Diamond Grading Guide

The 4Cs Explained in Real-Life Terms

• Color: View stones against our white neutral boards to understand the jump from G to J in daylight.
• Clarity: We show inclusions under 10x and explain which ones impact performance.
• Cut: Ideal proportions matter, but so does optical symmetry; we demonstrate hearts-and-arrows imagery.
• Carat: Side-by-side comparisons reveal why millimeter measurements matter more than weight alone.

Why Reports Can Disagree

Each laboratory uses proprietary standards. GIA and AGS lean conservative, while some overseas labs grade looser. Houston Jewelry encourages clients to treat certificates as professional opinions rather than guarantees.

• We document which lab graded your stone and whether it was laser-inscribed.
• We encourage you to submit questions directly to our gemologists if you encounter conflicting paperwork.

Questions to Ask During Your Appointment

• What proportion set gives me the most sparkle for my budget?
• Can I see this diamond next to a lab-grown option with the same specs?
• How will this clarity grade look after it is set?
• Does the report include fluorescence data and should I care?

Next Steps

Call 713-784-1000 or schedule online to reserve a diamond education appointment. Bring screenshots or reports you want us to decode—we will have microscopes, light performance tools, and upgrade scenarios ready.

Continue learning with our lab vs natural comparison and the ethical sourcing basics.