The Four "C's"
The Four "C's" - cut, clarity, color and carat weight--are the characteristics that determine a diamond's rarity and value--and as a result, its price. Like snowflakes, no two diamonds are alike, although they may sometimes look identical to the naked eye. The Four "C's", and the many ways in which they can be combined, are the key to understanding why two diamonds of equal size may not be of equal value. A basic understanding of each classification is important for making an informed purchase.
When looking to purchase a diamond, strive for a stone that offers a combination of the Four "C's" which best match your goals. Also, since beauty is in the eye of the beholder--don't be afraid to use your eyes and trust your heart in selecting the diamond that speaks most to you. A basic understanding of the Four "C's" will help you to select the diamond that's perfect for you.
CUT
Cut is perhaps the most important of the Four "C's" because a quality cut is what unlocks a diamond's fiery sparkle. Cut is also the only diamond characteristic directly influenced by man--the other three are dictated by nature. A good cut releases the "fire" and "brilliance" of a diamond through the proportion of its 57 or 58 facets (tiny planes that create angles), allowing the maximum of light to be reflected through the diamond.
In order to maximize this fire and brilliance, a diamond cutter must place each of the stone's facets and angles, which act as light-dispersing mirrors, in exact geometric relation to one another. Diamonds that are not cut to proper proportions (too deep or too shallow) lose light that spills through the side or bottom.
CLARITY
A diamond's clarity is determined by the degree to which it is free from naturally occurring inclusions, often called "nature's fingerprints." Almost all diamonds contain small traces of non-crystallized carbon--the element from which they were formed. These inclusions often require magnification under a standard 10-power jeweler's loupe before they become apparent to the eye. The fewer the inclusions, the rarer the stone.
COLOR
Color is the most subjective of the Four "C's". While most diamonds appear white, virtually all display barely perceptible tints of color. Evaluating a diamond's color for grading purposes is done by measuring the degree to which a diamond approaches colorlessness. Gemologists and jewelers describe the color of diamonds on a letter scale beginning with D (colorless) and moving through the alphabet to Z. The degree of colorlessness is not easily discernible to the untrained eye. D, E and F color grades are more expensive because they are more rare. However, well cut diamonds with good clarity of all color grades can be equally dazzling as it is the interplay of the Four "C's" which determines each individual stone's unique beauty.
CARAT
Carat refers to the weight, and therefore the size, of the diamond. One carat weighs 0.2 grams, or 1/142 of an ounce. Jewelers, however, refer to stones using "points"--one carat is divided into 100 points. Therefore, a diamond weighing 50 points is a half a carat; 25 points a quarter carat and so on. Of all diamonds mined, only a relatively small amount are considered "gem" quality. Furthermore, of those that do make it into jewelry, fewer than 5% are larger than one carat.
An important factor to consider is who has judged the diamond you are interested in. Unfortunately, there are dishonest business persons in the jewelry industry who knowingly promote diamonds for more than their appraised worth.
At Vecere Jewelers, all precious stones are carefully inspected and graded before being set or displayed in our showcase. The diamond of your choosing is accompanied with a grading report by the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.), so you can buy with confidence. In addition. Feel free at any time to visit our store where one of our trained associates can show you the diamond of her dreams.