The 4Cs Guide to Diamonds
Carat Clarity Color Cut
The 4Cs are used throughout the world
to classify the rarity of diamonds. Diamonds with the combination of the
highest 4C ratings are more rare and, consequently, more expensive. No one C is
more important than another in terms of beauty is and it is important to note
that each of the 4Cs will not diminish in value over time.
Carat
Refers to the weight of a diamond.
Carat is often confused with size
even though it is actually a measure of weight. One carat is equivalent to 200
milligrams. One carat can also be divided into 100 "points." A .75 carat
diamond is the same as a 75-points or 3/4 carat diamond.
A 1-carat diamond costs exactly
twice the price of a half-carat diamond, right? Wrong. Since larger diamonds
are found less frequently in nature, a 1-carat diamond will cost more than twice
a 1/2-carat diamond (assuming color, clarity and cut remain constant).
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Clarity
Refers to the presence of inclusions
in a diamond.
Inclusions are natural identifying
characteristics such as minerals or fractures, appearing while diamonds are
formed in the earth. They may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers.
To view inclusions, jewelers use a
magnifying loupe. This tool allows jewelers to see a diamond at 10X its actual
size so that inclusions are easier to see. The position of inclusions can
affect the value of a diamond. There are very few flawless diamonds found in
nature, thus these diamonds are much more valuable.
Inclusions are ranked on a scale of
perfection, known as clarity, which was established by the Gemological Institute
of America (GIA). The clarity scale, ranging from F (Flawless) to Included (I),
is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10X.
The
greater a diamond's clarity, the more brilliant, valuable and rare it is.
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Color
Refers to the degree to which a
diamond is colorless.
Diamonds range in color from icy
winter whites to warm summer whites. Diamonds are graded on a color scale
established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) which ranges from D
(colorless) to Z.
Warmer colored diamonds (K-Z) are
particularly desirable when set in yellow gold. Icy winter whites (D-J) look
stunning set in white gold or platinum.
Color differences are very subtle
and it is very difficult to see the difference between, say, an E and an F.
Therefore, colors are graded under controlled lighting conditions and are
compared to a master set for accuracy.
Truly colorless stones, graded D,
are treasured for their rarity. Color, however, ultimately comes down to
personal taste. Ask a jeweler to show you a variety of color grades next to one
another to help you determine your color preference.
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Cut
Refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond.
Based on scientific formulas, a
well-cut diamond will internally reflect light from one mirror-like facet to
another and disperse and reflect it through the top of the stone. This results
in a display of brilliance and fire. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too
shallow lose or leak light through the side or bottom, resulting in less
brilliance and ultimately, value.
Cut also refers to shape-round,
square, pear, or heart for example. Since a round diamond is symmetrical and
capable of reflecting nearly all the light that enters, it is the most brilliant
of all diamond shapes and follows specific proportional guidelines. Ask a
jeweler to find out more about these guidelines.
Non-round shapes, also known as
"fancy shapes," will have their own guidelines to be considered well-cut.
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