White diamonds stand as the most recognizable gemstones in the world, symbols of desire, beauty and brilliance. Coveted by ancient cultures, flaunted by celebrities and worn as the ubiquitous symbol of commitment, these legendary gems possess unique characteristics that establish their identity, value and rarity. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the key attributes to consider when selecting the perfect white diamond.
How White Diamonds Are Formed
Diamonds form deep underground at extreme temperatures and under immense pressure. These forces of nature compress carbon atoms into a crystalline structure, creating the hardest natural substance on earth. White diamonds specifically contain minimal trace elements, giving them their characteristic colorless appearance. The journey from formation to discovery can span billions of years.
The 4Cs: Essential Criteria for Evaluating White Diamonds
Developed in the 1940s by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the 4Cs serve as the worldwide standard for diamond grading and evaluation. Each white diamond is unique, possessing an imitable set of characteristics that sets it apart from all others.
Color
- Grading Scale: The scale begins at "D" (completely colorless) and continues alphabetically to "Z" (light yellow or brown tint)
- Color Categories:
- Colorless (D, E, F)
- Near Colorless (G, H, I, J)
- Faint (K, L, M)
- Very Light (N through R)
- Light (S through Z)
Cut
Of all the 4Cs, cut is the most complex to analyze and is critical to a diamond's beauty. Cut determines how effectively a diamond transmits light and creates the intense sparkle diamonds are known for. Cut refers not to the diamond's shape (outline) but to its proportions, symmetry and the relationship between its facets. These factors affect:
- Brightness: The total light reflected from the diamond
- Fire: The dispersion of light into the colors of the spectrum
- Scintillation: The pattern of light and dark areas and flashes when a diamond moves
Additional factors include weight ratio, durability, polish and symmetry.
Cut Grades:
- Excellent
- Very Good
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
Common Diamond Cuts:
- Round Brilliant (the most popular and recognized)
- Fancy Shapes: Marquise, Emerald, Oval, Pear, Cushion, Princess, Radiant, Asscher
Clarity
Clarity relates to the visual appearance of internal characteristics (inclusions) and surface imperfections (blemishes).
Inclusions occur during diamond formation and may include:
- Trapped crystals
- Clouds
- Feathers
- Knots
- Cavities
- Internal graining
Blemishes occur after formation during cutting, setting or wear and may include:
- Scratches
- Nicks
- Abrasions
- Polish lines
- Chips
Clarity Grading Scale:
- Flawless (FL) - No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification (less than 1% of diamonds)
- Internally Flawless (IF) - No inclusions and only insignificant surface blemishes (less than 3% of diamonds)
- Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2) - Inclusions very difficult to see under 10x magnification
- Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2) - Minor inclusions difficult to somewhat easy to see under magnification
- Slightly Included (SI1, SI2) - Noticeable inclusions under 10x magnification
- Included (I1, I2, I3) - Obvious inclusions under magnification, possibly visible to the unaided eye
Carat Weight
Carat refers to a diamond's weight, not size. One carat equals 200 milligrams (0.2 grams), approximately the weight of a paperclip.
- The metric carat was standardized in 1907 and adopted in the United States in 1913
- One carat equals 100 points (a 0.75-carat diamond can be described as 75 points)
- Larger diamonds are rarer than smaller ones, increasing their value disproportionately to size
Diamond Care
- Storage: Store diamonds separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching other pieces
- Cleaning: Clean regularly with mild soap, warm water and a soft toothbrush
- Professional Maintenance: Have settings checked periodically to ensure stones remain secure
- Avoid Chemicals: Keep diamonds away from chlorine bleach and other harsh chemicals
White Diamond Investment Value
White diamonds have historically maintained value over time, particularly those with exceptional color, clarity and cut characteristics. Important considerations for investment-quality diamonds:
- Certification: Purchase diamonds with certification from respected laboratories (GIA, AGS)
- Rarity Factors: D-F color, Flawless to VVS clarity, and Excellent cut grades typically hold value best
- Size Threshold: Diamonds over one carat tend to appreciate more consistently than smaller stone
