The 4Cs
The 4Cs are the global standards by which the quality and value of a diamond are graded, according to four criteria: color, carat, clarity, and cut.
Color refers to the process that takes place inside the diamond when its core is hit with a ray of light. A balance between the hues of the color spectrum inside a diamond produces a white color, making the diamond essentially transparent, clear, and colorless. The GIA grades diamond colors on a letter scale ranging from D (high quality, white and colorless) to Z (yellow diamond). The whiter the diamond, the higher its color grading – and the higher its price. This grading system refers to white diamonds, not fancy-colored diamonds, the color of which is graded differently.
Carat denotes the weight of a diamond. One carat equals 200 milligrams and is divided into 100 points, each weighing 2 milligrams. The name derives from Greek (kerátion), meaning carob seeds, which were used to weigh precious stones in ancient times. The greater the carat weight of the diamond, the rarer and more expensive it is. Note that carat (Ct) is a unit for assessing the weight of a diamond – not to be confused with karat (K), which is the measure by which the purity of gold in jewelry is assessed.
Clarity is determined by the number, visibility, and location of any internal flaws in the diamond, caused by the presence of other elements besides carbon.
Most diamonds are not completely clear and include flaws that, for the most part, cannot be detected without a magnifying glass. Diamond clarity ranges from “Flawless” (no inclusions) to “Imperfect” (visible inclusions) and is determined by a certified diamond grader. The clearer and cleaner the diamond is, the higher quality and more expensive it is considered.
Cut is the only parameter over which man has control, rather than nature.
A rough diamond has no luster and it is the quality of the cut that determines the shine and brilliance of the final cut diamond.
The quality of the cut is determined by the proportions, symmetry, and finish lent to the final shape of the stone that, with a high-quality cut, will reflect light from all sides. The quality of diamond cuts has five grades, ranging from “Excellent” to “Poor,” and the finer the cut, the more expensive and high-quality the diamond is considered.
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