The Four 'C's of Diamonds

The 4Cs ( Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut) are an oversimplifiled measure of diamond quality. It is essential that you are equipped with the relevant knowledge enabling you to know exactly what you are buying and what price you should be paying.

Carat

The weight of the diamond is expressed in carats. One carat equals 0.20 grams. Size is the most obvious factor in determining the value of a diamond. The larger diamond will have considerably more value. However, Two diamonds of the same carat weight can have very different values, depending on the cut, colour and clarity so it is important that all four characteristics are taken into account.

Color

The colored tinting found in most diamonds is caused by minute impurities within the stone. Diamond colours are graded according to letters of the alphabet, starting at D the exceptionally white and exceptionally rare, right the way through to the letter Z, the tinted yellowy/brown colour.The degree of colourlessness has an influence on its beauty and thus price.the completely colourless diamonds are extremely rare and are priced accordingly.

Clarity

All diamonds have imperfections called inclusions and blemishes.The fewer inclusions, the greater the clarity, the rarer the stone and the more valuable the diamond. The clarity rating of diamonds is a key measure and consideration. This rating has a direct effect on a diamond’s beauty and price.

CUT

The beauty of the diamond depends on the way it reflects light, and the cutter must shape the facets in such a way as to admit and reflect the maximum amount of light, so that the diamond sparkles with fire, brilliance and scintillation.When a diamond is cut to maximize brilliance, dispersion and scintillation, it usually loose size. More of the stone must be cut away. Conversely, when cut for size, the diamond usually loses brilliance, dispersion and scintillation.