Diamonds are graded on their Cut, Color, Carat and Clarity which are popularly called the 4C’s. However since black diamonds are typically heavily included which makes them opaque thus it is impossible to grade them on the regular clarity standards. Secondly unlike other color diamonds grading the intensity of the color black too is very complicated as there is no difference is saturation or intensity/tone of the color. Thus black diamonds are not graded like the other diamonds.  GIA simply has one standard for the color of the black diamonds that is Fancy Black. (Check out the GIA’s Colored Diamond Identification and Origin Report )

Typically the diamond is good enough if the imperfections or flaws are not visible to the naked eye. Lets understand these grades better

AAAA (Heirloom) – These constitute less than 10% of the total black diamonds available. The rare of the rarest, the diamonds have a flawless table and a very clean crown. There are no visible face-up inclusions, nicks, cavities, feather or clouds. The diamond cut is very well proportioned and displays a uniform Fancy black color.

AAA (BEST)– These are one of the finest quality black diamonds. The diamonds have a flawless table free of visible nicks or face-up inclusions. There are no cavities, feather or clouds on the table is of the diamond.  There can be a negligible inclusion/ flaw around the crown or girdle area but the table is flawless. The color of the AAA quality black diamonds is consistent Fancy Black -Jet/Solid Black Color.

AA (BETTER) – These Black Diamonds have negligible visible inclusions, minor white spots or flaws on the table. The Table is generally clean but there may be a cavity on the crown of the stone. The diamond color is graded Fancy Black –Black color. 

A (GOOD) -Quality One of the low quality Black Diamonds these have visible internal or surface inclusions on the table. The diamonds can also have minor cavities, feathers and/or on the crown that can extend to the table. The color of the diamonds range from-Fairly Black to Pale Black. The diamonds can also display face-up white/gray spots or brownish areas

B (POOR) – These are poor quality diamonds that have multiple visible inclusions on the table. The diamonds usually have minor cavities, feathers on the crown extending to the table. The color ranges from-Pale Black to dark gray.

*Please note- Instagem.net does not trade in B quality black diamonds.