The way a diamond is cut has the biggest effect on its appearance and is an important characteristic. 

Optimizing the number of facets is critical when calculating the light paths in a gem. 

Light that is reflected off the surface of a diamond is “brilliance”.

Light that enters a diamond and is refracted to create the spectral flashes of color is “dispersion” or “fire”. 

“Scintillation” is the dance of light within a diamond.

Diamonds are graded as "Colorless" or "Fancy Colors".  

Trace elements like nitrogen, boron and others are the source of color in a diamond.

The color scale begins with the letter D, representing colorless through to Z denoting presence of color.

Greater presence of color are classified as "Fancy Colors", ranging from Faint, Light, Fancy, Intense and Vivid.

Grades range from "Flawless", with virtually no imperfections, TO

"Imperfect", which contain a number of inclusions.

Diamond carat weight is the measurement of how much a diamond weighs. 

The modern carat system started with the carob seed.

Early gem traders used the small, uniform seeds as counterweights in their balance scales.