The 4C's of diamonds is an international grading system that determines the value of the stone based on the Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat.
The Four C's of Diamonds
CUT
The grade cut determines how much light is returned out of the top of the diamond, essentially a measure of a diamond's sparkle or brilliance.
COLOR
The color grade refers to the whiteness of a diamond, or the lack of color in a diamond.
CLARITY
The clarity grade is defined by the type and size of natural occurring inclusions found within a diamond.
CARAT
The carat weight is the actual weight or size of a diamond.
CUT
The cut of a diamond has the greatest influence on it's sparkle. The cut determines a diamonds ability to transmit light through the table (top) of the diamond and has the biggest impact on it's appearance. The three primary effects on appearance include:
BRILLIANCE
Brilliance, or brightness, refers to the white light that is reflected back to the eye from the diamond. Light enters through the top of the diamond (the table), is broken down into a rainbow of spectral colors, and is reflected back and forth in the interior of the gem by bouncing off the mirror-like facets. Light exits through the table, recombining as white light.
DISPERSION
(FIRE)
Dispersion is the rainbow of colors that is reflected back to the eye from the diamond. Light enters through the top of the diamond, is broken down into a rainbow of spectral colors, and is reflected back and forth in the interior of the gem by bouncing off the mirror-like facets. When it leaves through the crown, it stays separated and reaches the eye in flashes of color.
SCINTILLATION
Scintillation is the play of light you see with movement of the diamond, demonstrated by sparkling on the diamond’s surface. A diamond is evaluated on its ability to reflect and refract light in all directions.
COLOR
Small Heading
Colour is the natural colour of a diamond and not the reflection of colours that reflect when a diamond moves. Generally most diamonds exhibit hints of yellow, brown, or gray. Natural trace elements of nitrogen are present in the Earth's crust which influence the colour when the diamond forms.
The less colour the higher the rarity and therefore the higher the value of a diamond. Less colour means more light is able to pass through, releasing more brilliance and fire. Like looking through a looking through coloured glass, color will diminish the spectrum of colour, or fire, emitted by acting as a filter. A diamond with a higher colour grade, or one with less colour, demonstrates more colourful fire.
COLOR
CLARITY
Natural diamonds are the result of carbon exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth. This process can result in a variety of internal characteristics called ‘inclusions’ and external characteristics called ‘blemishes.’
Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics, as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone. While no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes, the higher its value.
CARAT
Natural diamonds are the result of carbon exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth. This process can result in a variety of internal characteristics called ‘inclusions’ and external characteristics called ‘blemishes.’
Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics, as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone. While no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes, the higher its value.
