What Are The 4 “C’s”? Do The 4 “C’s” of Diamonds Really Matter?
“What Are The 4 “C’s”? Do The 4 “C’s” of Diamonds Really Matter?
When clarifying a diamond’s grade, some people use a mnemonic phrase called “The 4 C’s of Diamonds”, invented by GIA.
1) Diamond Carat – Size or weight of stone/s
2) Diamond Cut – Shape and cut of stone/s
3) Diamond color – Color of the stone/s
4) Diamond Clarity – Clarity of the stone/s
Carats
The size of stones are measured in carats, which is written CT.
1ct = 100 points.
The conversion from grams to carats is approximately x 5
IE 1 gram = 5 CT.
The most accurate way to measure the carat weight is to use a diamond scale. A diamond scale is more efficient because it tabulates weights up to the second decimal point i,e .01.
The CT weight is one of the most accurate ways to tell if the stone in your hand is the real stone associated with the accompanied gem certificate.
Checking the weight of the stone against its certificate is your first defense against being defrauded.
Cut
There are numerous Cut designs for diamonds, including multitudes of different settings for each cut.
As Moore’s Law continues to play it’s part in technology, the cuts become evermore accurate and sophisticated.
The most Popular and common cut, the “Brilliant” cut, aka “Round” cut, has developed so fast that it is now constructed with 57 facets and a cutlet (table – or large face on the top of the diamond) as opposed to the previous 17 – 33 Facets.
Color
There are 2 color charts when it comes to diamonds: the regular chart, starting at D and lowering in grade to V.
D renders the diamond colorless and bears a hefty price tag. V sits on the opposite end of the scale: a brown or yellow, and much cheaper.
The 2nd color chart is the fancy one. Fancy colored diamonds are graded on a different colored chart and are generally worth more money, due to rarity.
Clarity
The clarity of a diamond is an important topic when it comes to pricing.
The highest grade of clarity is FL, standing for Flawless – and the lowest grade is I3, short for included.
‘I’ grades generally have flaws visible to a naked eye, whereas V Grades have flaws that can bee seen only with 10x magnification, and even than, only slightly.
FL/IF are Flawless under magnification.
Related Articles
How To Buy A Diamond, 3 Steps You Must Take In Buying Diamonds