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 The carat is a unit of measurement used to weigh diamonds. Although a higher carat weight may increase a stone’s rarity and value, the cut, color, and clarity of the diamond also influence the price. Small stones can actually be more expensive than large stones if the other 3 Cs (color, cut and clarity) rate highly.
 The cut refers to the angles, shapes, and proportions of each diamond. An exquisitely cut diamond optimizes its natural brilliance and fire by reflecting and refracting light back through the top of the diamond. The relatively newer and more unique Princess Cut is an example of a cut accentuating a diamond’s fire, whereas the more popular Round Brilliant cut focuses on a diamond’s brilliance.
Diamonds are judged for their color. In most cases, the whiter the diamond, the more valuable it is. Because of this, setting a diamond in a naturally white metal like platinum is perfect for maximizing its brilliance. The color of a diamond is rated using a Color Scale - GIA’s scale is the most widely used - which classifies the stones in alphabetical order from D to Z, with D standing for colorless and Z for near-colorless, with slight hints of yellows or browns.
In addition to being hypoallergenic, platinum will never lose its natural brilliant white color or cast any color into the diamond.
A diamond’s clarity is rated by the number, size, and position of internal inclusions and external blemishes it has. Inclusions, which give each diamond its individuality and are sometimes referred to as "nature's fingerprints," are usually not visible to the naked eye. Diamonds are classified according to their position on the GIA Clarity Scale, from Flawless to I3 (imperfect inclusions visible to the naked eye). The fewer the inclusions, the more valuable the stone.
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Small stones can actually be more expensive than large stones if the other 3 Cs (color, cut and clarity) rate highly.
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The Princess Cut is an example of a cut accentuating a diamond’s fire, whereas the Round Brilliant cut focuses on a diamond’s brilliance.
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In addition to being hypoallergenic, platinum will never lose its natural brilliant white color or cast any color into the diamond.
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Because platinum is usually 90 – 95% pure, you get more precious metal for your money, making it a better value.
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