Diamonds & 4C's
The 4C's: Cut, Clarity, Carat Weight and Color
Many consumers are unsure of what to look for when buying a diamond. Since selecting a diamond can be mystifying and overwhelming, we would like to explain to you the 4 C's. We understand that an educated and informed customer is a happy customer.
Cut
The precision with which a diamond is cut is a critical factor in the value of the stone. The cut of the diamond should display the "fire" and "brilliance".
If the diamond is cut to just the right proportions and all the precise angles, the stone's ability to reflect light will be maximized.
Acceptable Proportions for IDEAL Made Diamonds
Table - 53 percent-57 percent
Depth - 59 percent-62 percent
Crown Height - 14.2 percent-16.2 percent
Pavilion Depth - 42.2 percent-43.8 percent
Crown Angle - 33.7-35.8 degrees
Girdle Thickness - Thin to Slightly Thick
Cutlet Size - Small-Medium
Finish - Excellent-Ideal
Symmetry - Excellent-Ideal
Clarity
The greater a diamond's clarity, the more brilliant, valuable and rare it is. Virtually all natural diamonds contain identifying characteristics, yet many are invisible to the naked eye. Under the scrutiny of a jeweler's 10x magnifying loupe or microscope, natural blemishes, called inclusions, may be seen. These are nature's birthmarks, and they may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers.
Grading Scale
FL: flawless - no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10 power magnification.
1F: internally flawless - no inclusions and only slight and insignificant blemishes (that could be removed by polishing) visible under 10 power magnification.
VVS1 and VVS2: very, very slightly included - minute inclusions that are difficult to see under 10 power magnification.
VS1 and VS2: very slightly included - minor inclusions that may be difficult to see under 10 power magnification.
SI1 and SI2: slightly included - inclusions easy to see under 10 power magnification.
I1, I2 and I3: included or imperfect - inclusions very easy to see under 10 power magnification and visible to the unaided eye.
Color
Even though most diamonds appear to be colorless to the untrained eye, there are subtle differences in the shade. The color of a diamond results in traces of other elements that mixed as the diamond was forming. It is extremely rare to find a truly colorless diamond.
Color Scale
D-E-F: colorless
G-H-I: near colorless face up and mounted
J-K-L: slight tint visible in larger or loose stones
M-Z: varying shades of color mounted or loose
Fancy: diamonds with enough color (yellow, brown, red, blue, green, etc.) to be desirable
Carat Weight
The weight of diamonds is measured in carats. Carat weight is the easiest of the 4 C's to determine. It is important to remember that two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very unequal value, depending upon the cut, clarity and color.