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Understanding The 4C's of Diamonds
4C's: Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat
A good understanding of diamonds is necessary before you begin shopping. We've put the basics together here to help guide you. Learning about diamonds is really learning about the "four Cs" of diamonds - cut, clarity, color and carat weight. These are the criteria jewelers use when grading diamonds, and they're the ones you'll need to understand to find the right diamond for you.
Cut:-Cut is probably the most important, and most challenging, of the four Cs to understand. The brilliance of a diamond depends heavily on its cut.
Clarity:- Most diamonds contain some inner flaws, or inclusions, that occur during the formation process. The visibility, number and size of these inclusions determine what is called the clarity of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance, and thus are more highly prized, and priced.
Color:- Colorless diamonds are the most desirable since they allow the most refraction of light (sparkle). Off white diamonds absorb light, inhibiting brilliance. To ensure that your jewelry is of the highest quality, we've pre-selected our diamonds to eliminate those of lesser color grades.
Carat Weight:- A carat is the unit of weight by which a diamond is measured. Because large diamonds are found less commonly than small diamonds, the price of a diamond rises respectfully to its size.
Certificate:- The diamond grading report (certificate), is a complete micro-inspection of your diamond that has been evaluated by a qualified professional using special gemological instruments. Each diamond has its own identifiable distinct characteristics, which is listed on the certificate.
Understanding Carat Weight
A diamond's weight is measured in what is known as a carat, which is a small unit of measurement equal to 200 milligrams. Carat is not a measure of a diamond's size, since cutting a diamond to different proportions can affect its weight. (The word Karat is used to express the purity of gold, and is not used in relation to diamonds.) Here is a diagram that shows the relative size of various carat weights in a diamond that is cut to the same proportions.
Understanding Color
Most diamonds are colorless to slightly yellowish. The color is determined by comparison with a series of masterstones, the best grade being colorless [D, exceptionally white+] Diamonds can also occur in all sorts of color, ranging from brownish to striking yellow, pink to purple, red and blue. These are called "fancy colors”. Certain diamonds can react to 'black light' with varying from nil-slight-medium to strong. In addition to color, the fluorescence of the diamond is also graded.
Understanding Clarity Another vital grading characteristic in diamonds is their clarity. This refers to the number, position and size of the inclusions that occur naturally inside diamonds. The fewer and less obvious the inclusions, the more valuable the diamond. Below is an illustration that shows the clarity grading scale that has been established by the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Note: Diamonds are shown under 10X magnification):
| F (Flawless) |
The diamond shows no inclusions or blemishes of any sort under 10X magnification. Note: F or IF on the GIA grading scale) diamonds are extremely rare. |
IF
(Internally Flawless) |
The diamond has no inclusions using 10X magnification, but will have some minor blemishes. |
VVS1, VVS2
(Very, Very slightly included) |
The diamond contains minute inclusions that are difficult to see under 10X magnification. |
VS1, VS2
(Very slightly included) |
The diamond contains minute inclusions such as small crystals, clouds or feathers when observed with effort under 10X magnification. |
SI1, SI2
(Slightly included) |
The diamond contains inclusions (clouds, included crystals, knots, cavities, and feathers) that are noticeable under 10X magnification, but are not visible to the naked eye. |
I1, I2, I3
(Included) |
The diamond contains inclusions (perhaps large feathers or crystals) that are obvious under 10X magnification and may affect transparency & brilliance. |
It is these inclusions or blemishes that give each diamond its own unique fingerprint, making each one unique. In fact, the independent grading report that comes with every diamond we sell will show a diagram indicating any blemishes your diamond may have and their location. The most important thing to remember when it comes to clarity is that a diamonds inclusions should not be noticeable to the naked eye, nor should they be so excessive that they affect the diamond’s durability. Understanding Cut and Shape The only one of the 4Cs that is within our control is a diamond's cut. Cut is the result of a craftsmans skill in transforming a rough diamond into a gem. A diamond has facets (small plane surface) that allow light to enter, become refracted, and exit in a rainbow of colors. The better cut diamond the more beautiful it is. Here's the secret to how a diamond sparkles:
As you can see, the diamond with the correct proportions does a more effective job of refracting light out the top of the stone to your eye. The less-than-ideal cut diamonds allow some light to become lost out the bottom.
Understanding Gold
Gold
Gold won't tarnish, rust, or corrode, and though it's very strong, it is the most yielding of all metals.
Gold in its pure form (24 karat) is too soft to withstand abrasions caused from extensive daily wear, so it is alloyed with other metals to give it strength. This strength makes gold an excellent choice for a ring setting. Common gold alloys are silver, copper, nickel, and zinc.
Gold color is determined by the percentage of alloys that are included in the metal. When gold is alloyed with silver, copper, and zinc, the shade of color will vary. When gold is alloyed with nickel, copper, and zinc, it becomes white gold. Yellow gold and white gold have very similar strength and malleability. White gold looks very similar to platinum, but the two have different properties and prices.
The purity of gold is measured in karats, which are expressed in 24ths. Thus, 24-karat gold is pure and is often to soft to fashion into viable or wearable jewelry, while both 18-karat and 14-karat have a bit of alloy mixed in the compound which ensures more durability in the finished jewelry product. 12-karat gold is 50 percent gold and 50 percent alloy.
The price of gold jewelry is dependent upon the purity of the gold used or karat weight, as well as the design and construction of the piece of jewelry. When the karat weight or the gold percentage of the jewelry is high, the yellow color of gold is brighter, raising the value of the jewelry.
Understanding Platinum
Platinum
The most appealing characteristic of platinum is its durability. Each time other metals are scratched or polished, a tiny bit of metal is lost. Eventually, prongs of white or yellow gold may wear down enough that you need to have them reinforced with more metal for safety.
When selecting a setting for a diamond, we recommend using a platinum head. Platinum's cool white sheen beautifully accentuates the sparkle and brilliance of a diamond, and its strength holds the gemstone firmly. For that reason, we set all loose diamonds in safe, secure, platinum prongs.
While it is the strongest of jewelry metals, it can scratch and develop a patina of wear. Many people prefer this look, unique to platinum. But if you like the shine, a jeweler can polish your jewelry to bring back the original reflective finish. In the mean time, buffing with a soft cloth can give your jewelry renewed luster.
Most platinum jewelry is 95 percent pure platinum, and 5 percent iridium or palladium alloy. For guaranteed quality in platinum, look for the marks 950 Plat or Plat.
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