A Guide To:
The 4 C's of Diamonds
To help simplify the buying of diamond jewelry is the 4 C's. Which are elements that can impact each individual stone's appearance. The 4 C's of diamonds are - cut, color, clarity, & carat weight. Choosing your dream diamond jewelry is an important decision. Discover how to spot the perfect diamond, and what each element of this glittering stone entails.
What Are the 4 C's of Diamonds?
The 4 C's of diamonds are how diamonds are categorized with words that all conveniently begin with the letter C. It is essential to know what to look for when you're considering diamond jewelry, and the 4 C's of diamonds can help! These timeless stones have an alluring sparkle if you get the 4 C's of diamonds right.
Assessing the quality and the features of the stone is made simple through the 4 C's of diamonds guide. Whether you're looking for a new diamond ring to signify a special occasion, or looking to brighten up your favorite party outfit with some more sparkle. Choosing diamond jewelry using the 4 C's of diamonds is a great way to make an informed decision and find the perfect piece.
Diamond Cut
The 'Cut' is the first of the 4 C's of Diamonds. While the 'Cut' is often used to refer to the shape of the diamond, it actually explains how well it has been polished from the raw material. So, the cut doesn't techinically mean the shape. Instead, the symmetry, proportion and polish of the diamond.
A well cut diamond will reflect light back at you; this is called brilliance. The more brilliant a diamond, the more light it reflects. This means the diamond has been cut in a way to optimally reflect the light.
The facets determine how light reacts with the stone. Well cut diamonds in a pair of earrings will reflect the light back at anyone who looks at them, making you the center of attention.
Diamond Clarity
The next of the 4 C's of Diamonds is Clarity. Diamond clarity refders to the quality of the stone and how clear it is. Natural Diamonds are formed over years after huge amounts of pressure and if other chemicals are present when the diamond forms, small marks called 'inclusions' appear in the stone.
The clarity can vary depending on the stone. The higher the clarity, the fewer inclusoons it has and the more clear it appears. There are 6 categories of inclusions, ranging from Flawless (FL) to Included (I1 - I3). Some of these inclusions aren't visible without the use of a microscope.
Inclusions aren't always a bad thing. Diamonds with inclusions are often just as striking, it depends on personal taste. However, if you are looking to buy an engagement or promise ring you might benefit from a stone with few to no inclusions, to make the diamond really shine.
Diamond Colour
Diamond Colours are graded by other letters:
- D/E/F - Colourless
- G/H/I/J - Near Colourless
- K/L/M - Faint Colouring
- N/O/P/Q/R - Very Light Colouration
- S/T/U/V/W/X/Y/Z - Light Colouration
Diamonds can vary in colour, and they are not always the dazzling white you often think of. Diamond colours can range from colorless to a very pale yellow, and without looking at these diamonds side by side it can be hard to differentiate.
Once again, the colour of the 4C's is down to personal preference. There is no right way to choose - you can tailor your collection to your own individual taste.
Diamond Carat
The final C is the Diamond Carat. Often confused with Karat - which refers to the inclusion of gold in an alloy like gold veremil, a Diamond's Carat refers to its weight instead.
There are four key things to remember about Diamond Carats:
- The higher the carat, the heavier the diamond.
- One carat = 1/5 of a gram
- Large Diamonds are rarer than smaller ones
- As the carat weight increases, the value of the diamond increases as well
An increase in value is not proportionate to the size increase. Essentially a smaller diamond of higher carat and clearer colour might be more valuable than a much larger diamond with a lower clarity and less clear colour.
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Sparkling Diamond Jewelry for Every Occasion
Step out in style, reassured with the know-how of the 4 C's of diamonds, and wear your diamond jewelry with confidence. Add some sparkle to your date night with a sparkling pendant featuring a diamond. Perfectly made to hang elegantly from your chain or charm bracelet. A smaller piece is ideal for dressing up a daytime look with glamor, while more statement stacking rings can take your party outfit to the next level.
Give the magical gift of diamonds with diamond gift sets made to make anyone's heart race. Diamonds are a girl's best friend after all. For a sentimental moment to be treasured forever, the 4 C's of diamonds makes a special moment even more special. Gift a diamond alongside a piece of engraved jewelry to take your memorable moment to dazzling new heights.
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