The 4Cs of Diamond

The "4 C's" are a set of key criteria for evaluating and defining the characteristics of a diamond. This system is universal and widely adopted in the jewelry industry to determine the quality and value of a diamond.

The four Cs include: carat, color, clarity, and cut.

Cut / Carat:

Carat refers to the weight of the diamond and is one of the most important characteristics in determining its value. One carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams, larger diamonds tend to be more valuable than smaller ones, assuming the other three C's are equal.

Color / Color:

The color scale for diamonds ranges from D (no color) to Z (lightly colored). Colorless diamonds, such as those graded D to F, are considered more valuable because they allow light to pass through the stone without any color distortion. On the other hand, diamonds with a more pronounced color tone, such as those graded J to Z, may exhibit yellow or brown coloration.

The current trend toward yellow diamonds is not generally for diamonds graded between J and Z, but rather for fancy color diamonds, which are prized for their intense hues, such as bright yellow, and tend to increase in value. JZ color diamonds, which display a yellow or light brown color, do not enjoy the same increase in value.

Clarity / Purity:

Clarity refers to the presence or absence of internal imperfections (inclusions) and external imperfections (blemishes) in a diamond. The clarity scale ranges from IF (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to P3 (inclusions and blemishes visible to the naked eye). Diamonds with higher clarity tend to have a higher value.

Cut / Taglio:

Cut refers to the quality of the cut, symmetry, and arrangement of the facets of a diamond. A well-executed cut allows light to reflect and refract through the diamond optimally, creating brilliance, fire, and sparkle. While there are different types of cuts (such as brilliant cut, emerald cut, etc.), not all optimize light in the same way, and the brilliant cut is generally considered the best for maximizing brilliance . A good cut is essential to maximizing the potential of a diamond, regardless of its shape or size.

By considering all four Cs together, you can assess the overall quality and value of a diamond. While each C is important, the relative weight of each can vary depending on individual preference and the type of jewelry the diamond will be set in. For example, for an engagement ring, cut and clarity may be particularly crucial, while for an investment, carat may be more significant.