Diamond 4 C's When you are buying diamond jewelry there are four very important factors to take into consideration that determine a diamonds quality and value. These are known as the 4 C's. Carat, color, clarity and cut. 1 Diamond Carat (The weight of the diamond) Carat is sometimes mistaken for a diamonds size but it is actually the diamonds weight and 1 carat is equals 200 milligrams. 1 carat can also be divided up into 100 points so a .75 carat diamond is the same as 75 points or a 3/4-carat diamond. It would seem logical that a 1 carat diamond would cost twice as much as a = carat diamond but this is not the case as larger diamonds are rarer and therefore more expensive. 2 Diamond Color (How colorless a diamond is) Diamonds are graded on a color scale that ranges from D (colorless) to Z. Colorless stones, (graded D), are prized for their rarity and look amazing set in white gold or platinum. Diamonds graded K to Z tend to suit yellow gold settings but it really all boils down to personal taste. 3 Diamond Clarity (The presence of inclusions in a diamond) Inclusions are minerals or fractures that occur in a diamond as it is forming naturally and the positioning of these inclusions can affect the value of a diamond. There are very few flawless diamonds and these are highly prized and valuable. Diamonds are graded on a scale ranging from FL (flawless) to I (included) and this is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x. 4 Diamond Cut (The angles and proportions of a diamond) An expertly cut diamond will reflect light from one facet to another and disperse it through the top of the stone. This is known as "fire" or "brilliance". Diamonds that are cut either too shallow or deep can loose this fire through its bottom or sides. Cut also refers to the actual shape of the diamond i.e. Round cut or Princess cut etc. |
