• Abraded Culet

    The sharp point at the bottom of the diamond can become damaged and worn away with wear. An abraded culet can look “fuzzy” under magnification, and affect the polish grade of a diamond.

  • Abraded Facet Edge

    The sharp edges where diamond facets meet can become damaged and worn away with wear.  An abraded facet edge can look “fuzzy” under magnification, and affect the polish grade of a diamond.

  • Abrasion

    Type of blemish that looks like a bruise or scratch on the surface of a diamond. Abrasions can affect the polish grade of a diamond.

  • Adamas

    Archaic Greek word from which the word ‘diamond’ is derived. Adamas means ‘indestructible’.

  • Annealing

    Treatment to artificially enhance the colour of a diamond with a slow-heating process. Irradiated diamonds are usually annealed to further modify or enhance their colour.

  • Appraisal

    Written estimate of the approximate retail replacement value of a diamond or piece of diamond jewellery. An appraisal is not a diamond certificate or diamond grading report.

  • Asscher Cut

    Diamond cut or shaped into a square with the corners cut off, with rows or steps of elongated facets running parallel to the girdle on both the crown and the pavilion. It is similar to an emerald cut, but squared instead of rectangular, and has a pointed culet.