Clarity, cut, carat weight, and color- these 4Cs collectively define the quality of a diamond. A harmony between these vital attributes plays a major role in helping you buy the perfect quality diamond with a balance of value and brilliance.
These 4Cs are valuable in two ways. One, they have homogenized how the quality of diamonds is conveyed universally, and second, the customers can now know what they are purchasing.
At A.JAFFE, we understand that buying a diamond requires a considerable investment and not knowing these 4Cs may lead to a purchase that you might regret.
This guide shares some fundamental information about these essential criteria that will help you select the best diamond for your budget.
Read on to know more.
4Cs of Diamonds Explained
Before we dive into the four characteristics, here’s some interesting information. Till the 1940s, diamonds were classified very differently from the way they are today. For instance, colored diamonds were said to have a ‘tincture’, and colorless ones were referred to as ‘water’ or ‘river’.
As for the cut quality, they were simply classified as ‘well-made’ or ‘poorly-made’.
All this changed when Robert Shipley established the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in the 1930s. To standardize the diamond industry, Robert introduced the 4Cs, which have become standard diamond terminology ever since.
If you are in the market for princess cut diamond engagement rings, halo rings, or diamond contour wedding bands, you need to know these 4Cs well to make a sound investment.
Let’s get to know these standards better.
Carat
Often when people hear ‘carat weight’, they think it means the size of the diamond. Actually, carat is the measure of a diamond’s weight and not how large or small it is.
1 carat diamond=200 milligrams/ 0.2 grams
It is important to note that while you may find diamonds of similar weight, they may not appear the same in size. For example, a diamond cut too deep may look smaller for its weight. Alternatively, it may sparkle less.
Diamonds are weighed on electronic carat weighing scales to measure their exact weight.
With the other standards being equal, diamonds with higher carat weight will be costlier because larger diamonds are rarer and considered more valuable.
Our tip: There is something known as a magic size. This includes half-carat, three-quarter carat, and carat. While there is very little difference between them, the price difference can vary hugely.
Cut
Wondering how princess cut diamond engagement rings shine so brilliantly?
Well, it’s all about how the diamond is cut.
The second ‘C’ is the diamond’s cut. It doesn’t refer to the shape in which it is cut but how its facets interact with light, both natural and artificial. The cut defines these characteristics in a diamond:
- Fire: How well it scatters white light into rainbow colors.
- Sparkle: The glistening pattern of light that reflects within the diamond form.
- Brightness: The external and internal white light reflected from the diamond.
- Pattern: The relative size and contrast of the bright and dark areas that result from the diamond’s external and internal reflections.
The GIA has standardized five cut grades including:
- Excellent (EX)
- Very Good (VG)
- Good (G)
- Fair (F)
- Poor (P)
Our tip: Look at a diamond close-up. If you see dark areas in the center or around the girdle, it may denote some compromise with the cut’s quality. Alternatively, brighter and more even patterns signify more precision.
Color
When assessing a diamond’s quality, its color actually denotes colorlessness. A high-quality and chemically pure diamond is devoid of all color and is considered to be rare and hence of higher value.
How well a diamond reflects light and dazzle is determined by its color. The Gemological Institute of America has a color grading system that classifies diamonds from D to Z with D being the clearest in color.
Our tip: At times the color variations are so subtle, a lay person cannot make a distinction. However, they make a huge difference in the diamond’s quality and price. That’s why it is important to get an opinion from A.JAFFEexperts before you invest in a diamond.
Clarity
A diamond’s clarity is the absence of imperfections and blemishes on its surface. While no diamond is 100% free of all imperfections, the clearer it is, the more pure it is considered.
The Gemological Institute of America has a Clarity Scale, which divides diamonds into:
- Flawless: No blemishes under 10X magnification
- Internally Flawless: No inclusions visible under 10X magnification
- Very, very slightly included: Inclusions difficult to see under 10X magnification
- Very slightly included: Inclusions are observed with effort but are characterized as minor
- Slightly Included: Inclusions can be observed under 10X magnification
- Included: Obvious inclusions under 10X magnification
Our tip: To a naked eye, most diamonds appear the same. But all diamonds are different in terms of their real clarity. Only an A.JAFFE expert can point you to a diamond worth investing in.
The 5th C: Certification
Besides these traditional Cs, there is a fifth one that is equally critical to consider- the diamond’s certification. This certification is nothing but a grading report of the diamond from an independent laboratory that confirms its characteristics and vouches for its purity.
This prevents you from falling for misrepresentations and buying dubious diamonds.
Summing Up
Knowing the 5Cs of a diamond is necessary to give you peace of mind knowing that you are investing your hard-earned money in a piece that is pure and graded. When it comes to such valuable purchases, you can trust the 125-year-old legacy of A.JAFFE. All our diamonds are responsibly sourced from Canada and South Africa following the Kimberley process, which ensures that all the diamonds are conflict-free diamonds. Get in touch with us today to explore our stunning range of luxury jewelry.