Do you want the BIGGEST diamond money can buy? Everyone seems to. In fact, many people think that size alone is the biggest determining factor for a diamond's value and beauty. Where's the fun in wearing a big dull diamond with no fire or sparkle?

Characteristic #1: Carat

A carat is a standard unit of measure that defines the weight of a diamond. Carat sizes are expressed as "points", with a one carat diamond equaling 100 points, a one-half carat diamond being 50 points, a three-quarter carat diamond being 75 points, and so on. The greater the carat weight, the more rare and valuable the diamond is.

Carat is a unit of measure and not size - so two diamonds of the same carat weight may appear to be different sizes depending on how the diamond is cut. Some diamonds will have extra weight on the bottom part, and therefore appear smaller.

Note: Because of the Sanibel Diamond's cut, it will appear larger than many diamonds of a heavier carat weight.

Characteristic #2: Color

Color affects the diamond's ability to reflect all hues of light, so generally those diamonds that appear colorless are the most rare and the most expensive.

Color is graded using an alphabetical scale by the internationally accepted (GIA) ranging from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow).

Note: Sanibel Diamonds are only available in grades of D through I.
(Colorless or near colorless grades)

Characteristic #3: Clarity

When diamonds were formed billions of years ago under intense heat and pressure, traces of other gemstones, minerals or gasses may have been trapped inside the diamond material as it cooled. These elements may turn up as tiny specks or crystals that may look like feathers or clouds inside each diamond.

They're called inclusions and are often referred to as Nature's fingerprints or a diamond's birthmarks. They are part of what makes each diamond different and unique from the next. The fewer and less visible these characteristics are, the more valuable a diamond will be.

Characteristics are graded using a complex scale ranging from FL (Flawless) to I3 (Included).

Note: Sanibel Diamonds are always at SI2 or better rating, which represents diamonds with no inclusions visible to the unaided eye.

Characteristic #4: Cut

A common mistake people make is to refer to the shape of a diamond (ie; round diamonds, marquise diamond, etc) as the cut. The cut actually refers to the skill and craftsmanship applied in cutting the stone.

Ideally, light should refract from one facet to the other, so the brilliance radiates from the top of the diamond. If the diamond is cut too deep, light will escape from the sides, and if it is cut too shallow, light can escape from the bottom before it can be reflected back to the top.

NEXT: The Diamond Myth that many merchants won't tell you...