K is the measurement of fineness in gold. 24k gold is 100% gold. Gold is a naturally soft metal, so pure gold is not recommended for use in jewelry as it will easily distort and be unable to keep its shape or hold any stones set within. 14k (58.3%) and 18k (75%) are the industry standard levels of fineness used for fine jewelry, balancing durability with gold’s natural radiance. Gold is naturally yellow. Silver, copper, and palladium are used in varying combinations at the various levels of fineness to create other gold colors such as white and pink.

Ct is a unit of weight measurement for gemstones. It is commonly used as shorthand for overall size because gemstones, especially diamonds, are uniformly cut and as such there is a strong correlation between carat weight and overall, visual size (diameter). Poorly cut stones can distort this correlation, and the correlation is dependent on the shape and type of gemstone. Two round, 1ct diamonds that are well cut will have near identical diameters and visual size, but the size of a well cut and a poor cut 1ct round diamond will be noticeably different, as will a well cut 1ct round diamond and a well cut 1ct cushion diamond. Always consider the cut grade and diameter of a gemstone when assessing its carat weight.

The carat (ct) weight of all the diamonds in a piece. Used when there is more than 1 diamond. It should not be used when different types of gemstones are used in a piece, i.e., a sapphire center and diamond sides. The weight of each should be listed separately in such an instance.

A diamond that came to be organically without any human influence or intervention. What is commonly meant when referring to a diamond.

A diamond that came to be through human effort by way of replicating the natural circumstances that produce diamonds in a lab environment. Must be specified as lab grown or similar names, such as: lab, lab created, lab-made, man-made.

The initial state of a diamond, preceding cutting and polishing into its finished shape. Typically rough is large enough that multiple finished diamonds can be cut from it, referred to as its yield.

A written analysis of a diamond or gemstone’s key characteristics, including Color, Clarity, and Cut, based on the analysis of an independent gem lab. Other details conveyed include dimensions, carat weight, and in newly mined diamonds as well as many gemstones, the country of origin.

Gemological Institute of America, an independent gem lab. The primary lab used by That Specific given their consistency, reputation, and high standards.

The amount of color in a diamond, on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light coloring of yellow, brown, or gray). Diamonds exhibiting intense colors such as yellow, pink, or blue are not graded on this scale.

An assessment of how free of internal inclusions and surface blemishes a diamond is under 10x magnification, from Flawless to Included. The higher the clarity grade the more brilliance a diamond will have.

An assessment of how close to ideally proportioned a round diamond is, from Excellent to Poor. A higher cut grade means more brilliance, as well as a stronger correlation between dimensions and carat weight. The cut grade includes the grading of the polish and symmetry sub-categories. Only round diamonds have a cut grade, other shapes (fancy cuts) will only have polish and symmetry grades without an overall cut grade.

An assessment of a diamond’s surface finish, which is affected by its initial polishing from rough, as well as subsequent wear and tear or re-polishing. Measured from Excellent to Poor.

An assessment of a diamonds shape and symmetry. Measured from Excellent to Poor.

The portion of a ring that holds the center stone(s). Common center settings are prongs or bezel.

The way diamonds or other gemstones are held in a piece of jewelry.

The portion of a ring or band that goes around the finger.

The most recognizable method of setting center stones as well as smaller accent stones. Metal tines uniformly spaced to hold and protect key points of diamonds and gemstones while maximizing light passage. In center settings commonly 4 and 6 prongs are the standard combinations. For accent stones, shared prong and split prong are the common methods.

A metal border around a diamond or gemstone that maximizes protection of the stone but does sacrifice some light passage relative to prong settings due to the additional metal coverage.

An array of gemstones, typically diamonds, that encircle the center stone and setting of a ring. Halos can be made around either prong or bezel settings.