4C Rule
There are 4 main criteria that determine the value of a diamond. The result of these 4 criteria gives us the brilliance of that stone.
You may know the 4 Cs of diamonds, but what about the fifth C?
We want to explain why it is important to find the right and reliable source for your next diamond.
You have the perfect unique piece of jewelry in mind, and now you need the perfect diamond. There are many factors to consider when choosing a diamond—five, in fact. You’ve probably heard of the 4 Cs of diamonds: color, cut, clarity, and carat. What about the fifth C of diamonds: reliability and accurate information? Once you understand each of these factors, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a diamond.
The First C of Diamonds: Color
There are 20 colors from the letter D to the letter Z. H color is the last color of white, it starts as a very light colored white from I color and goes towards yellow. DE color is extra white. FG color is rarely white. It is very difficult to see the difference between them with the eye and can only be selected by comparison or in a laboratory environment.
A diamond receives a color grade on the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or Antwerp World Diamond Center (HRD) scale based on its lack of color. Experts consider a colorless diamond to be the rarest. A colorless diamond is more valuable than a diamond that appears yellow, brown, or gray. The more color a diamond has, the less valuable it is.
Of course, diamonds come in all colors of the rainbow. However, when it comes to determining a diamond’s value, there is a different scale for true colored diamonds. If you are shopping for a colored diamond, be sure to ask if the color is natural or if the diamond has been treated to achieve a color.
Natural and lab-grown diamonds come in a variety of colors. However, some natural diamonds are too yellow, brown, or gray to be very valuable. These diamonds are often treated with various colors to make them more attractive to buyers.
The Second C of Diamonds: Cut
Cut is the only criterion that human beings touch. According to laboratories, each carat diamond has the most ideal light-emitting cut degrees. For example; the ideal diameter of a 1.00 ct round diamond is 6.50 mm. If it is in this diameter, it gives us the most beautiful and most sparkle, but if that diamond is 6.00 mm, it is Good cut and shines less, if it is 5.60 mm, it is Fair cut and shines even less. A diamond with the ideal diameter and cut is called Excellent or Very Good.
The better a diamond is cut, the more light it can carry and the more it shines. If it is cut thickly, it cannot hold the light inside and gives us a dull appearance. Various diamond cuts create engagement rings that catch the light and the eye by allowing the light to reflect inside the gem, making it look brighter and bolder.
The Third C of Diamonds: Clarity
Clarity is a very important scale that emerges according to the size, smallness, color, location and most importantly how much the natural traces formed inside the diamond during the formation process affect the shine of the diamond. It appears on a scale that starts from the very clean and goes up to the traces that can be seen with the eye. It is one of the most important areas of expertise in diamonds.
Nearly all diamonds have internal markings, also called inclusions. These tiny flaws may not be immediately visible to the naked eye. However, experts can see how internal inclusions affect the appearance of your diamond. If internal markings are large enough, they can block light and reduce reflection and brilliance.
If the inclusion doesn’t change how light reflects off your diamond, it may not affect the value that much. However, large, dark, or poorly placed inclusions can decrease a diamond’s value. Remember that even the most highly valued diamonds have small inclusions, and every diamond is unique. Experts rank clarity on a scale from flawless to included.
The Fourth C of Diamonds: Carat
Carat is perhaps the most well-known C of diamonds. While many people believe that carat weight describes the size of a diamond, it actually describes its weight. However, weight is the biggest factor when considering size, so it's an easy mix.
