The 4C's
Choosing the engagement ring of your dreams is one of the most important purchases you will ever make.
The value of a diamond is determined by the 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat.
The most valuable diamonds are colourless, with a precise cut and few flaws.
These criteria are used to determine the value and overall quality of a diamond.
CUT
The first C of the 4Cs is the cut of the diamond. A well-cut diamond will direct more light through the crown.
A diamond that is cut too shallow or too deep will allow light to escape through the sides or bottom of the stone.
COLOUR
The colour of a diamond is the next important element of the 4 Cs.
The colour of a diamond ranges from a colorless icy white to a light yellow.
It is very difficult to tell the difference from one colour grade to another.
That is why it is important to compare diamonds side by side. Colorless is the rarest and therefore the most expensive. Yellow is the least rare and therefore the least expensive.
CLARITY
The clarity of a diamond is an important element of the 4Cs. It affects the rarity and therefore the expense.
Clarity refers to the tiny markings on the diamond. The GIA has created a diamond grading scale to help the consumer understand what makes one diamond worth more than another.
The grading scale is based on rarity. Uncut is the rarest and therefore the most expensive. Included 3 is the least rare and therefore the least expensive diamond.
CARAT
The last of the 4 C's of diamonds is the carat weight.
Many people want the biggest diamond they can afford. 1 carat is divided into 100 points, so 50 points equals 1/2 carat.
Although cut is an important factor in determining the value of a diamond, cut, colour and clarity are equally important.
Not to confuse SHAPE and CUT!
Diamond shapes are often confused with Cut!
Diamonds come in a variety of shapes, including round, princess, cushion, emerald, pear, marquise, oval, radiant, and heart.
When selecting a diamond, the shape of the stone is the first step in the decision process.
Each shape has its own unique characteristics and can affect the way light enters and reflects within the diamond. The most popular shape is the round brilliant, which has 58 facets and maximizes the diamond's sparkle and brilliance.
Ultimately, the choice of diamond shape is a matter of personal preference and style.