The 4 C’s of diamonds

When determining a diamond’s quality and value four major components are to be considered  They are known as the Four C’s.  Understanding color, clarity, cut, carat weight and how they interact can help you select a diamond that suits your taste and your pocketbook.

Color: Refers to the degree to which a diamond is colorless.

Diamonds are graded on a color scale which ranges from D (colorless) to Z. For settings in yellow gold warm colored diamonds (K-Z) are desirable and for settings in platinum, palladium or white gold icy winter whites (D-J) look their best. It is difficult to see the difference between two close shades of white. 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.

Carat: Refers to the standard measurement of a diamond weight.

It is important you do not confuse a gemstone’s carat with gold karats. Although the pronunciation of the two words is the same, the meaning and the writing is different. While “carat” is used when referring to a gems weight, karats are pointing to the gold purity in gold alloys. Also people often confuse carats with size even though it is actually a measure of weight.

• 1 carat = 200 milligrams
• a 0.75 carat diamond is the same as a 75-points or 3/4 carat diamond
• a 1.00 carat diamond does not cost exactly twice the price of a half-carat diamond because larger diamonds are found less frequently in nature which makes them rare.

Clarity: Refers to the clarity of 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. A magnifying loupe 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 and the very few flawless diamonds found in nature are very valuable. Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection, known as clarity. The clarity scale, ranging from FL (Flawless) to Included (I), is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x.

Cut: Refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond.

Cut is very important in the evaluation of a diamond because only well-cut stones will produce the perfect luster and beauty. Physics help the experimented cutters to get the best from a rough diamond, to add light to it and to avoid the dull appearance. 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, thereby being more sought after than deep or shallow-cut diamonds.

Note: Cost and Certification are two additional but lesser known C’s that can greatly impact your search for the right diamond.

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Tags: classic jewelry, gold, gold facts, gold jewelry, palladium