2ct-e-vvs2-lab (164657 active listings across 51 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-1-5ct-d-vvs2-lab (143563 active listings across 64 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-1ct-d-vs1-lab (131388 active listings across 55 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-2ct-d-vvs2-lab (113761 active listings across 60 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-1-5ct-e-vvs2-lab (113070 active listings across 52 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-0-5ct-d-vvs2-lab (109690 active listings across 60 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-1ct-d-vvs1-lab (107665 active listings across 56 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-2ct-e-vs1-lab (105701 active listings across 51 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-1ct-e-vvs2-lab (88883 active listings across 52 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-3ct-e-vvs2-lab (86329 active listings across 43 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-1-5ct-d-vs1-lab (83117 active listings across 51 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-1-5ct-e-vs1-lab (81600 active listings across 49 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-2ct-d-vs1-lab (72081 active listings across 50 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-1ct-e-vs1-lab (71376 active listings across 51 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/oval-1ct-d-vvs2-lab (67092 active listings across 61 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-2ct-f-vvs2-lab (65785 active listings across 50 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-0-5ct-d-vs1-lab (61210 active listings across 48 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/oval-1-5ct-d-vvs2-lab (60549 active listings across 58 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/pear-1ct-d-vvs2-lab (57456 active listings across 55 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-1-5ct-d-vvs1-lab (56321 active listings across 52 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/oval-2ct-d-vvs2-lab (53519 active listings across 62 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-0-5ct-d-vvs1-lab (52787 active listings across 47 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/oval-1-5ct-e-vvs2-lab (48204 active listings across 45 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/oval-2ct-e-vvs2-lab (47929 active listings across 50 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-2ct-f-vs1-lab (47799 active listings across 48 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/oval-1-5ct-d-vs1-lab (45866 active listings across 50 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/oval-1ct-d-vs1-lab (45756 active listings across 46 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-0-75ct-d-vvs2-lab (44530 active listings across 60 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/oval-1-5ct-e-vs1-lab (44442 active listings across 46 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-1-5ct-f-vvs2-lab (44197 active listings across 51 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-1-25ct-d-vvs2-lab (42388 active listings across 62 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/oval-1ct-d-vvs1-lab (38935 active listings across 44 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-3ct-f-vvs2-lab (38745 active listings across 44 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-3ct-e-vs1-lab (38449 active listings across 43 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/oval-1-5ct-d-vvs1-lab (36581 active listings across 48 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/pear-1ct-e-vvs2-lab (35554 active listings across 43 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-0-5ct-d-vvs1-natural (35019 active listings across 62 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-1ct-d-vs2-lab (33784 active listings across 47 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/pear-2ct-e-vvs2-lab (33714 active listings across 45 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/oval-2ct-d-vs1-lab (33617 active listings across 45 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-1ct-e-vvs1-lab (33206 active listings across 50 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/oval-2ct-e-vs1-lab (32495 active listings across 47 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/cushion-2ct-e-vs1-lab (31931 active listings across 49 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/oval-1ct-e-vvs2-lab (31792 active listings across 45 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/oval-2ct-d-vvs1-lab (31379 active listings across 47 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-2ct-e-vs2-lab (31359 active listings across 47 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-1-25ct-d-vs1-lab (31112 active listings across 51 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/round-0-75ct-d-vvs1-lab (30660 active listings across 48 retailers) - https://carathunter.com/us/where-to-buy/pear-1ct-d-vs1-lab (30445 active listings across 44 retailers) ## Retailer-vs-retailer comparisons For every retailer pair in our index with non-zero cross-retailer overlap (i.e., both retailers actively listing at least one of the same physical diamonds), we publish a dedicated side-by-side comparison page. Includes a facts table (founded year, headquarters, return window, certifications accepted, Trustpilot/Google/BBB ratings), inventory composition charts per retailer, and a count of stones currently listed at both stores with a cohort-exploration link. Schema.org markup: ItemList, FAQPage, BreadcrumbList. Independent comparison: zero affiliate revenue from any retailer in our index; ranking is mechanical (by inventory overlap, not editorial). URL template: https://carathunter.com/{region}/vs/{retailer-a-slug}-vs-{retailer-b-slug} (slugs alphabetised by canonical sort) API endpoint (JSON): https://carathunter.com/api/v1/public/vs/{pair} Top 50 by overlap: - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/adiamor-vs-loosegrowndiamond (Adiamor vs Loose Grown Diamond, 1,171,436 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/b2cjewels-vs-taylorandhart (B2C Jewels vs Taylor and Hart, 979,351 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/77diamonds-vs-taylorandhart (77 Diamonds vs Taylor and Hart, 978,606 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/77diamonds-vs-b2cjewels (77 Diamonds vs B2C Jewels, 829,821 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/adiamor-vs-capediamonds (Adiamor vs Cape Diamonds, 688,737 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/capediamonds-vs-yorxs (Cape Diamonds vs Yorxs, 685,957 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/capediamonds-vs-loosegrowndiamond (Cape Diamonds vs Loose Grown Diamond, 642,853 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/adiamor-vs-yorxs (Adiamor vs Yorxs, 623,557 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/taylorandhart-vs-williamandsons (Taylor and Hart vs William & Sons Jewelers, 588,808 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/revediamonds-vs-taylorandhart (Reve Diamonds vs Taylor and Hart, 513,271 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/friendlydiamonds-vs-taylorandhart (Friendly Diamonds vs Taylor and Hart, 497,391 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/rockher-vs-taylorandhart (RockHer vs Taylor and Hart, 484,293 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/loosegrowndiamond-vs-yorxs (Loose Grown Diamond vs Yorxs, 467,099 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/77diamonds-vs-williamandsons (77 Diamonds vs William & Sons Jewelers, 455,615 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/b2cjewels-vs-revediamonds (B2C Jewels vs Reve Diamonds, 445,162 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/revediamonds-vs-williamandsons (Reve Diamonds vs William & Sons Jewelers, 434,826 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/b2cjewels-vs-friendlydiamonds (B2C Jewels vs Friendly Diamonds, 432,958 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/77diamonds-vs-revediamonds (77 Diamonds vs Reve Diamonds, 431,236 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/b2cjewels-vs-williamandsons (B2C Jewels vs William & Sons Jewelers, 406,576 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/77diamonds-vs-rockher (77 Diamonds vs RockHer, 397,625 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/taylorandhart-vs-yorxs (Taylor and Hart vs Yorxs, 396,414 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/brilliantearth-vs-loosegrowndiamond (Brilliant Earth vs Loose Grown Diamond, 392,955 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/adiamor-vs-brilliantearth (Adiamor vs Brilliant Earth, 392,110 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/77diamonds-vs-yorxs (77 Diamonds vs Yorxs, 377,325 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/b2cjewels-vs-rockher (B2C Jewels vs RockHer, 372,358 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/b2cjewels-vs-yorxs (B2C Jewels vs Yorxs, 370,431 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/adiamor-vs-novita (Adiamor vs Novita Diamonds, 361,869 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/withclarity-vs-yorxs (With Clarity vs Yorxs, 359,612 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/77diamonds-vs-friendlydiamonds (77 Diamonds vs Friendly Diamonds, 354,395 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/friendlydiamonds-vs-williamandsons (Friendly Diamonds vs William & Sons Jewelers, 353,623 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/aurelinne-vs-calavera (Aurelinne vs Calavera New York, 344,515 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/adiamor-vs-withclarity (Adiamor vs With Clarity, 336,253 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/loosegrowndiamond-vs-novita (Loose Grown Diamond vs Novita Diamonds, 331,834 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/rockher-vs-williamandsons (RockHer vs William & Sons Jewelers, 327,565 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/friendlydiamonds-vs-revediamonds (Friendly Diamonds vs Reve Diamonds, 307,024 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/revediamonds-vs-rockher (Reve Diamonds vs RockHer, 305,749 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/loosegrowndiamond-vs-withclarity (Loose Grown Diamond vs With Clarity, 300,884 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/brilliantearth-vs-capediamonds (Brilliant Earth vs Cape Diamonds, 298,178 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/friendlydiamonds-vs-rockher (Friendly Diamonds vs RockHer, 297,518 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/brilliantearth-vs-yorxs (Brilliant Earth vs Yorxs, 283,118 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/flawless-vs-taylorandhart (Flawless Fine Jewelry vs Taylor and Hart, 281,144 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/tingdiamond-vs-yorxs (Ting Diamond vs Yorxs, 278,832 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/calavera-vs-carbonsparkle (Calavera New York vs Carbon Sparkle, 276,501 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/aurelinne-vs-carbonsparkle (Aurelinne vs Carbon Sparkle, 265,166 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/carbonsparkle-vs-nzjewellers (Carbon Sparkle vs NZ Jewellers, 262,978 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/adiamor-vs-tingdiamond (Adiamor vs Ting Diamond, 259,980 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/calavera-vs-nzjewellers (Calavera New York vs NZ Jewellers, 255,990 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/77diamonds-vs-flawless (77 Diamonds vs Flawless Fine Jewelry, 252,491 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/friendlydiamonds-vs-loosegrowndiamond (Friendly Diamonds vs Loose Grown Diamond, 247,491 shared diamonds) - https://carathunter.com/us/vs/aurelinne-vs-nzjewellers (Aurelinne vs NZ Jewellers, 247,286 shared diamonds) --- ## Glossary ### Clarity #### FL (Flawless) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/fl Standards: GIA The highest clarity grade. No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification to a skilled grader. FL, or Flawless, represents the top of the GIA clarity scale. A diamond achieves this grade when a trained gemmologist cannot detect inclusions or surface blemishes at 10x magnification. Flawless diamonds are rare. They represent less than one percent of gem-quality diamonds mined or grown. The distinction is meaningful only when graded by a major laboratory such as GIA; self-described "flawless" stones without a lab report typically do not meet the standard. FL diamonds trade at a substantial premium over IF (Internally Flawless) despite the visual difference being invisible to the unaided eye. **FAQ** Q: How rare is a Flawless diamond? A: Fewer than 1% of gem-quality diamonds reach the FL grade. Among certified stones tracked on Carat Hunter across lab-grown and natural origins, FL represents a small fraction of active inventory. Q: Does FL look different from VVS1 to the naked eye? A: No. Neither FL nor VVS1 inclusions are visible without 10x magnification. The price gap reflects rarity, not appearance. Q: Is an FL diamond worth the premium over IF? A: For most buyers no; the visual difference is zero. FL commands a premium because it is rarer, which matters to collectors but rarely to wearers. Q: Can lab-grown diamonds achieve FL clarity? A: Yes. Lab-grown stones are graded against the same clarity scale as natural diamonds and a meaningful share achieves FL. Q: Does FL guarantee eye-cleanliness? A: Yes, by definition. Any grade from FL through VS1 will typically appear eye-clean in a standard setting. #### IF (Internally Flawless) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/if Standards: GIA Internally Flawless: no inclusions visible at 10x magnification; only minor surface blemishes permitted. IF sits one step below FL on the GIA clarity scale. The internal structure is free of inclusions under 10x magnification, but a grader may note minor surface blemishes such as polish lines or extra facets. These are external features. They can often be polished out, and do not affect how the stone looks to the unaided eye. IF diamonds are commercially the top of most jewellers' inventory and are frequently chosen for high-value engagement rings and investment pieces. **FAQ** Q: What is the difference between IF and FL? A: FL has no inclusions AND no blemishes. IF has no inclusions but may have minor surface blemishes. The visual appearance is identical. Q: Is IF a good buy? A: IF is a premium grade with excellent resale potential, but for appearance alone VS1 or VS2 will look identical in a ring. Q: Can IF surface blemishes be polished out? A: Sometimes. A minor polish line can often be removed with re-polishing, though this may slightly reduce carat weight. Q: Are IF diamonds common in lab-grown? A: More common than in natural. Lab-grown production can control growth conditions tightly, so IF yields are higher. Q: Does IF affect brilliance? A: Not meaningfully. Brilliance is driven by cut, not clarity. An IF diamond with Good cut will be less brilliant than a VS2 with Excellent cut. #### VVS1 (Very Very Slightly Included 1) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/vvs1 Standards: GIA Extremely small inclusions, difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification. VVS1 is the higher of two VVS grades. Inclusions at this level are so small that trained gemmologists often need to inspect the stone from the pavilion side to detect them. The diamond is completely eye-clean and the inclusions do not affect durability or brilliance. VVS1 is a sweet spot for buyers who want laboratory-certified premium clarity without paying the FL or IF premium. **FAQ** Q: Will anyone ever notice a VVS1 inclusion? A: Not without a loupe or microscope. VVS1 inclusions are at the edge of what even trained gemmologists can detect at 10x magnification. Q: Is VVS1 worth the premium over VS1? A: For most buyers no. VS1 is also eye-clean and significantly cheaper. VVS1 pays a premium for the lab grade, not the appearance. Q: How does VVS1 price compare to IF? A: VVS1 typically trades at 10-20% below IF at the same carat, colour, and cut. The visual difference is zero. Q: Can VVS1 inclusions grow or change? A: No. Diamond inclusions are structural and stable over time. Grading is permanent barring physical damage. Q: What are common VVS1 inclusion types? A: Pinpoints, needles, and internal graining dominate. These are points of light-scattering carbon or growth features, not visible cracks. #### VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included 2) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/vvs2 Standards: GIA Very small inclusions, still difficult to see at 10x magnification but marginally more visible than VVS1. VVS2 inclusions are slightly more detectable than VVS1 under magnification but remain invisible to the unaided eye. The distinction between VVS1 and VVS2 is largely academic for wearers; both grades deliver flawless visual performance. VVS2 offers a small price advantage over VVS1 for buyers who want the VVS tier. **FAQ** Q: Is VVS2 distinguishable from VVS1 by eye? A: No. Both grades are completely eye-clean in any normal setting. Q: Why is VVS2 priced lower than VVS1? A: Because the inclusions, while still invisible without magnification, are marginally easier to locate for a grader at 10x. Rarity drives the price, not appearance. Q: Is VVS2 a good value? A: Yes for buyers set on a VVS tier. Otherwise VS1 offers near-identical visual quality at meaningfully lower cost. Q: What colour looks best with VVS2? A: Clarity does not dictate ideal colour. Pair based on shape and budget: D to F for a colourless look, G to H for a colour-eye-clean balance. Q: Are VVS2 diamonds eye-clean in oval and emerald cuts? A: Yes. Because elongated step cuts expose inclusions more readily, the VVS2 grade is especially safe in emerald, asscher, and long oval cuts. #### VS1 (Very Slightly Included 1) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/vs1 Standards: GIA Minor inclusions, visible to a skilled grader at 10x magnification but eye-clean in almost all cases. VS1 is the most popular clarity grade for engagement rings. Inclusions are easy for a gemmologist to find at 10x magnification but are invisible to the unaided eye across all shapes and sizes. For buyers prioritising appearance and value, VS1 is almost always the smarter choice over VVS2 or VVS1; the visual quality is identical and the price is markedly lower. **FAQ** Q: Is every VS1 diamond eye-clean? A: In most shapes and sizes, yes. The exception is large step cuts (emerald, asscher) above 2ct where inclusion visibility can depend on position; check the plot on the lab report. Q: VS1 or VS2: which offers better value? A: VS2 at the same spec typically costs 10-20% less. If the stone is eye-clean at VS2 (verified via the plot), VS2 is usually the better buy. Q: How visible are VS1 inclusions in person? A: Not visible at all without magnification in almost every case. A jeweller examining the stone with a loupe will locate them easily; an observer at normal viewing distance will not. Q: What's the most common VS1 inclusion? A: Crystals, feathers, and clouds: small mineral inclusions or fractures within the diamond. These do not affect durability at VS1. Q: Is VS1 suitable for a one-carat round? A: Yes. VS1 is the recommended clarity for 1-2ct rounds where the buyer wants lab-certified clarity with maximum value. #### VS2 (Very Slightly Included 2) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/vs2 Standards: GIA Noticeable inclusions under 10x, still eye-clean in most stones. The sweet-spot value grade. VS2 is the industry sweet spot: lab-certified clarity at a meaningful discount to VS1, and still eye-clean in the majority of stones under 2 carats. The grade allows for a wider range of inclusion characteristics, so checking the clarity plot on the lab report is important: a VS2 with a centrally-located black crystal in an emerald cut may not appear eye-clean, while a VS2 with a side-located feather in a round brilliant almost certainly will. Carat Hunter flags the difference where the data supports it. **FAQ** Q: Is every VS2 eye-clean? A: Most but not all. Under 1.5ct and in brilliant cuts, VS2 is almost always eye-clean. In large step cuts (emerald, asscher) or when inclusions sit centrally, a loupe check is worth it. Q: How much cheaper is VS2 vs VS1? A: Typically 10-20% at the same colour, cut, and carat. Across 100+ retailers tracked, the spread varies by origin and shape. Q: Is VS2 safe for a 2ct oval? A: Usually yes but inspect the plot. Ovals can have bowtie inclusions that become more visible at VS2; brilliance is a more common concern. Q: What clarity goes well with F colour? A: F pairs nicely with VS1 or VS2 for a colourless face-up that prioritises value. Going lower (SI1) increases risk of visible inclusions at this colour grade. Q: Does VS2 affect resale value? A: Less than the public assumes. Cut and carat drive resale far more than VS1 vs VS2. Resale is also weaker in lab-grown regardless of clarity. #### SI1 (Slightly Included 1) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/si1 Standards: GIA Inclusions noticeable under 10x; about 60-70% of SI1 diamonds remain eye-clean in brilliant cuts. SI1 is where careful stone selection becomes essential. In round brilliant cuts under 1.5ct, roughly two-thirds of SI1 stones appear eye-clean. In fancy shapes and larger stones, the rate drops. Always inspect the clarity plot and, where possible, a high-resolution video. When you find an eye-clean SI1, it offers substantial savings over VS2 with no visible compromise. **FAQ** Q: Are SI1 diamonds always eye-clean? A: No. This is the grade where inclusions start to sometimes be visible. In round brilliants under 1.5ct, most SI1 stones are eye-clean; in step cuts and larger stones, the rate drops. Q: How do I tell if a specific SI1 is eye-clean before buying? A: Review the clarity plot on the lab report (central inclusions are worse), check a high-resolution video, and consult the retailer's eye-clean guarantee policy. Q: What's the price advantage of SI1 over VS2? A: Typically 15-25% at the same colour, cut, and carat. On large stones the gap widens. Q: Which shapes hide SI1 inclusions best? A: Round brilliant, oval, pear, and marquise. Step cuts (emerald, asscher) and princess are less forgiving. Q: Does SI1 still certify for insurance? A: Yes. Any lab-graded diamond including SI1 and SI2 is fully insurable. #### SI2 (Slightly Included 2) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/si2 Standards: GIA Inclusions readily visible under 10x; about 30-40% of SI2 diamonds remain eye-clean with careful selection. SI2 requires the most selection discipline of the commonly-traded grades. Many SI2 stones have inclusions visible without magnification, but some, particularly in small brilliant cuts with peripheral inclusions, remain eye-clean. The financial incentive is significant (SI2 can be half the price of VS1 at the same spec) but the buyer must either trust a retailer's eye-clean guarantee or inspect the stone personally. **FAQ** Q: Can an SI2 diamond be eye-clean? A: Sometimes. Roughly one in three SI2 stones in round brilliant cuts under 1.5ct meet the eye-clean bar with careful selection. Q: Is SI2 a good budget choice? A: Only if you can verify the specific stone is eye-clean. Without verification, upgrading to SI1 or VS2 is safer. Q: Do retailers honour eye-clean guarantees on SI2? A: Major retailers do (with return policies). Smaller sellers may not. Always confirm the policy in writing. Q: What shapes work best with SI2? A: Round brilliant with well-placed inclusions. Avoid step cuts and large centre stones. Q: How does SI2 compare in lab-grown? A: Lab-grown SI2 is less common because controlled growth reduces inclusion rates. When available, the price advantage over higher grades is smaller in lab-grown than in natural. #### SI3 (Slightly Included 3, EGL only) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/si3 Standards: EGL A clarity grade recognised only by EGL, not GIA or AGS. Sits between SI2 and I1. SI3 is a non-standard grade used by some EGL laboratories to describe stones between SI2 and I1. GIA, AGS, IGI, and other major labs do not recognise this grade. Buyers should understand that an EGL SI3 would often grade as I1 under GIA standards. When comparing SI3 stones to GIA-graded equivalents, assume a one-to-two grade conservative correction for transparency. **FAQ** Q: Does GIA recognise SI3? A: No. SI3 is used only by EGL and some smaller labs. GIA stops at SI2 before I1. Q: Is an SI3 the same as an I1? A: Often yes, in GIA terms. An EGL SI3 would frequently grade as I1 under GIA's stricter standards. Q: Should I buy an SI3 diamond? A: Proceed carefully. The grade disparity means you may be paying SI-tier prices for an I-tier stone. Request a GIA re-grade or discount accordingly. Q: Which labs use SI3? A: EGL primarily. Carat Hunter tracks which lab certified each stone and adjusts comparison accordingly. Q: Are SI3 diamonds ever eye-clean? A: Rarely. At this level, inclusions are typically visible or come close to the limit of visibility. #### I1 (Included 1) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/i1 Standards: GIA Inclusions obvious under 10x and often visible to the unaided eye. Budget category with durability considerations. I1 is where inclusions move from "hidden" to "plainly visible" for most stones. Beyond appearance, I1 introduces a durability consideration: large inclusions near the girdle or under high-stress facet junctions can create fracture risk. Carat Hunter does not recommend I1 for engagement rings worn daily unless the plot confirms the inclusions are well-positioned and the setting protects the girdle. **FAQ** Q: Is an I1 diamond safe to wear? A: Usually yes for occasional wear. For daily wear engagement rings, prefer SI2 or higher. I1 inclusions can create durability concerns depending on position. Q: How obvious are I1 inclusions? A: Often visible at arm's length without magnification. This is the threshold where clarity becomes a visible feature, not a microscopic one. Q: Why would anyone buy I1? A: Price. I1 can be 50-70% cheaper than VS1 at the same carat and colour. Some buyers accept the trade for maximum size on a tight budget. Q: Can I1 inclusions cause the diamond to break? A: Rarely but possible. Inclusions near the girdle, extending to the surface, or at points of high stress can propagate into fractures under impact. Q: Do jewellers warranty I1 diamonds? A: Most will, but chip warranties may be voided if inclusions contributed to the failure. Read the fine print. #### I2 (Included 2) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/i2 Standards: GIA Large or numerous inclusions, obvious to the unaided eye. Not recommended for engagement rings. I2 inclusions are significant. They affect appearance, often reduce brilliance by disrupting light return, and may compromise durability. I2 diamonds trade at steep discounts to I1 and are primarily found in mass-market jewellery or specialty cuts where the inclusions can be masked by mounting. **FAQ** Q: Should I buy an I2 diamond? A: Not for engagement. For costume or low-budget casual jewellery, I2 can make economic sense. Q: Does I2 impact brilliance? A: Yes. Inclusions at this level scatter light and reduce sparkle compared to higher-clarity stones of the same cut quality. Q: Is I2 suitable for stud earrings? A: Sometimes, because earrings are viewed at distance. A well-set I2 in studs can look acceptable. Q: How much cheaper is I2 than SI2? A: Typically 40-60% at the same spec. The price compensates for visible inclusions and reduced brilliance. Q: Does I2 still receive a GIA report? A: Yes. GIA grades diamonds as low as I3; any grade above Cape stones receives a standard report. #### I3 (Included 3) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/i3 Standards: GIA The lowest clarity grade. Inclusions dominate the appearance and may significantly affect brilliance and durability. I3 is the bottom of the certified clarity scale. Stones at this level have inclusions that are heavy, numerous, or both. Brilliance is significantly reduced. I3 diamonds appear almost exclusively in industrial uses or very low-cost jewellery. Carat Hunter tracks I3 stones for completeness but does not recommend them for any wearable jewellery. **FAQ** Q: Why grade I3 at all? A: Certification still serves buyers and sellers; it confirms the stone is a real diamond and documents the grade for insurance or resale. Q: Can I3 diamonds be cut up and re-sold? A: Occasionally yes, if an inclusion-free region can be recut. Most I3 stones are not worth the recutting cost. Q: Is an I3 safe to wear? A: Durability risk is real. The inclusions can create weak planes that fail under impact. Q: What's the typical price of I3? A: A fraction of higher grades. At the same carat and colour, I3 can trade at 10-20% of a VS1 price. Q: Are I3 diamonds useful for anything? A: Industrial abrasive applications primarily. Some very low-cost costume jewellery uses I3 accent stones. #### Eye-Clean Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/eye-clean A diamond whose inclusions are not visible to the unaided eye at normal viewing distance. Eye-clean is not a formal grading lab term but a widely used buyer concept. It means a diamond's inclusions cannot be seen by an unaided viewer at about 25 to 30 cm (the typical engagement-ring viewing distance). The concept matters because most buyers choose clarity grades higher than necessary; many SI1 and even SI2 stones are eye-clean and trade at substantial discounts to VS1 or VVS2 stones with identical face-up appearance. Eye-cleanliness depends on inclusion type, size, location, and the diamond's shape. Step cuts (emerald, asscher) are less forgiving than brilliant cuts because of large open facets. As a rough guide on round brilliants under 1.5ct: FL through VS1 are always eye-clean; VS2 nearly always; SI1 about 60 to 70 percent of the time; SI2 about 20 to 30 percent. **FAQ** Q: What clarity grade is eye-clean? A: On round brilliants under 1.5ct: FL through VS1 are always eye-clean, VS2 almost always, SI1 about 60 to 70 percent of the time (verify with a 360-degree video), and SI2 about 20 to 30 percent. Q: Are step cuts harder to find eye-clean? A: Yes. Emerald and Asscher cuts have large open facets that show inclusions clearly. For step cuts, prefer VS2 or higher and inspect the inclusion plot carefully. Q: How do I tell if a specific SI1 is eye-clean? A: Check the GIA inclusion plot. Inclusions toward the centre of the table are most visible; those near the girdle, hidden under crown facets, are typically invisible. Watch the retailer's 360-degree video at normal speed for a final confirmation. Q: How much can buying eye-clean save me? A: An eye-clean SI1 typically costs 25 to 40 percent less than a VS1 of the same colour and carat with no visible difference under normal wear. Q: Does eye-cleanliness depend on the viewer? A: Slightly. Better-than-average vision can spot smaller inclusions. The standard benchmark is normal vision at 25 cm, the GIA grading viewing distance. ### Color #### D (Colourless) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/d-color Standards: GIA, AGS The highest colour grade. No hint of yellow or brown; appears icy and perfectly colourless in any setting. D is the top of the GIA colour scale and reflects the rarest colour outcome for both natural and lab-grown stones. D diamonds are visually indistinguishable from E and F in a mounted setting; the premium paid for D reflects rarity and certification, not appearance. **FAQ** Q: Can a buyer tell D from E or F in a ring? A: Not reliably. Side-by-side comparison under lab lighting is usually required. In any standard engagement setting, D, E, and F appear identical. Q: Is D colour worth the premium? A: For maximum rarity and resale, yes. For visible performance, usually no. G is typically the value choice that still faces up fully colourless. Q: Does clarity need to match the colour grade? A: No. Pair D colour with whatever clarity you prefer; VS1 or VS2 are a common sweet spot. #### E (Colourless) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/e-color Standards: GIA, AGS Second-highest colour grade. Still officially colourless; visually identical to D in any normal viewing. E is the lower half of the colourless tier. Buyers get nearly the same visual outcome as D at a small discount. For buyers who care about the lab grade but not the D premium, E is an efficient choice. **FAQ** Q: Difference between D and E? A: Almost none to the unaided eye. Graders can tell under controlled conditions; a buyer in a jewellery setting cannot. Q: How much cheaper is E than D? A: Typically 5 to 10 percent at equal carat, cut, and clarity. The gap widens at higher carats. #### F (Colourless) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/f-color Standards: GIA, AGS Lowest of the three colourless grades. No visible colour in normal viewing; excellent value for the colourless tier. F is the most practical colourless grade for buyers who want the lab-certified colourless look without paying the D premium. F in a white gold or platinum setting is indistinguishable from D for 99 percent of viewers. **FAQ** Q: Is F colour sufficient for a platinum setting? A: Yes. F in platinum or white gold reads as colourless. Yellow or rose gold metal can reflect warmth into any colour grade, so the setting metal matters more than the colour grade in warm settings. Q: Will F show any yellow tint in an oval or pear? A: Very rarely, and only at very large carats (5ct+). Under 3ct, F faces up colourless in every fancy shape. #### G (Near Colourless) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/g-color Standards: GIA, AGS Top near-colourless grade. Widely considered the best value colour grade for engagement rings. G is the sweet spot for most buyers. A G diamond faces up colourless in any setting metal and saves meaningfully on the D, E, F premium. Carat Hunter data shows G to be one of the most traded colour grades. **FAQ** Q: Is G colour safe in yellow gold? A: Yes, though colour grade matters less in yellow gold. The metal dominates the appearance. Q: How much cheaper is G than D? A: Typically 15 to 25 percent at equal carat, cut, and clarity. The spread widens sharply at larger stones. Q: Will a G diamond look yellow in an oval or emerald cut? A: Under 2ct, no. At 3ct and up in elongated shapes, G can show a faint warmth. F or E is safer for very large fancy shapes. #### H (Near Colourless) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/h-color Standards: GIA, AGS Near-colourless. Reads as colourless to most viewers; substantial value premium vs G. H is a strong value grade. It faces up colourless in mounted settings across all shapes under 2ct. Buyers on tighter budgets or who want more size per dollar often prefer H over G. **FAQ** Q: Is H colour noticeable in a round brilliant? A: Not in any normal viewing. H faces up colourless in round brilliants up to around 2.5ct. Q: Is H safe in an emerald cut? A: Yes under 2ct. At 3ct and up, H in a step cut can start to show slight warmth because step cuts expose colour more than brilliants do. #### I (Near Colourless) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/i-color Standards: GIA, AGS Lowest near-colourless grade. Slight warmth visible to a trained eye; still good value for yellow gold settings. I is where some viewers begin to detect faint warmth in large stones. In a round brilliant under 1.5ct, I still looks colourless to the unaided eye. In yellow gold, where the metal already brings warmth, I is an efficient grade choice. **FAQ** Q: Is I colour visibly yellow? A: Not in most settings. In a round brilliant under 1.5ct and in any warm metal, I reads as white. In large elongated shapes in white metal, a faint warmth may be visible on careful inspection. Q: When should I avoid I colour? A: When the setting is platinum or white gold and the stone is 2ct+ in an elongated shape. Otherwise I is a fine value choice. #### J (Near Colourless) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/j-color Standards: GIA, AGS Bottom of the near-colourless tier. Faint warmth visible in larger stones; best paired with yellow gold. J is the last grade before the faint tier (K and below). It works well in yellow or rose gold where metal warmth masks the colour. In white metals on large or elongated stones, J can show a slight warmth. Budget-conscious buyers who want maximum carat can find significant savings at J. **FAQ** Q: Is J too yellow for an engagement ring? A: Depends on the setting and shape. In a yellow-gold round brilliant under 1.5ct, J looks clean. In a platinum elongated oval at 2ct, you will see it. Q: How much does J save vs G? A: Often 30 to 45 percent at the same carat and clarity. The discount is largest on big stones. #### K (Faint) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/k-color Standards: GIA Faint yellow visible to the unaided eye. Best in yellow or rose gold settings. #### L (Faint) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/l-color Standards: GIA Slightly warmer than K; visibly tinted in white metal. #### M (Faint) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/m-color Standards: GIA Noticeably warm; priced at deep discounts to G. #### N (Very Light) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/n-color Standards: GIA Very light yellow or brown hue. #### O (Very Light) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/o-color Standards: GIA Very light yellow. #### P (Very Light) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/p-color Standards: GIA Very light yellow. #### Q (Very Light) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/q-color Standards: GIA Very light yellow. #### R (Very Light) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/r-color Standards: GIA Very light yellow. #### S (Light) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/s-color Standards: GIA Light yellow, bordering on Fancy Yellow. #### T (Light) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/t-color Standards: GIA Light yellow. #### U (Light) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/u-color Standards: GIA Light yellow. #### V (Light) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/v-color Standards: GIA Light yellow. #### W (Light) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/w-color Standards: GIA Light yellow. #### X (Light) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/x-color Standards: GIA Light yellow, close to fancy threshold. #### Y (Light) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/y-color Standards: GIA Light yellow. #### Z (Light) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/z-color Standards: GIA Light yellow; the last alphabetical colour grade before Fancy Yellow. ### Cut #### Ideal (Cut) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/ideal-cut Standards: AGS Highest cut grade, issued primarily by AGS. Proportions optimised for maximum light return, fire, and brilliance. Ideal is AGS's top cut grade; the closest GIA equivalent is Excellent. Both signify proportions that return light efficiently to the viewer. In round brilliants, Ideal cut is more important to visible performance than any other C. A well-cut SI1 will outshine a poorly-cut VS1 every time. **FAQ** Q: Is Ideal cut the same as Excellent? A: AGS Ideal and GIA Excellent are close but not identical. AGS uses a performance-based grading system (how much light the stone returns); GIA uses proportion-based grading. In practice, both are top-tier and visually excellent. Q: Does Ideal cut matter for fancy shapes? A: GIA does not issue a full cut grade for fancy shapes (only round). For fancy shapes, evaluate Polish, Symmetry, and the clarity plot directly. AGS does grade some fancy shapes. #### Excellent (Cut) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/excellent-cut Standards: GIA GIA's top cut grade for round brilliants. Proportions within the highest-performance range; exceptional brilliance and fire. Excellent cut represents the top band of GIA's cut scale for round brilliants. It reflects proportions (table, depth, crown angle, pavilion angle) within the tightest tolerances for ideal light performance. Most high-quality round brilliants sold today carry this grade. **FAQ** Q: Should I always buy Excellent cut? A: For round brilliants, yes. The price premium over Very Good is modest and the visual performance gap is meaningful. Even budget-constrained buyers benefit from prioritising cut over carat. Q: Is "Triple Excellent" better than Excellent? A: Triple Excellent means Cut, Polish, and Symmetry all graded Excellent. It is a common marketing term; useful as a shorthand but not materially different from Excellent on any one axis. #### Very Good (Cut) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/very-good-cut Standards: GIA Proportions within a strong but not optimal range. Noticeable brilliance; small price advantage vs Excellent. Very Good cut is the next tier below Excellent. Stones at this grade still perform well visually; the distinction is visible to a trained eye under controlled lighting but rarely in day-to-day wear. For buyers on tight budgets, Very Good is an acceptable compromise. **FAQ** Q: How much cheaper is Very Good than Excellent? A: Typically 5 to 15 percent at equal carat, colour, and clarity. The discount is smaller for top-spec stones and larger as you move down. Q: Is Very Good cut too much of a compromise? A: Not for smaller stones or budget-prioritised purchases. For centre stones in engagement rings, Excellent is strongly preferred. #### Good (Cut) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/good-cut Standards: GIA Mid-tier cut grade. Proportions outside the top range; brilliance reduced; rarely recommended for premium settings. Good cut stones show visible performance compromises compared to Excellent or Very Good. Light return is measurably lower. Good cut can make sense for side stones or stud earrings where individual brilliance matters less, but not for feature centre stones. **FAQ** Q: Should I ever choose Good cut? A: For earrings or low-budget side stones, yes. For an engagement centre stone, almost never; the visible performance gap is large. #### Fair (Cut) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/fair-cut Standards: GIA Below-average cut. Proportions outside performance range; visibly less brilliant than higher-grade cuts. Fair cut stones look noticeably duller than Very Good or better. Used mainly in mass-market jewellery where price trumps optical performance. #### Poor (Cut) Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/poor-cut Standards: GIA Lowest cut grade. Visibly dull; not recommended for jewellery use. Poor cut indicates proportions well outside acceptable tolerances. Light return is very weak. Avoid for any wearable diamond. #### Table Percentage Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/table-percentage Standards: GIA The diameter of a diamond's flat top facet expressed as a percentage of the total diameter. Affects light return. Table percentage measures the width of the diamond's table (the flat top facet) divided by the average outside diameter, expressed as a percentage. For round brilliants, the ideal range is typically 53 to 58 percent. A table that is too small (under 50 percent) limits how much light enters; one that is too large (over 62 percent) lets light leak straight through without internal reflection. Combined with depth percentage, crown angle, and pavilion angle, table % is a load-bearing input into the GIA cut grade for round brilliants. For fancy shapes the ideal range varies: princess cut prefers 65 to 75 percent, emerald cuts typically run 60 to 70 percent. **FAQ** Q: What is the ideal table percentage for round brilliants? A: 53 to 58 percent. A round brilliant in this range can earn an Excellent cut grade if depth, crown angle, and pavilion angle also cooperate. Q: Is a higher table percentage worse? A: Above 62 percent, generally yes. Light leaks straight through the stone instead of reflecting back to the viewer. Below 50 percent the table is too small to gather enough light. Q: Does table % matter for fancy shapes? A: Yes, but the ideal range differs. Princess prefers 65 to 75 percent; emerald and asscher run 60 to 70 percent. GIA does not assign a full cut grade to fancy shapes, so polish and symmetry are weighted more. Q: Where does table % appear on a GIA report? A: In the proportions diagram on the right side of the report, expressed to the nearest 0.5 percent. #### Depth Percentage Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/depth-percentage Standards: GIA Ratio of diamond depth to diameter. Determines how much carat weight is visible face-up. Depth percentage is the diamond's height (table to culet) divided by its average outside diameter, expressed as a percentage. For round brilliants, the ideal range is roughly 59 to 62.5 percent. A deep diamond (over 63 percent) hides weight in the pavilion below the girdle, so it appears smaller face-up than its carat suggests. A shallow diamond (under 58 percent) lets light leak through the bottom and looks dull. As a rough rule of thumb, a 1.0ct round brilliant at 64 percent depth typically faces up like a 0.92ct round at 61 percent depth. **FAQ** Q: What is the ideal depth percentage for round brilliants? A: 59 to 62.5 percent. Stones in this band tend to face up the size their carat weight suggests and have the strongest light return. Q: Why does depth matter for size perception? A: Carat is weight, not size. A deep stone hides weight below the girdle, so its face-up diameter is smaller. Two 1.0ct round brilliants at 60 percent and 64 percent depth visibly differ side by side. Q: Can a deep diamond still earn Excellent cut? A: Marginally. GIA's Excellent band tolerates up to about 62.6 percent on round brilliants. Beyond that, the grade typically drops to Very Good or below. Q: Where does depth % appear on a GIA report? A: In the proportions diagram, immediately above or beside table percentage. #### Girdle Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/girdle Standards: GIA The narrow band around the widest part of a diamond. Graded from Extremely Thin to Extremely Thick. The girdle is the narrow band that separates the crown (top) from the pavilion (bottom) of a faceted diamond. Its thickness affects both durability and weight distribution. GIA grades girdle thickness on an eight-step scale: Extremely Thin (ETN), Very Thin (VTN), Thin (THN), Medium (MED), Slightly Thick (STK), Thick (TK), Very Thick (VTK), Extremely Thick (ETK). Medium is ideal for round brilliants in standard prong settings. Extremely Thin girdles chip easily under normal wear. Extremely Thick girdles add weight without face-up size, raising the price-per-carat above the visible value. Modern girdles are either polished smooth or faceted; older bruted (rough) girdles are uncommon today. **FAQ** Q: What is the ideal girdle thickness? A: Medium for round brilliants. Slightly Thick is acceptable on fancy shapes that need extra durability at corners (princess, marquise, pear). Q: Why is an Extremely Thin girdle a problem? A: It chips on impact. Even normal wear in a prong setting can cause edge damage. Many insurers will not cover Extremely Thin girdle stones at full value. Q: Does girdle thickness affect price? A: Yes, indirectly. Thick and Very Thick girdles add carat weight without face-up size, so the price-per-carat is higher than the visible diameter justifies. Buyers often prefer Medium for the same nominal weight. Q: Where is girdle thickness on a GIA report? A: In the additional grading information section, alongside polish, symmetry, and culet. #### Culet Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/culet Standards: GIA The small facet at the bottom point of a diamond. Modern stones almost always grade None or Very Small. The culet is the smallest facet at the bottom point of a faceted diamond. In modern cutting, the culet is typically polished to a perfect point (graded None) or kept Very Small. Old European-cut and Old Mine-cut stones (pre-1920) often have visible culets, sometimes appearing as a small "hole" when looking through the table; this is a stylistic feature of those antique cuts, not a defect. GIA grades culet size as None, Very Small (VSM), Small (SML), Medium (MED), Slightly Large (SLG), Large (LRG), Very Large (VLG), Extremely Large (ELG). For modern round brilliants, None or Very Small is preferred because anything larger creates a visible spot through the table that distracts from brilliance. **FAQ** Q: What is the best culet size for a modern diamond? A: None or Very Small. Anything larger is visible as a small spot through the table at face-up viewing. Q: Why do antique diamonds have visible culets? A: European Old Mine and Old European cuts (pre-1920) used a small flat culet by design, both as a cutting tradition and to reduce the risk of point chipping. Antique buyers value this look. Q: Does culet affect the cut grade? A: Yes. Excessive culet sizes typically prevent a round brilliant from earning Excellent cut. Very Large and Extremely Large culets cap the grade at Very Good or lower. Q: Where is the culet noted on a GIA report? A: In the additional grading information section, alongside girdle, polish, and symmetry. #### Polish Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/polish Standards: GIA Quality of the diamond's surface finish after cutting. Graded Excellent through Poor. Polish describes how smoothly the diamond's facets have been finished after cutting. GIA grades polish on a five-point scale: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor. Polish is independent of proportions: a stone can have ideal proportions and visible polish lines, or modest proportions and flawless surface. Together with Symmetry, polish forms two of the "Triple Excellent" indicators (alongside Cut grade) on round brilliants. Excellent or Very Good polish is standard on premium engagement-ring stones; Good polish is acceptable as a budget compromise; Fair or Poor introduces visible micro-scratches that scatter light at 10x magnification. **FAQ** Q: How important is Excellent polish? A: Important on premium stones. Polish lines visible at 10x magnification scatter light off-axis. The price premium over Very Good is typically only 1 to 3 percent and the visual upgrade is meaningful. Q: What is "Triple Excellent" or "3EX"? A: Stones with Excellent grades on cut (round brilliants only), polish, and symmetry. Common marketing shorthand for premium round brilliants. The cut grade applies only to rounds; polish and symmetry are graded on every shape. Q: Can polish be improved after grading? A: Yes, by re-cutting and re-polishing, but this requires submitting the stone for a new GIA report and pays back only on very large or very expensive stones. Q: Where does polish appear on a GIA report? A: In the additional grading information section, immediately alongside symmetry. #### Symmetry Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/symmetry Standards: GIA How accurately a diamond's facets align with each other. Graded Excellent through Poor. Symmetry assesses whether facets are placed and oriented as a perfectly cut diamond would dictate. Common misalignments include a tilted table, off-centre culet, uneven facet shapes, or non-octagonal table outlines. GIA grades symmetry on a five-point scale: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor. Symmetry affects light performance because misaligned facets scatter light off-axis and reduce the symmetry of internal reflections. Together with Polish, symmetry makes up two of the "Triple Excellent" indicators on round brilliants alongside cut grade. **FAQ** Q: How does symmetry differ from cut? A: Cut grade evaluates proportions (table, depth, crown angle, pavilion angle). Symmetry evaluates the precision of facet placement. A stone can have ideal proportions and Fair symmetry, or modest proportions and Excellent symmetry. They are independent. Q: Is Excellent symmetry necessary? A: Strongly preferred for round brilliants. Very Good is acceptable as a small budget compromise. Below Good, a tilt to the table is often visible to the unaided eye. Q: Can I see symmetry issues with a loupe? A: Yes. A 10x loupe reveals an off-centre culet, uneven main pavilion facets, or a tilted table on a Good or lower symmetry stone. Q: Does symmetry affect lab-grown grading? A: Yes. Lab-grown diamonds use the same five-point GIA symmetry scale. CVD and HPHT cutting tolerances are now similar to natural stones for premium-tier output. ### Fluorescence #### Fluorescence Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/fluorescence Standards: GIA A diamond's emission of visible light, typically blue, when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Graded None through Very Strong. Fluorescence is the visible glow some diamonds exhibit under ultraviolet light, most commonly blue. GIA grades fluorescence on a five-point scale: None (NON), Faint (FNT), Medium (MED), Strong (STR), Very Strong (VST). About 25 to 35 percent of natural diamonds show measurable fluorescence; Strong or Very Strong is rarer, around 10 percent. Lab-grown stones rarely show meaningful fluorescence and almost always grade None or Faint. Fluorescence can mask faint yellow tinge in I-K colour stones, slightly upgrading their face-up appearance, but in D-F colour stones with Strong or Very Strong fluorescence the effect can occasionally produce a milky or oily look in daylight (about 1 to 5 percent of strongly fluorescent stones). Pricing reflects this asymmetry. Strong fluorescence typically discounts D-H colour by 5 to 15 percent; for J-M colour, the discount disappears or even inverts to a small premium because fluorescence offsets the visible warmth. **FAQ** Q: Is fluorescence bad for a diamond? A: Not in most cases. The widely repeated "milky look" only affects about 1 to 5 percent of Strong or Very Strong fluorescent stones, and only at D-F colour. For most buyers, especially in J-M colour, fluorescence is neutral to slightly beneficial. Q: How rare is fluorescence? A: About 25 to 35 percent of natural diamonds show measurable fluorescence. Strong and Very Strong combined are around 10 percent of the natural population. Q: Does fluorescence affect price? A: Yes, asymmetrically. Strong fluorescence discounts D-H colour stones by 5 to 15 percent. For J-M colour, the effect is roughly neutral or even a small premium because the bluish glow offsets the warm tinge those stones already show. Q: Should I always avoid fluorescent diamonds? A: No. The only case worth avoiding is Strong or Very Strong fluorescence on D-F colour stones, where about 1 in 20 produces a milky daylight appearance. Always inspect a 360-degree retailer video before buying a strongly fluorescent stone. Q: Are lab-grown diamonds fluorescent? A: Rarely. Most lab-grown stones grade None or Faint fluorescence. CVD-grown diamonds in particular almost never show meaningful fluorescence. ### Shape #### Round Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/round Round cut diamond, one of the ten standard cut shapes tracked on Carat Hunter. The round cut is one of the ten standard diamond shapes. Detailed shape guide available at /guide/shapes. #### Princess Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/princess Princess cut diamond, one of the ten standard cut shapes tracked on Carat Hunter. The princess cut is one of the ten standard diamond shapes. Detailed shape guide available at /guide/shapes. #### Oval Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/oval Oval cut diamond, one of the ten standard cut shapes tracked on Carat Hunter. The oval cut is one of the ten standard diamond shapes. Detailed shape guide available at /guide/shapes. #### Cushion Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/cushion Cushion cut diamond, one of the ten standard cut shapes tracked on Carat Hunter. The cushion cut is one of the ten standard diamond shapes. Detailed shape guide available at /guide/shapes. #### Emerald Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/emerald Emerald cut diamond, one of the ten standard cut shapes tracked on Carat Hunter. The emerald cut is one of the ten standard diamond shapes. Detailed shape guide available at /guide/shapes. #### Pear Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/pear Pear cut diamond, one of the ten standard cut shapes tracked on Carat Hunter. The pear cut is one of the ten standard diamond shapes. Detailed shape guide available at /guide/shapes. #### Marquise Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/marquise Marquise cut diamond, one of the ten standard cut shapes tracked on Carat Hunter. The marquise cut is one of the ten standard diamond shapes. Detailed shape guide available at /guide/shapes. #### Radiant Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/radiant Radiant cut diamond, one of the ten standard cut shapes tracked on Carat Hunter. The radiant cut is one of the ten standard diamond shapes. Detailed shape guide available at /guide/shapes. #### Asscher Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/asscher Asscher cut diamond, one of the ten standard cut shapes tracked on Carat Hunter. The asscher cut is one of the ten standard diamond shapes. Detailed shape guide available at /guide/shapes. #### Heart Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/heart Heart cut diamond, one of the ten standard cut shapes tracked on Carat Hunter. The heart cut is one of the ten standard diamond shapes. Detailed shape guide available at /guide/shapes. ### Lab #### GIA Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/gia Standards: GIA Gemological Institute of America: the industry-standard grading laboratory. #### IGI Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/igi Standards: IGI International Gemological Institute: major lab, particularly common for lab-grown diamonds. #### AGS Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/ags Standards: AGS American Gem Society: known for proprietary cut grading methodology. #### GCAL Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/gcal Standards: GCAL Gem Certification and Assurance Lab: emphasises consistency and re-verification. #### HRD Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/hrd Standards: HRD Hoge Raad voor Diamant: Antwerp-based, strong presence in European markets. #### EGL Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/egl Standards: EGL European Gemological Laboratory: multi-location, grading can be less strict than GIA. ### Origin #### Natural Diamond Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/natural Diamond formed geologically over millions to billions of years and mined from the Earth. Natural diamonds form under heat and pressure deep in the Earth's mantle over timescales of 1-3 billion years. They are then transported to the surface by volcanic activity and mined. Natural diamonds carry provenance through the Kimberley Process and major retailers increasingly offer origin-traced stones. See /guide/lab-vs-natural for comparison with lab-grown. #### Lab-Grown Diamond Canonical: https://carathunter.com/us/glossary/lab-grown Diamond grown in a laboratory using CVD or HPHT processes; chemically identical to natural. Lab-grown diamonds are true diamonds with the same crystal structure and chemical composition as natural stones. Production uses Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) or High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) processes. Lab-grown diamonds have become substantially cheaper than natural equivalents in recent years. See /guide/lab-vs-natural for detailed comparison. --- ## Programmatic access - Public OpenAPI spec: https://carathunter.com/.well-known/openapi.json - Per-diamond teaser: https://carathunter.com/api/proxy/public/diamond/{id} - Glossary term lookup: https://carathunter.com/api/proxy/public/glossary/{term} - Price aggregate for a spec combination: https://carathunter.com/api/proxy/public/price/{slug} - Weekly market pulse: https://carathunter.com/api/proxy/public/market-pulse/weekly/{YYYY-WW} - Citation formatter: POST https://carathunter.com/api/proxy/public/cite ## Contact research@carathunter.com for licensing, data partnerships, takedown requests.