DCA Diamond Grading & Classification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which GIA clarity grade describes a diamond with inclusions visible to a skilled grader under 10x magnification that are noticeable and somewhat easy to see?
- SI1
- SI2 (Correct answer)
- I1
- VS2
Correct answer: SI2
SI2 (Slightly Included 2) inclusions are noticeable and somewhat easy to see under 10x magnification, whereas SI1 inclusions are harder to detect.
Question 2: On the GIA color grading scale, what letter grade marks the boundary between 'near colorless' and 'faint color' categories?
- G
- H
- J (Correct answer)
- K
Correct answer: J
J is the last grade in the 'near colorless' range (G–J); K begins the 'faint color' range on the GIA scale.
Question 3: A diamond graded 'Excellent' for cut by the GIA achieves what characteristic as its top priority?
- Maximum carat weight retention from rough
- Optimal brightness, fire, and scintillation (Correct answer)
- Complete absence of inclusions
- Perfect colorlessness
Correct answer: Optimal brightness, fire, and scintillation
An Excellent cut grade prioritizes the optimal balance of brightness, fire, and scintillation rather than preserving rough weight.
Question 4: Which facet on a round brilliant diamond is the large flat top surface?
- Culet
- Girdle
- Table (Correct answer)
- Star facet
Correct answer: Table
The table is the large octagonal flat facet on the very top of a round brilliant diamond.
Question 5: What term describes the white or grayish face-up appearance caused by an overly deep or overly shallow cut diamond?
- Extinction
- Fisheye
- Nail head (Correct answer)
- Brilliance leak
Correct answer: Nail head
A 'nail head' is the dark circular shadow visible in very deep-cut diamonds, caused by light leaking through the pavilion at extreme angles.
Question 6: According to the GIA system, which of the following is classified as a surface blemish rather than an internal inclusion?
- Crystal
- Needle
- Nick (Correct answer)
- Feather
Correct answer: Nick
A nick is a tiny notch on the surface edge of a diamond facet junction and is classified as a blemish, not an internal inclusion.
Question 7: What is the name of the ratio used to describe how a diamond's diameter compares to its depth in cut evaluation?
- Pavilion angle
- Table percentage
- Depth percentage (Correct answer)
- Crown height ratio
Correct answer: Depth percentage
Depth percentage is calculated by dividing the total depth by the average girdle diameter and multiplying by 100.
DCA Diamond Grading & Classification 2
Which GIA clarity grade describes a diamond with inclusions visible to a skilled grader under 10x magnification that are noticeable and somewhat easy to see?