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Guide to 4 C's
What are the 4 C’s of Diamonds?
The four C’s—cut, color, clarity, and carat—are the traits that make a diamond valuable. While you don’t need to be a graduate gemologist to shop for the perfect diamond, it’s much easier when you understand the basics. Before starting your search, here are a few things to look out for when selecting a diamond for your engagement ring.
Carat
The most well-known “C” is the carat. Although some equate carat with a diamond’s size, it is a unit of measurement that describes the weight. Higher carats can cost significantly more than those with a lower weight, but the size can be misleading. While a compact round cut diamond will look smaller in size, it can match the weight of a diamond that appears to look much larger, such as a diamond with a long table. Even though a diamond’s price will increase with a higher carat, there are other characteristics that will cause the quality to vary.
Cut
The technical proportions, symmetry, facet placement, and shape all depend on the cut of a diamond. Popular diamond shapes include round cut, princess cut, emerald cut, and pear shaped, which contribute to the appearance and aesthetic of an engagement ring. Due to strict cutting standards, each diamond cut is graded on a scale of “excellent” to “poor” by the Gemological Institute of America. When cut to ideal proportions, the light that enters the diamond from any direction will be completely reflected through the top to create a sparkling display of flashes of colors.
Color
While the term can be misleading, color refers to the absence of it when discussing diamonds. A diamond as close to colorless as possible is preferred and is considerably more valuable. The GIA rates stones on a scale from D to Z. Stones scoring from D-F are categorized as colorless, with the most colorless diamonds receiving a “D” grading. G-J are near colorless diamonds and anything after that will have a tinge of yellow and brown.
Clarity
A diamond’s clarity refers to its number of naturally occurring internal and external characteristics, also known as inclusions. Some inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, but the size, nature, location, and frequency of these inclusions will determine the diamond's grade and affect its cost. Taking a look at the diamond and speaking with a diamond expert on this factor will help you understand how it can affect the look of your diamond.
Why Shop for Loose Diamonds at Hannoush Jewelers?
If you are in search of a diamond, it can be helpful to speak with one of the trained professionals here at Goldstein Swank & Gordon (Hannoush). We will guide you through the process of selecting a center stone for a gorgeous engagement ring and will ensure that we account for what matters most to you. Residents in Berlin, Hudson, and Worcester are encouraged to stop by our Marlborough jewelry store today Give us a call at (508) 624-9994 to schedule an appointment with one of our Diamond Specialists.
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