Picking out a diamond can be nerve-racking. Therefore, at Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, our aim is to deliver the most comfortable engagement ring shopping experience as possible. In fact, we devised a quick “cheat-sheet” on diamond vocab that you should be aware of!

Diamond Vocab

“GIA” – Gemological Institute of America. In fact, this organization is one of the most well-regarded diamond grading laboratories and is responsible for developing the most widely used grading system.

“Four C’s” – Four qualities that determine the value of a diamond. They are Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat

• “Cut” – The physical shape of the diamond as well as the effect of light that each shape plays on the appearance of the stone
  • “Brilliance” – The combination of brightness, fire and scintillation
    • “Brightness” – The amount of white light returned back through the crown of the diamond. Both internal and external returned light
    • “Fire” – Dispersed light that appears in the color spectrum
    • “Scintillation” – Intense sparkles from light when the diamond moves. Generally, appears as black or white
  • “Round Cut” – Most popular and greatest flexibility within the four C’s
  • “Fancy Shape” – Any diamond shape other than round
    • “Emerald Cut” – Square or rectangular shape with cut corners. However, on the crown and pavilion there are three concentric rows cut (think stair steps)
    • “Radiant Cut” – Resembles the cut of an emerald cut but with the brilliance of a round cut.
    • “Cushion Cut” – Also referred to as a “pillow cut” are square or rectangular cut diamonds with rounded edges
    • “Princess Cut” – Resembles a square or rectangle
    • “Pear Cut” – Resembles a tear drop
    • “Oval Cut” – An elongated round cut
    • “Marquise Cut” – Similar to an oval cut but with definitive points at each end
    • “Trilliant Cut” – Resembles a triangular cut
    • “Heart Shape” – Resembles a heart
  • “Clarity” –
    • “Inclusions” – Impure characteristics found within the diamond
    • “Blemishes” – External flaws on the surface of a diamond
  • “Carat” – Refers to the weight or size of the diamond. All other factors equal, the more carets the more expensive
    • “Point” – Refers to 1/100 of a carat
  • “Color” – Generally refers to the degree of absence of color.

Diamond Vocab – Parts of a diamond

• “Crown” – The top half of a diamond
• “Culet” – Protects the tip of the pavilion from being damaged
• “Girdle” – The outer edge of a diamond
• “Facet” – Any smooth flat surface of a diamond. Round brilliants almost always have 58 facets
• “Table” – The largest facet and top part of the diamond
• Pavilion – Lower half of a diamond

Diamond Ring – Diamond Vocab

• “Mounting” – Is the full ring setting minus the “head” or center stone
• “Semi-Mount” – A ring setting with the side stones pre-set. The main (center) stone is selected by the customer
• “Shank” or “Band” – Refers to the metal of the ring that wraps around the finger
• “Center Stone” – The main stone
  • “Prongs” – Hold the center stone in place
• “Side Stones” – Diamonds that surround the main stone
  • “Halo” – Side stones that surround the main stone on all sides
• “Shoulder” – Side stone diamonds that recede down from the center stone to the shank

Moreover, stop by Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers today to work with our highly trained sales employees and GIA certified gemologist to find the diamond as beautiful as your true love!