The 4Cs: What to Know When Buying Diamonds
BY Jeffrey May 11, 2020
Brilliant and beautiful, diamonds are sought for their purity, strength, and timelessness. Each and every stone is unique, being formed through intense heat and pressure over millions of years. And while this process is the same for every diamond, there are a number of influences that can affect the end result. It’s why two diamonds of the same size and shape can have very different prices.
To help unify how diamonds were rated, the 4C system was established in the mid 20th century by the Gemology Institute of America. This system is now globally recognized, and qualifies each stone by its Color, Carat Weight, Cut, and Clarity. This post explores each C and the part they play when determining quality and price.
Color
Color refers to how clear the stone is and directly affects the glitter, or “fire” diamonds exhibit when reflecting light. The clearer the stone is, the more brilliant its fire will be. Jewelers around the world rely on a standard color scale that ranks diamonds from D (colorless) to Z (noticeably colored). Stones found in the highest color grade (D) are the rarest options, being completely devoid of color. These diamonds are the most expensive and usually command their own display in stores. As you work down the scale, hints of yellow and brown will creep into the stone, lowering its clarity, brilliance, and cost.
Carat Weight
This simply refers to how large the diamond is. The larger the carat, the bigger the diamond. One distinction, however, is that carat refers only to the total weight of the diamond. Some flatter cuts can appear larger while having a smaller carat weight.
Cut
Cut and shape are often used interchangeably when referring to diamonds. However, these are actually two very different things. A diamond’s shape refers to, well, its shape. For example, pear, round, heart are all diamond shapes. The cut, on the other hand, describes the reflective properties of the stone, referring to the number facets and quality of symmetry. This means a round diamond, for example, can have a number of different cuts while remaining the same size and shape. Generally speaking, diamonds with a finer cut will be more brilliant and create a more intense fire of light.
Clarity
Wait a minute. Doesn’t color refer to how clear a diamond is? It does, indeed. But a perfectly colorless diamond can still have a number of blemishes that detract from its beauty and lower its worth. These imperfections make up the diamond’s Clarity. Some issues are immediately noticeable, such as blemishes on the surface of the stone. Others, called inclusions, occur within the stone and are nearly impossible to see with the naked eye. Diamonds with higher clarity (fewer blemishes and inclusions) will fetch a higher price tag.
There’s More!
The 4Cs only cover the stone itself, but there are many more aspects that go into the quality of your purchase. If you’re interested in learning more about gems and jewelry, check out our posts covering precious metals and unique diamond alternatives.
Jeffrey