Learn about Symmetry

 Symmetry is an important element of diamond finish. Symmetry refers to the exactness of the shape and arrangement of facets. This includes naturals, misshapen facets and extra facets, off center culets and tables, wavy and out of round girdles, misalignment of crown and pavilion facets. To the unaided eye, finish features usually have little effect on appearance; they are like pinpoint inclusions. The importance of symmetry is less important in diamonds that have lower clarity grades. Symmetry is more important in diamonds that have very high clarity grades. 
 

When selecting your diamond, choose a diamond that with Excellent, Very Good or Good Symmetry as listed on the diamond grading report.

Diamonds with fair to extremely poor symmetry should be avoided. Listed below is a list of abbreviations and brief discriptions of symmetry grades that are used by GIA, EGL, and IGI.

EX or E - Excellent, Flawless at 10 power
VG or VGD - Very Good, Extremely difficult to locate under 10 power
GD, GO, G - Good, Very diffucult to see under 10 power
F, FR, FA - Fair, Noticable under 10 power
PR, PO, P - Poor, Easy to see under 10X / Visible to unaided eye
VP, VE, - Very Poor, Relatively easy to see with the unaided eye
EX or EP - Extremely Poor, Obvious to see with unaided eye

Abbreviations vary slightly due to variables in database input.