Learn how to choose the right diamond, at Bradley T. Harris Jewelers.

How do I begin?

Shopping for diamonds can be confusing for any consumer. You need knowledge in what to look for in color and clarity.

The Gemological Institute of America developed the grading system recognized around the world for classifying diamonds. You can view this grading system along with the explanation of each grade on this page.

Bradley T. Harris is trained by GIA in Diamonds, and can be trusted partner to help you understand and choose your diamond. Most of the BTH diamond inventory is graded by GIA and comes with a Grading Report. You can view the diamond inventory on-line by entering the type of diamond you are looking for, or make an appointment to personally view individual diamonds.

Diamonds are pure, or nearly pure, carbon with three extraordinary characteristics:

Diamonds possess unique abilities to reflect light. When cut, light is gathered within the diamond and then sent back in an array of fire and brilliance.
The diamond is the only gemstone composed of a single element, making it the purest of all gemstones.
The diamond is the hardest transparent material known to man. A diamond cannot be cut by steel. Only a diamond can cut another diamond.

How Diamonds are Graded:

The 4 C’s – Cut, Clarity, Color, Carat weight

A diamond’s quality and value are determined by these 4 criteria. Below we’ll explain about each characteristic, so that you’re better prepared to shop for the right diamond, that fits your needs and your budget. If you would like to learn more, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have; please visit our Contact page to reach us directly or click www.gia.edu/resources/flash/4cs/GIA.swf for and informative video from GIA .

Cut

Cut determines how well a diamond reflects light back to the eye. A diamond cutter must align each facet in mathematical accordance with one another to produce the most brilliance in a diamond. Cut is one of the most important factors in choosing a diamond.

Even a flawless diamond isn’t pretty if it’s not cut correctly.

Clarity

The lesser the inclusions, the more the stone sparkles. Inclusions are obstructions such as minute crystals that block light reflected back to the eye. Fewer inclusions make a diamond more rare and valuable.

Carat Weight

Carat weight is the unit of weight used by gemologists to measure a diamond’s size. No two diamonds are the same. It is important to factor in cut, clarity, and color along with carat weight in determining the value of a stone. The weight of a diamond is meaningless if the color isn’t white, the clarity has eye visible inclusions, and the cut is shallow and leaks light.

Color

Color also plays a large part in the value of a diamond. The value of a diamond can increase hundreds to thousands of dollars by a single color grade depending on the carat weight of the stone.