4 ‘C’s of Diamonds
1) CARAT WEIGHT
A carat is a unit of weight used in the diamond trade that equals 200 milligrams. Larger, heavier diamonds are much more rare and expensive than smaller ones. Therefore, the cost per carat of a 4 carat diamond might be 10 times that of an otherwise comparable half carat. When selecting the best carat weight, take into consideration your partner’s taste, style, finger size, the type of band or setting and your budget.
2) DIAMOND CLARITY
Diamonds are rated according to their clarity or the size and color of flaws, or inclusions. Flawless and nearly flawless diamonds, with a clarity grade between FL and VVS2, are considered particularly rare and are, consequently, expensive. Inclusions can hinder how the diamond reflects light, reducing the brilliance and prismatic effect of color in a diamond. VVS and VS grades have tiny inclusions that may be seen only by a trained professional under magnification of ten times the actual size. SI clarity implies that the diamond contains inclusions but it is still clean to the human eye. I1-I5 diamonds contain inclusions that may include larger clouds or feathers. They may be visible to the unaided eye and may exhibit lower brilliance and transparency.
3) COLOR
The levels of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) color scale can be divided into colorless, near colorless, faint yellow, very light yellow, and light yellow ranges. Each letter on the scale represents a narrow color range, not a specific point.
- The D – F grades are considered colorless.
- G – J grade diamonds are near-colorless. They have slight traces of color that aren’t noticeable to untrained eyes when the stones are mounted.
- Diamonds graded between K and M are faint yellow. When they are mounted, small stones look almost colorless, but larger stones show a faint hint of yellow.
- The N – R grades are considered very light yellow.
- Diamonds that are between S and Z are light yellow.
Once a diamond goes beyond the Z color range, it’s classified as Fancy Light yellow, which causes its price to rise
4) CUT
The term cut refers to the geometric proportions of a gemstone. The cut of a gemstone is one of the most important factors in determining how much sparkle a gemstone produces. Once the diamond’s shape has been determined, facets are cut. Each facet refracts light like a prism to produce the stone’s fire and brilliance. Diamonds are cut to reflect as much light as possible. The ideally cut diamond possesses good symmetry. Of course, diamonds must also have excellent polish and high lustre.
Here is the diamond cut grading scale:
- Ideal
- Very Good
- Good
- Fair & Poor
OTHER FACTORS
FLUORESCENCE
Diamonds with high fluorescence exhibit a bluish glow in many different types of lighting. This can dramatically reduce the value and appeal of a diamond.
SIZE AND LOCATION OF IMPERFECTION
Imperfections can occur anywhere in a diamond. The most desirable imperfection is located on the edge or side of the diamond and can be easily hidden under a prong.
SYMMETRY
Symmetry refers to the exactness of the shape and arrangement of facets, or cut surfaces. Most well-cut diamonds have 58 facets and it is important that facets are shaped correctly, centered and properly aligned.