Diamond Grading

THE 4C’S

Now that the immense potential of these mesmerising and exquisite jewels has been unveiled, their individual qualities must be evaluated and classified. Developed in the 1950s, the GIA’s grading system determines the unique value of a finished diamond according to the 4C’s: Cut, Carat, Colour and Clarity.

CLARITY

The intense pressure from which these precious stones are formed deep below the Earth’s surface can inevitably create surface blemishes and internal inclusions, which will affect the clarity of the stone. There are 11 clarity grades ranging from Flawless to Included. Backes & Strauss only select diamonds of Flawless, Internally Flawless and Very Very Slightly Included grades to set in their timepieces. Flawless diamonds are pure perfection, whereas Very Very Slightly Included diamonds have imperfections that are exceptionally difficult to detect even under 10X magnification.

COLOUR

Diamonds come in an array of beautiful colours; however, it is the absence of colour in a diamond that symbolises excellence. Backes & Strauss set the majority of their diamond watches with colourless diamonds - the rarest and most expensive form. Diamonds are classified according to a D-Z colour scale, where D represents colourless diamonds, and Z, light yellow ones. The distinctions in colour may not seem that great to an untrained eye, yet the slightest hint of colour can make a significant difference to the value of the gemstone.

CUT

Backes & Strauss’ signature Ideal Cut embodies optimal proportions and symmetry, guaranteeing a balance of brilliance and fire. A diamond cut that is not ideal and has misaligned, missing or off-centre facets will allow light to spill from the sides or bottom. Thus, the diamond will appear far less brilliant and scintillating.

CARAT

All of the luxury watches are set with at least one ideal-cut diamond in the crown, known as the Jewel-in-the-Crown. This jewel can vary from 0.06 to 0.12 carats - where 1 carat is 0.20 grams. The value of a diamond increases exponentially with the carat weight; however, when valuing the diamond, Clarity, Colour as well as Cut are all taken into consideration.