GIA Diamond Grading & Classification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On the GIA color grading scale, which letter grade represents a completely colorless diamond?
- D (Correct answer)
- A
- E
- F
Correct answer: D
GIA's color scale begins at D (colorless) and extends to Z (light yellow or brown); there are no A, B, or C grades.
Question 2: A diamond described as 'VS1' on a GIA report has inclusions that are:
- Very difficult to see under 10x magnification (Correct answer)
- Invisible to the naked eye but easily seen under 10x
- Visible to the naked eye under normal lighting
- Not present anywhere in the stone
Correct answer: Very difficult to see under 10x magnification
VS1 (Very Slightly Included 1) inclusions are minor and difficult—but not impossible—for a skilled grader to locate under 10x magnification.
Question 3: What does the term 'make' refer to when evaluating a diamond's cut quality?
- The overall quality of a diamond's proportions and finish (Correct answer)
- The country of origin of the rough crystal
- The chemical composition of the diamond
- The method used to cleave the original rough
Correct answer: The overall quality of a diamond's proportions and finish
In the trade, 'make' describes how well a diamond has been cut, encompassing proportions, symmetry, and polish.
Question 4: On a GIA grading report, 'fluorescence' describes how a diamond reacts to:
- Ultraviolet light (Correct answer)
- Infrared radiation
- X-ray exposure
- Polarized visible light
Correct answer: Ultraviolet light
GIA grades diamond fluorescence based on the stone's visible emission of light when exposed to long-wave UV radiation.
Question 5: Which clarity characteristic is ALWAYS located on the surface of a diamond rather than internally?
- Scratch (Correct answer)
- Cloud
- Crystal
- Feather
Correct answer: Scratch
A scratch is a surface blemish caused by abrasion, whereas clouds, crystals, and feathers are internal inclusions.
Question 6: The GIA cut grade of 'Excellent' is assigned only to diamonds with which shape?
- Round Brilliant (Correct answer)
- Princess
- Oval
- Cushion
Correct answer: Round Brilliant
GIA's cut grading system for D-to-Z diamonds currently applies only to standard round brilliant cut diamonds.
Question 7: A diamond with a depth percentage of 62% and a table percentage of 57% would most likely receive which GIA cut grade?
- Excellent (Correct answer)
- Poor
- Fair
- Good
Correct answer: Excellent
These proportions fall within GIA's ideal ranges for an Excellent cut round brilliant, balancing brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
GIA Diamond Grading & Classification 2
On the GIA color grading scale, which letter grade represents a completely colorless diamond?