The Four C's
An Overview to Grading Diamonds
When it comes to picking out the perfect diamond, there are a few big factor that are taken into consideration. These factors are cut, color, clarity and carat, which are also known as "The Four C's." The Four C's were developed as a way to measure stones scientifically in each categories. By creating this standardized scale, this has been the easiest way to communicate what is being desired.
Cut
When the cut of a stone is brought up, it surprisingly is not in regards to the shape a customer wants; i.e. round, cushion, marquise, etc. Cut refers to a diamond's proportions, symmetry, and polish which affects the way light interacts with the facets of a diamond. This also has three main effects on appearance: brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
Brilliance: the brightness created by the white light reflected on the surface and inside the polished
Fire: the dispersion of light in colors of the visible spectrum
Scintillation: flashes of light and dark which can be described as sparkle
This is typically the first and most important diamond characteristics because of the human's eye to detect light performance and in essence the reflectiveness of a diamond. A well cut diamond will appear bright and have a gorgeous sparkle. Below are three different cuts with explanations of how the light interacts with a stone.
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Shallow Cut
ButtonEntering light strikes the pavilion facet at a low angle and escapes through the bottom.
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Ideal Cut
ButtonA well cut diamond means that the light strikes the pavilion facet at an angle which allows most of the light to reflect back to the crown (top).
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Deep Cut
ButtonThe light entering strikes the first pavilion facet at an angle sharp enough to reflect to the second. However, as the light strikes the second pavilion, the angle is too low and causes the light to refract through the bottom of the diamond.
Color
This refers to a diamonds lack of color, and grades evaluate the whiteness of a stone. A color grade of "D" is the highest possible, while a color grade of "Z" is the lowest. Since color manifests itself in diamonds as a pale yellow, the less color a diamond has the higher and better the grade.
Clarity
The clarity of a diamond refers to the inclusions (blemishes) or lack there of that are seen in a diamond. Please refer to the list and image below to get a better understanding of each level.
FL: a flawless diamond which means that it is free from all inclusions or blemishes even under 10x magnification.
VVS1-VVS2: the diamond has minor inclusions that are very very small and difficult to see even under 10x magnification.
VS1-VS2: diamond has minor inclusions that are very small and can be seen under 10x magnification and occasionally to the naked eye (would appear as a small speck in the diamond).
SI1-SI2: diamond has inclusions that can be seen at 10x magnification and may be seen to the naked eye.
I1, I2, and I3: diamond is imperfect and inclusions are visible under 10x magnification and are likely to be seen to the naked eye.
Carat
Carat is the term used to describe the weight of any diamond. Refer to the chart for an approximate measure in reference to carat weight. These are not exact measurements because the type of cut (shallow, ideal, or deep) will affect the mm size in relation to the carat weight as well. These approximate measurements are based on an ideal cut.
There you have it, the quick overview to the Four C's! It needs to be stated that each of these independent factors do affect value. Don't think you have to get the best of the best diamond to claim you have a beautiful diamond. With the help of a knowledgeable jeweler, you can be confident that you have the diamond of your dreams. Now that you have knowledge on your side, the diamond you choose will be the best diamond for you.
