The Four C’s refer to the different qualities of diamonds.
Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat.
Cut –
The cut doesn’t describe the general shape of a diamond. The real meaning has to do with the different proportions that are associated with each diamonds design. A formula has been developed to extenuate the refractive properties of the diamonds crystalline structure. If a cut is too shallow or too deep the brilliance of the stone will be diminished. Which means the diamond won’t sparkle as well.
Each diamond design shape has been researched to get the largest amount of brilliance and light to show. A perfectly cut diamond is often called an ideal cut.
This light display is often called the “fire” of a diamond.
Color –
One of the factors that determines the value of a diamond is the color. Diamonds are not generally colorless which led to creating a diamond color scale. The color is determined by manually comparing the diamond to a master set to assign a letter grade. The scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow to dark brown).
Most “white” diamonds will rang from D to Y
A very popular color of diamonds is G-H-I. This range looks very white to the human eye.
The Z category is generally referring to fancy colored diamonds which can be brilliant canary yellow to rich cognac browns. There are also blue and reddish pink natural diamond colors.
Clarity –
The clarity of the diamond is measured by the existence or absence of visible flaws. Very small or microscopic blemishes or inclusions can alter the fire and brilliance of the diamond. Clarity scale or level starts with flawless. Flawless is symbolized with the letters FL and FI.
“FL” Means no internal or external flaws
“FI” Means Internally flawless or no internal flaws
The next level is VVS1 and VVS2. The number refers to the amount of the blemishes or inclusions. At this level the blemish would not be visible to the naked eye. The number “one” would have slightly less inclusion compared to the number “two”.
“VVS1” stands for Very,Very Slightly Included.
“VVS2” stands for Very,Very Slightly Included.
Carat –
The term “carat” refers to the weight of the diamond. The weight of one carat is approximately 0.2 grams. Diamond weights are normally referenced in points. A one carat diamond is equal to 100 points. So a half carat diamond would be described as 50-point diamond. It may also be written as 0.50ct. A quarter carat would be 25-points or 0.25ct.
As diamonds are cut larger their value increases. A larger diamond is more rare than a small one. You will often see diamond per carat price increase after 49-points or 0.49ct.
All four of these factors determine a diamond price. This can seem overwhelming to people new to the diamond market but it doesn’t have to be. If you have question about diamonds please contact us at KD Fine Jewelers.
We will be happy to help you find the perfect diamond.
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