What we are here to do
The Carat Standard makes technical diamond information easier to use. We show what the report says, explain why it may matter, and name what the document cannot reveal.
Our work is educational. It does not replace the issuing laboratory, an independent gemologist or appraiser, or the experience of seeing the stone.
How we use sources
For a particular stone, the issuing laboratory’s report is the starting point. For broader guidance, we look first to laboratories, standards bodies, regulators, policy documents, technical references, and well-supported research.
Trade and retailer material can add useful context, but commercial interests matter. We distinguish reported facts from our interpretation and say when a point is uncertain, disputed, shape-dependent, or a matter of taste.
Reports should be verifiable
We use official report-check tools, permitted data access, and documents supplied by readers. When a report cannot be opened reliably, we direct the reader back to the laboratory or ask for the document.
Every report number and transcribed field should be checked against the official record or original file. We do not bypass access controls or invent missing data. Every stone in The Collection is read from the issuing laboratory’s own record or official document—never from a retailer listing. A retailer can contribute only a dated observation: the retailer, the link, the listed price, and the date we saw it.
What The Carat Standard Scorecard means
The Scorecard is a consistent reading of every characteristic a grading report discloses—proportions, finish, build, color, clarity, fluorescence, and any stated treatment. It is not a laboratory grade, appraisal, guarantee of beauty, or prediction of value.
The same method is applied consistently, and it never uses price, retailers, or commercial relationships. Missing information lowers confidence rather than being assumed, and some qualities—especially in fancy shapes—can only be judged by seeing the stone.
The method is versioned. Each reading shows the version it was scored under, and when the method changes we re-score all of The Collection so stones are always compared on equal terms. We describe what the method considers; its internal weighting is proprietary.
Judgment with restraint
A measurement outside a preferred range is a reason to look more closely, not proof that a diamond is unattractive. Fluorescence, warmth, inclusions, proportions, and shape can read differently from one stone and wearer to another.
We avoid fear, false precision, and labels such as “investment,” “bargain,” or “rip-off” when the evidence does not support them. Price, value, and suitability require more than a grading report.
Tools assist; the method stays fixed
Stones in The Collection are transcribed from the laboratory’s official PDF or report-check page. When you upload a report, an automated document-reading service transcribes it, and The Loupe’s answers are prepared by an automated service working from the Scorecard. The score itself is calculated the same way every time—the same report receives the same score under the same method version. These tools do not set the laboratory grade or change The Carat Standard method. Their output can be wrong, so material facts should be checked against the report. Data handling is described in our Privacy Policy.
Independence and corrections
The Carat Standard does not currently receive affiliate commissions, sell paid placement, or let a retailer purchase a better profile. Where we record that a stone was observed at a retailer, that observation is dated, any link to it is plain, and it never affects the score, ranking, or wording. If affiliate links are ever added, they will be labelled and disclosed as described in our Affiliate Disclosure.
Technical standards, laboratory offerings, and regulations change. We update time-sensitive guidance and correct material errors promptly. When useful, we explain what changed.
Questions or corrections may be sent to hello@thecaratstandard.com with the page, report field, or source at issue.
Specialist subjects
Insurance, legal, tax, investment, and valuation questions depend on individual facts and jurisdiction. We present general education, use primary material where practical, and encourage readers to review their own documents or consult a qualified professional.