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What are the 4 C's?

The 4 C’s represent the essential characteristics used to evaluate and describe the quality of a diamond. Each C – Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight – plays a crucial role in determining a diamond’s beauty and value.

The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions, symmetry, and polish. A well-cut diamond reflects light internally and disperses it through the top, creating brilliance and sparkle.
Why it Matters:
A proper cut maximizes a diamond’s potential to sparkle, enhancing its overall appearance and value. The quality of the cut affects how light interacts with the diamond, making it a key factor in its beauty.

Clarity refers to the presence of internal and external characteristics, known as inclusions and blemishes, within a diamond. Clarity is graded based on the size, number, nature, and position of these imperfections.

Why it Matters:

Diamonds with higher clarity grades (fewer inclusions) are more valuable and desirable because they allow more light to pass through, enhancing brilliance and transparency.

Below is the chart that certification societies have standardized for grading to describe the clarity of a diamond.

  • F – Flawless: No internal or external flaws. Extremely rare.
  • IF – Internally Flawless: no internal flaws, but may have minor flaws on the outside. Very rare.
  • VVS1-VVS2 – Very, Very Slight Inclusions: Have very small inclusions. It’s very difficult to detect inclusions under 10 x magnifications even by a trained gemologist. VVS1 inclusions can only be seen through the pavilion. VVS2 inclusions are more visible.
  • VS1-VS2 – Very Slightly Included: Inclusions can only be seen with difficulty under 10x magnification. VS1 inclusions are harder to see than VS2.
  • SI1-SI2 – Slightly Included: Inclusions easy to see under 10X magnification and might be visible to the naked eye
  • I1-I2-I3 – Included: Inclusions visible to the human eye.
  • F – Flawless: No internal or external flaws. Extremely rare.
  • IF – Internally Flawless: no internal flaws, but may have minor flaws on the outside. Very rare.
  • VVS1-VVS2 – Very, Very Slight Inclusions: Have very small inclusions. It’s very difficult to detect inclusions under 10 x magnifications even by a trained gemologist. VVS1 inclusions can only be seen through the pavilion. VVS2 inclusions are more visible.
  • VS1-VS2 – Very Slightly Included: Inclusions can only be seen with difficulty under 10x magnification. VS1 inclusions are harder to see than VS2.
  • SI1-SI2 – Slightly Included: Inclusions easy to see under 10X magnification and might be visible to the naked eye
  • I1-I2-I3 – Included: Inclusions visible to the human eye.

Diamonds come in various colors, ranging from colorless to light yellow or brown. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond color on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).

Why it Matters:
Colorless diamonds (graded D-F) are rare and highly valued for their purity and brilliance. The presence of color can impact a diamond’s beauty and value, depending on personal preferences and the setting.
Carat weight measures a diamond’s size. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. Larger diamonds are rarer and generally more valuable, especially if they have good cut, color, and clarity.
Why it Matters:
Carat weight is a significant factor in determining a diamond’s value and price. However, two diamonds of the same carat weight can have different values based on their cut, color, and clarity.
Choosing the Perfect Diamond

When selecting a diamond, consider the interplay of the 4 C’s to find a stone that aligns with your preferences and budget. Whether you prioritize brilliance, size, or rarity, understanding the 4 C’s will guide you in making an informed decision.

Now that you know how cut, color, clarity, and carat impact a diamond’s beauty, explore options that match what matters most to you.

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