The Four C's of Diamonds

Carat - Refers to the weight of a diamond. Carat is often confused with the size even though it is actually a measure of weight. One carat can also be divided into 100 “points”. A .75 carat diamond is the same as a 75 points or ¾ carat diamond. Cut and mounting can make a diamond appear larger (or smaller) than its actual weight.

Clarity - Refers to the presence of inclusions in 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. Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection, known as clarity, which was established by the gemological institute of America (GIA). The clarity scale, ranging from F (Flawless) to included (I), is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x. The greater a diamond’s clarity, the more brilliant, valuable and rare it is.

Cut - Refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond. Based on scientific formulas, a well-cut diamond will internally reflect light from one mirror-like to another and disperse and reflect it through the top of the stone. This results in a display of brilliance and fire. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow lose or leak light through the side or bottom, resulting in less brilliance and ultimately, value. Cut also refers to shape-round, square, pear of heart for example. Since a round diamond is symmetrical and capable of reflecting nearly all the light that enters, it is the most brilliant of all diamond shapes and follows specific proportional guidelines. Non-round shapes, also known as “fancy shapes,” will have their own guidelines to be considered well-cut.

Color - Refers to the degree to which a diamond is colorless. Diamonds range in color from icy winter whites to warm summer whites, diamonds are graded on a color scale establishes by the gemological institute of America (GIA) which ranges from D (colorless) to Z. Warmer colored diamonds (K-Z) are particularly desirable when set in yellow gold. Icy winter whites (D-J) look stunning set in white gold or platinum.

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