Basic Facts Related to the 4C's of Diamonds

The Best Engagement Rings

When it comes to sparkle, there is no substitute for diamonds. Though it may vary from one diamond to the other, each diamond looks strikingly beautiful in its own way. However, other than sparkle, there are also certain other qualities or features that determine the price and charm of diamonds.

The beauty and structure of diamonds are based on the 4 C’s – cut, clarity, color and carat. Experienced jewelers at gemological associations evaluate a piece of diamond on these parameters. Subsequently, a certificate is issued on its quality based on the assessment of the aforementioned features.

The certificates issued by the GIA and the AGS, the two most prominent gem laboratories, are considered the most transparent usually accepted worldwide as the standard certificate for a piece of diamond in the best engagement rings.

An important point to remember here is that the certificate provided by a gem laboratory, which consists of the report of the 4C’s of a given piece of diamond, does not guarantee whether it is of the highest quality or an inferior one. However, it serves as a document to help you determine whether or not the claims made by a seller while selling a diamond ring is true or not. It also brings the flaws related to a diamond to the notice of a buyer at the time of buying a piece.

The details of the 4C’s are discussed below.

Cut

The cut of a diamond refers to a wide array of its properties: brilliance, angles, symmetrical facets, proportions, scintillation, fire and finishing details. These attributes determine the quality of sparkle or overall appearance of a diamond.

Generally, the GIA grades a diamond in the following grades:

• Ideal
• Excellent
• Very good
• Good
• Fair
• Poor

Based on the shape of a diamond, the first two grades indicate angles and proportions for maximising fire and brilliance.

You may find variations in cuts between two or more diamonds or from one diamond cutter to another. While sometimes a cutter may cut a diamond deep to achieve more carat weight or leave it too shallow to ensure optimum reflection of light. Also, they may cut a diamond with the objective to conceal the inclusions or to improve the clarity to enhance its sparkle. Thus, it can be concluded that it is essential to examine this aspect of diamond to ensure that the sparkle of a purchased diamond is up to the mark.

Color

The color of a diamond is graded depending on how colorless it is from grades D-Z. D indicates the highest degree of colorlessness of a diamond, whereas Z reflects the fact that a diamond has noticeable yellow or brown tint. The former is more expensive than the latter.

At the time of buying a piece of diamond, it is also important to pay attention to the inclusions. Also, you should make sure that a piece of diamond is cut to prevent the interference of the reflection of light.

Clarity

Diamonds with a higher clarity come across without any blemish. As a result, it looks clean and more soothing to the eyes with maximum appeal. The GIA grades this vital attribute of diamonds using the following criteria:

• Flawless (FL)
• Internally Flawless (IF)
• Very Very Slightly Included 1 (VVS1)
• Very Very Slightly Included 2 (VVS2)
• Very Slightly Included 1 (VS1)
• Very Slightly Included 2 (VS2)
• Slightly Included 1 (Sl1)
• Slightly Included 2 (Sl2)
• Inclusions 1 (l1)
• Inclusions 2 (l2)

For maximum clarity, it is important to ensure that a diamond is eye clean. Plus, you should also make sure that the diamond bought by you does not interfere with light reflection.

Carat

Out of misconception or misinformation, most shoppers tend to associate carat weight with the size of a diamond. In reality, it indicates the weight of a diamond. It does not tell how large the size of a given piece of diamond on an engagement diamond ring for women or men is. The cut and shape of a diamond determine its carat.

Though one or more attributes of a diamond may have a bearing on its appearance or sparkle, it is a good idea to choose a piece taking all the attributes into consideration.