4C's of Diamonds
The diamonds that are used goes under quality check
and are graded keeping in check the 4Cs i.e.
COLOUR, CLARITY, CUT and CARAT WEIGHT.
Here’s a know how of how you can choose your diamonds before investing in it.
Colour
Considering the industry standards GIA colour scale is used to grade the colour of the diamonds which further affects the pricing. The GIA grading scale starts from D to Z, reason being Arcane system used grades of A-C, 1-3, and I-III.
The diamond colours vary from colourless to yellow tint diamonds and hence are categorised under 5 variations.
An absolute colourless diamond is graded under D-F which are rare and of highest value. Thus, diamonds that comes under this range are priced higher than any other variants.
Diamonds ranged under G-J range are displayed colourless when observed with face up and nearly colourless when observed with face down.
The diamonds that range under K have a yellow tint and are often selected where slight colour in the diamonds is not an issue and budget is somewhat limited.
Clarity
The diamonds out there are the output of tremendous heat and pressure which results in characteristics namely inclusions and blemishes.
The clarity of a diamond is determined based on the imperfections present inside or on the diamond.
The diamonds that have minimum inclusions and blemishes are considered in higher graded diamonds and therefore they are costlier than those with more inclusions and blemishes.
For further guide on diamond clarity, mentioned below is the GIA Clarity scale:
- Flawless (FL) No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification
- Internally Flawless (IF) No inclusions visible under 10x magnification
- Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification
- Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification, but can be characterized as minor
- Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification
- Included (I1, I2, and I3) Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification which may affect transparency and brilliance
Cut
Diamond cut does not refer to the shape (oval, pear, etc.) of the diamond, but it refers to how well a diamond is cut and polished, which also includes checking on the symmetry, depth and proportion of the stone (also considered as factors for determining diamond cut). The reason behind considering the cut and polish of the diamond is that it directly impacts the beauty and brilliance of the diamonds.
As per the factors mentioned above GIA grades diamond cut quality between excellent and poor. Diamonds which comes under excellent and very good cut grade are considered as the best ones.
DIAMOND CUT GRADE CHART AS PER GIA
| Excellent | Excellent Cut Diamonds provide the highest level of fire and brilliance. Because almost all of the incoming light is reflected through the table, the diamond radiates with magnificent sparkle. |
| Very Good | Very Good Cut Diamonds offer exceptional brilliance and fire. A large majority of the entering light reflects through the diamond’s table. To the naked eye, Very Good diamonds provide similar sparkle to those of Excellent grade. |
| Good | Good Cut Diamonds showcase brilliance and sparkle, with much of the light reflecting through the table to the viewer’s eye. These diamonds provide beauty at a lower price point. |
| Fair | Fair Cut Diamonds offer little brilliance, as light easily exits through the bottom and sides of the diamond. Diamonds of a Fair Cut may be a satisfactory choice for smaller carats and those acting as side stones. |
| Poor | Poor Cut Diamonds yield nearly no sparkle, brilliance or fire. Entering light escapes from the sides and bottom of the diamond. |
Carat
Diamond carat determines the weight of the diamond i.e., how much the stone weighs.
Each carat is equal to 0.2 gms. Diamonds that weigh more than 1 carat are expressed as carats and the ones that weighs below 1 carat are expressed in pointers.
The diamonds larger in size are limited in supply and are majorly in demand, due to which the diamonds that weighs higher in carats have higher prices.
One diamond with bigger carat weight will always have a higher value as compared to two pieces with lower carat weight.
For instance, 2 one carat diamonds will be less costly as compared to 1 two carat diamond.
Before investing a big amount in purchasing the diamonds it is necessary to consider all the 4Cs of diamonds to ensure the best quality.