Diamond grading report

Colourless to near colourless loose diamonds of natural origin are usually submitted to SSEF for a 4C (Carat, Colour, Clarity, Cut) quality grading. This quality determination follows the CIBJO rules, edited in the Diamond book.

Stones under 0.30ct are not graded.
For stones over 0.30ct, the following rules apply:

Report No

The SSEF report number is the number given to the diamond when it is submitted for testing, and is a unique number. If an item is resubmitted later for a ‚recheck‘ after re-cutting or for a report update then the item obtains a new report number.

Carat

All weights are reported in carats (1 ct = 0.2 grams) with a precision to the third digit after the decimal point, and in grams.

Colour grade

The colour grade of a diamond is defined by comparing it with a CIBJO masterstone set (C2) and with two additional SSEF masterstone sets for better accuracy. The colour grades issued on diamond reports are:

Clarity grade

The clarity grade is graded according to the CIBJO rules:

Cut grade

The cut grade of a colourless diamond is the result of a specific combination of the following criteria: proportions, symmetry, polish and girdle thickness. The cut grade scale is as follows:

  • Excellent
  • Very Good
  • Good
  • Medium
  • Poor

The cut grade of a colourless diamond is offered by SSEF only for standard round brilliant cut colourless diamonds.

Authentification of natural origin and colour

If the diamond is found to be a natural diamond of natural colour this is stated in the in the comments section of an SSEF Diamond Grading Report. For example, for a natural type Ia diamond of natural colour the following description would be included:

  • The analysed properties confirm the colour authenticity of this type Ia diamond

Additional comments

a) Extra facets and naturals are the main external characteristics. If such characteristics are present in the stone, they are mentioned under comments and indicated on the diamond plot (in green).

b) Laser drilled diamonds are graded, but the laser drilling is mentioned under comments.
 

Diamond Diagram:

All red marks plotted on the diagram characterise internal features. All green marks plotted on the diagram characterise external features (mainly extra facets and naturals).

According to CIBJO rules, diamonds with fissure treatments (Koss, Yehuda etc.) are not graded.

Report date & verification

The date corresponds to the date on which gemmological testing of the item was concluded. SSEF reports can be verified on www.myssef.ch