Learning About Diamonds
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The Four Cs
Learning about diamonds begins with an understanding of the basic characteristics, often referred to as The Four Cs. These are standards by which diamonds are graded, compared, and ultimately valued. Understanding the ways diamonds differ from one another will help you understand the trade offs of the Four Cs against another important factor – price.
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Carat Weight
The Carat is the measure of the actual weight of the diamond. A carat is divided into 100 points. A 0.50 carat diamond may also be referred to as 50 points.
The greater the weight of the diamond, the more rare it is. Carat weight is not always the same as size appearance. The choice of how a diamond is cut is a critically important factor in determining whether a diamond looks its weight. Stones that have too high a depth percentage carry more weight in the height of the diamond where it does not add to the visual size appearance.
Color
Diamonds may contain small traces of color within the crystal structure, often tints of yellow or brown. Differences in color are subtle and difficult to see with the untrained eye. The less tint of color in a diamond, the more rare it is.
Clarity
The clarity of a diamond refers to the presence of internal inclusions occurring naturally within the crystal structure.
Almost all diamonds have some degree of inclusions, but in higher quality of diamonds, inclusions are not visible to the naked eye.
The higher the clarity of a diamond, the more rare it is.
Diamond Shapes
Diamonds can be cut to a variety of different shapes. The shape of a diamond describes the outline of the stone and is different from the cut. The GIA does not grade the cut of fancy shaped diamonds, so it is critical to rely on expert judgement.
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