Understanding the 4 C's

When buying a diamond, it is vitally important to know about the 4 C's. They are cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Together, the 4 C's determine a diamond's value. It is essential to learn about each of the 4 C's before purchasing a diamond because each C speaks differently to each individual.

To many, cut is the most important of the 4 C's. Each diamond is cut using an exact mathematical formula that unleashes its brilliance and fire. Cut also refers to the number of facets that the diamond has.

The most common cut is the round brilliant. The round brilliant has 58 flat, polished facets that reflect the maximum amount of light. This mathematical formula also takes into account the depth of the cut. If a diamond is cut too shallow or too deep, it will lose some of its fire. A well-cut diamond will reflect the light and refract it back out to your eye.

Cut is not to be confused with shape. The American Gem Society is the only Industry trade group to qualify cutting as defined grade. For more information, visit the AGS website at: www.ags.org.

Color

While diamonds come in every color of the spectrum, the most valuable diamond color is colorless. Truly colorless diamonds are extremely rare and as a result are expensive.

Diamonds are graded on a color scale established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and also the American Gem Society. Diamonds range from D (colorless) to Z. The further down in the alphabet the diamond is, the more yellow it appears. Color can best be determined by looking at a loose diamond on a pure white surface and noting any contrast.

Gemological Institute Diamond Color Grading Scale

Clarity

Internal characteristics and external irregularities affect the clarity of a diamond by interfering with the passage of light throughout the stone. Characteristics such as spots, lines or bubbles are known as inclusions. A diamond is more valuable when it has fewer Internal characteristics.

According to the GIA's quality analysis system, clarity is graded on a scale ranging from flawless (FL or IF) to imperfect (I). The system is based on the visibility of Internal characteristics at a magnification of 10x.

Gemological Institute Diamond Clarity Grading Scale

Carat

Some people believe that carat refers to the size of a diamond. But actuality; carat is the term used to measure a diamond's weight. A carat is equal to 200 milligrams, and there are 142 carats to an ounce. One carat is made up of one hundred points. The larger the diamond, the greater its rarity. Because larger diamonds are more rare, they generally have a greater value per carat.

While these are the four most-recognized C's, there is a fifth less-recognized yet equally important C. That is: Confidence.

Confidence in your jeweler is extremely important when buying a piece of jewelry that will last forever and be passed down among generations. It is important to shop at a professional jeweler like Smith & Co., one that is a member of a professional trade association such as the American Gem Society and Jewelers of America (JA). JA requires high ethical standards of its members and provides them with ongoing education.

You can always shop with Confidence at Smith & Co. Jewelers.