The 4 C’s of Diamonds
CARAT
As with all precious stones, the weight & size of a diamond is expressed in carats. One carat is divided into 100 “points” so that a diamond of 25 points is described as a quarter of a carat, or 0.25 carats.
| 1/2 carat | 3/4 carat | 1 carat | 1 1/2 carat | 2 carat | 3 carat | 5 carat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.2 mm | 5.8 mm | 6.5 mm | 7.4 mm | 8.2 mm | 9.4 mm | 11.2mm |
| .50 ct | .75 ct | 1 ct | 1.50 ct | 2 ct | 3 ct | 5 ct |
| 50 points | 75 points | 100 points | 150 points | 200 points | 300 points | 500 points |
Size is the most obvious factor in determining the value of a diamond, but now you know that two diamonds of equal size can have very unequal prices, depending on their quality. However, remember that diamonds of high quality can be found in all size ranges.
Cut
The Cut refers to the outward appearance of a diamond not it’s shape. When talking about a diamond’s cut, this is describing the reflective qualities. A good cut gives a diamond its brilliance, that brightness that seems to come from the very heart of a diamond. The angles and finish of any diamond are what determine its ability to handle light, which leads to brilliance.
Because cut is so important, several grading methods have been developed to help consumers determine the cut of a particular diamond. In general, these grades are:
| Ideal | Premium | Very Good | Good | Fair & Poor |
|---|
Clarity
Diamonds are formed under intense pressure over millions of years, and it’s not surprising that most diamonds have their character flaws. These flaws, called “inclusions” affect the diamonds clarity. No surprise that a diamond with few inclusions or blemishes are the most highly valued and often the most rare.
Diamonds are graded for clarity ranging from:
| F | IF | VVS1 – VVS2 | VS1 – VS2 | SI1 – SI2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flawless | Internally Flawless | Very very slight inclusion | Very slight inclusion | Slight inclusion |
Color
This can mean the presence or absence of color in white diamonds. A diamonds color never changes with time and because a colorless diamond is much like clear glass, it allows more light to pass through it then colored diamonds giving them their sparkle and inner fire. Colored diamonds are graded differently then colorless or white diamonds and is important to remember when choosing.
We grade our diamonds on a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) professional color scale that begins with D for colorless, to Z for the more Yellow or Brownish in color. Diamonds graded D through F are the most desired because of their rarity and near colorless nature.
