 The Four
C's
To establish a diamond's quality, we examine each
of the 4Cs - cut clarity, carat weight and color. The
combination of the 4Cs determines the value of a particular
diamond. For example, a colorless diamond is at the top of
the list, but if it lacks clarity, is small or not well cut,
it will be of lower value. The finest stones possess the
rarest quality in each of the 4Cs, and are the most
valuable.
Strive for a stone that offers the best
combination of the 4Cs. Knowing a diamond's place in the
"Diamond Quality Pyramid" will help you make an informed
decision. Ultimately, you'll discover the unique combination
of the 4Cs that makes a particular diamond the right choice
for you. Its beauty and brilliance will capture the true
sentiment of the occasion.
While all diamonds are beautiful, only by
comparing stones will you be able to appreciate what makes
one more rare and valuable than another. When you view
stones side by side, you'll understand why diamonds that
look similar at a casual glance are priced differently. Keep
in mind that there are no "bargain" diamonds; there are only
diamonds of different value, weight and brilliance.
The larger a diamond, the more rare…
Larger diamonds are found relatively infrequently
in nature, which places them at the rarest level. What also
makes a bigger diamond so desirable is that it shows off a
stone's fine color and cut, and therefore its brilliance, to
its best advantage.
A diamond's size is measured in carat weight, and
each carat is equal to 100 points. A .75 carat diamond is
the same as a 75 point diamond or a ¾ carat stone.
While larger diamonds are highly prized, diamonds
of equal size may vary widely in value and brilliance,
depending on their qualities of clarity, cut and color.
The purer the diamond, the more brilliant…
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 scrutiny of a jeweler's 10x magnifying loupe or
microscope, natural phenomena - called inclusions - may be
seen. These are nature's birthmarks, and they may look like
tiny crystals, clouds or feathers.
Diamonds categorized as internally flawless reveal
no such inclusions. Flawless stones are treasured for their
rarity and beauty. Diamonds with very, very small inclusions
are graded as VVS1 or VVS2. The larger the inclusion, the
lower the grade and the less rare the diamond. Inclusions
that can be seen with the naked eye are graded I 1 to I3.
The number, color, type, size and position of
surface and internal birthmarks affect a diamond's value.
Major inclusions can interfere with the path of light that
travels through a diamond, diminishing its brilliance and
sparkle and therefore its value.
The more pure the color in a diamond, the more
rare…
Diamonds are graded by color, starting at D and
continuing through the alphabet. Truly colorless stones,
graded D, are treasured for their rarity and value.
While many diamond appear colorless, they may
actually have subtle yello9w or brown tones and these color
grades include P and Q. Although still beautiful, they will
be less rare and therefore less valuable. To appreciate the
simple beauty of each individual stone, you should compare
diamonds side by side.
"Fancy" diamonds - in well defined colors that
include red, pink, blue, green and canary yellow - are
highly prized and particularly rare.
The better cut a diamond, the more brilliant…
A well cut or faceted diamond, regardless of its
shape, scintillates with fire and light - offering the
greatest brilliance and value.
While nature determines a diamond's clarity, carat
weight and color, the hand of a master craftsman is
necessary to release its fire, sparkle and beauty. When a
diamond is cut to good proportions, light will reflect from
one mirror-like facet to another and disperse through the
top of the stone, resulting in a display of brilliance and
fire.
Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow lose
light that spills through the side or bottom. As a result,
poorly cut stones will be less brilliant and beautiful - and
certainly less valuable - than well cut diamonds.
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