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| The Four C's of a Diamond. Carat A diamondās weight is measured in what is known as a Īcaratā, which is a small unit of measurement equal to 200 milligrams. The carat weight of a diamond is an extremely important determining factor in its value, however, it is not the only factor that determines a diamondās value. In other words, bigger does not necessarily mean better. All four Cs÷Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight must be balanced in order to arrive at a diamond that fits your budget. None of the 4Cs is mutually exclusive, nor is any one more important than the others. Color In general, the less color a diamond has, the more valuable it is, all other factors being equal. Diamonds are found in nature in a wide range of colors, from completely colorless (the most desirable trait) to slightly yellow, to brown. So-called Īfancy color diamondsā come in more intense colors, like yellow and blue, but these are not graded on the same scale. The color grading system for diamonds uses the letters of the alphabet from D through Z, with ĪDā being the most colorless and therefore the rarest and most valuable, and ĪZā having the most yellow and the least valuable. A diamondās color is determined by looking at it under controlled lighting and comparing them to the Gemological Institute of Americaās color scale. A diamond's color also has a great impact on its cost. Since ''colorlessness'' is the most sought-after trait, diamonds that are higher up on the color scale (e.g. D, E, F) will have a greater value. The idea is to choose a diamond that is as high on the color scale as your budget will allow, taking all 4Cs into account.  Clarity The term "diamond clarity" refers to the number, position and size of the inclusions that occur naturally inside the diamond. The fewer and less obvious the inclusions, the more valuable the diamond. The diamond grades are as follows: F Flawless. The diamond shows no inclusions or blemishes of any sort under 10X magnification when observed by an experienced grader. Note: Truly flawless or internally flawless (F or IF on the GIAās grading scale) diamonds are extremely rare. IF Internally Flawless. The diamond has no inclusions when examined by an experienced grader using 10X magnification, but will have some minor blemishes. VVS1, VVS2 Very, Very slightly included. The diamond contains minute inclusions that are difficult even for experienced graders to see under 10X magnification. VS1, VS2 Very slightly included. The diamond contains minute inclusions such as small crystals, clouds or feathers when observed with effort under 10X magnification. SI1, SI2, SI3 Slightly included. The diamond contains inclusions (clouds, included crystals, knots, cavities, and feathers) that are noticeable to an experienced grader under 10X magnification, but are generally not noticeable by the naked eye. I1, I2, I3 Included. The diamond contains inclusions (possibly large feathers or large included crystals) that are obvious under 10X magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance. The most important thing to remember when it comes to clarity is that a diamondās inclusions should not be noticeable to the naked eye, nor should they be so excessive that they affect the diamondās durability. Cut Cut refers to a diamond's proportions, which enhance a diamond's ability to refract light. Many gemologists consider cut the most important diamond characteristic because even if a diamond has perfect color and clarity, a diamond with a poor cut will have only a dull sparkle. It is in the hands of the master diamond cutter to bring out the scintillating fire of a diamond. Well cut diamonds reflect the maximum amount of light, through the diamond from one mirror-like surface to another, dispersed through the top of the stone. Diamonds cut too shallow or too deep lose light that spills through the side or bottom. Consequently, a poorly proportioned stone is less brilliant and spectacular and accordingly less valuable. The two most heavily observed aspects of a diamond's cut is its depth percentage and table percentage. The depth percentage is the length of the stone from table (top) to culet (bottom), expressed as a percentage of the diamond's width, measured at its widest point. This depth-to-width relationship is largely responsible for the diamond's being properly proportioned, resulting in the proper refraction of light and maximum fire and brilliance. The table percentage is the measurement of the diamond's table width, relative to the width of the entire stone (at its girdle, or widest point). This relationship is critical for maximum fire and brilliance: too small or too large a table can hamper the diamond's ability to disperse light properly, not to mention possibly causing the stone to appear smaller for its weight.
Symmetry Another important aspect of a diamond's cut is its Symmetry. Symmetry describes several factors: how the facet edges align with each other; whether the corresponding facets from opposite sides of the diamond align with each other or not; and whether the facets from the crown, or top of the diamond are properly aligned with the corresponding ones on the bottom (pavilion). When choosing a diamond, look for Excellent, Very Good or Good symmetry ratings on the diamond grading report, if symmetry is graded. Fluorescence One factor that is over emphasized by novices is a diamond's Fluorescence. When exposed to ultraviolet light, small percentages of diamonds fluoresce, or emit light, which may be yellow or blue. Fluorescence generally does not affect a diamond's value, however it is listed on a diamond grading report. When looking for a nice diamond, fluorescence should not be an important factor. In conclusion, when it comes to judging cut, the most important thing to remember is that quality and craftsmanship are more important than size, since these characteristics can mean the difference between a positively radiant, lively diamond, and a lifeless, lackluster stone (that may, in fact, be larger). Remember, diamonds have more value if they have been cut to maximize their brilliance, not their size. All in all, cut must be balanced along with the rest of the 4Cs in order to find the highest quality diamond your budget will allow. Return to top |
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