The Four C's: Choosing a Diamond
The value of a diamond is based largely on rarity and desirability. On this basis, Color, Clarity, and Cut quality, together with Carat weight, comprise the so-called Four C's that measure a diamond's value.
Carat
A diamond's weight is usually stated in terms of carats, and a carat is broken down into 100 points. For example, 50 points is exactly equal to 1/2 carat.
Color
Classification of body color of cut diamonds ranges from colorless to yellow. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has developed the following widely used classification system.
| Colorless | Near Colorless | Faint Yellow | Very Light Yellow | Light Yellow | Fancy | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | Z+ |
Clarity
Clarity is the term used to describe the presence or absence of flaws and blemishes. The Gemological Institute has developed the following widely accepted classification system so that the quality of a diamond can be precisely defined.
| Flawless | Internally Flawless | Very Very Slightly Included | Very Slightly Included | Slightly Included | Included | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fl | IF | VVS1 | VVS2 | VS1 | VS2 | S1 | S2 | I1 | I2 | I3 |
Cut
Improper cutting diminishes the value of any diamond. The ideally cut stone is proportioned so that when light enters it, it is reflected back through the crown or top of the diamond, resulting in maximum brilliance. A diamond that is cut either too deep or too shallow allows an unnecessary amount of light to escape, and thus can cause the diamond to lack "fire" and brilliancy. This would lower the diamond's value per carat.
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