Natural Diamond Quality Guide
Every natural diamond is extraordinary in its own way. Understanding its color, clarity, cut and carat weight reveals the characteristics that make each creation unique. Discover the world of exceptional natural diamonds.
The Four Cs of Diamonds
Four internationally recognized characteristics help describe a diamond's quality and individuality.
Color
The degree to which a diamond is colorless, measured on the internationally recognized D–Z scale.
Clarity
The presence or absence of natural internal and external characteristics.
Cut
The proportions, symmetry and polish that influence a diamond's brilliance.
Carat
The measurement of a diamond's weight, rather than its physical dimensions.
The Pinnacle of Diamond Color
At the highest end of the international diamond color scale are D, E and F — the three grades classified as colorless. These grades represent the most colorless diamonds within the D–Z grading system.
D is the highest possible grade on the D–Z color scale, representing the pinnacle of colorlessness in natural diamonds.
E is the second-highest color grade. Classified as colorless, with differences from D that are extremely subtle.
F is the third-highest color grade, completing the internationally recognized colorless category.
The Complete Diamond Color Scale
Illustrative color progression only. Actual diamond color is assessed through standardized gemological grading.
Understanding Diamond Clarity
Clarity measures the presence of internal characteristics called inclusions and external characteristics called blemishes. Diamonds are graded under 10× magnification.
| Grade | Classification | Understanding the Grade |
|---|---|---|
| FL | Flawless | The highest clarity grade. No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10× magnification. |
| IF | Internally Flawless | The second-highest clarity grade. No inclusions visible at 10×; minor external blemishes may exist. |
| VVS1–VVS2 | Very, Very Slightly Included | Exceptional clarity. Inclusions are extremely difficult to detect under 10× magnification. |
| VS1–VS2 | Very Slightly Included | Very high clarity. Minor inclusions range from difficult to somewhat easy to observe at 10×. |
| SI1–SI2 | Slightly Included | Inclusions are noticeable to a trained grader under 10× magnification. |
| I1–I3 | Included | Inclusions are obvious at 10× and may affect transparency, brilliance or durability. |
The Art of Brilliance
A diamond's cut influences how effectively it reflects and returns light, contributing to its brightness, fire and scintillation. Precise proportions, symmetry and polish are important elements of craftsmanship.
Understanding Carat Weight
Carat is a unit of weight used for gemstones. One carat equals 0.20 grams. Diamonds of identical carat weight can appear different in size depending on their proportions and shape.
Our Diamond Selection
Divienne focuses on exceptional natural diamonds, with an emphasis on the highest color and clarity classifications. Our collections celebrate the extraordinary beauty of carefully selected natural diamonds.
The highest diamond color grade, paired with flawless or internally flawless clarity classifications.
Colorless natural diamonds with exceptional clarity, selected for beauty, brilliance and refinement.
These are Divienne's brand-defined selection categories, not official combined gemological grading classifications. Individual creations may feature other clearly disclosed diamond grades.
Diamond Certification
Independent gemological reports provide important information about a diamond's identity and graded characteristics, supporting transparency and confidence.
GIA
Gemological Institute of America. Internationally recognized for gemological research and diamond grading standards.
IGI
International Gemological Institute. An internationally recognized gemological laboratory providing independent diamond grading and identification reports.
Certification varies by creation. Please refer to the individual product specifications for details.
Discover More About Diamonds
What is the highest diamond color grade?
D is the highest possible grade on the internationally recognized D–Z diamond color scale. D, E and F together form the colorless category.
Are E and F diamonds colorless?
Yes. E and F diamonds are officially classified as colorless, alongside D. Their differences are exceptionally subtle and generally require controlled grading conditions to distinguish.
What are the highest diamond clarity grades?
FL (Flawless) is the highest clarity grade, followed by IF (Internally Flawless). VVS1 and VVS2 represent the next exceptionally high clarity classifications.
What grades of natural diamonds does Divienne offer?
Divienne's new collections focus on high-grade natural diamonds, featuring E color, VVS clarity and above.
Our One in a Million collection represents the pinnacle of our diamond selection, focusing on the highest D color grade paired with Flawless (FL) clarity.
Each creation reflects Divienne's commitment to exceptional quality, rarity and timeless beauty.
Does a higher carat weight mean higher quality?
No. Carat measures a diamond's weight, while color, clarity and cut describe other important characteristics. These factors should be considered together.
Are Divienne diamonds certified?
Divienne offers natural diamonds accompanied by GIA or IGI documentation as specified for each creation. Certification details are provided in individual product specifications.
At Divienne, every natural diamond is a celebration of rarity, beauty and individuality. Discover natural diamond jewelry for the one in a million.