The 4 C’s of diamonds are elements which impact each stone’s
appearance. 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. The 4 C’s of diamonds –
cut, color, clarity, & carat weight.
Table of Contents:
- What Are the 4 C’s of Diamonds?
- Diamond Cuts
- Clarity of Diamonds
- 5 Colors of Diamond
- Diamond Carat Weights
- Sparkling Diamond Jewelry for Every Occasion
- Ethical Diamonds & Responsible Sourcing
What Are the 4 C’s of Diamonds?
The 4 C’s of diamonds are how diamonds are categorised 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.
The 4 C’s of diamonds are:
- Cut
- Clarity
- Color
- Carat
The 4 C’s of diamonds allow you to assess the quality and the
features of the stone. Whether you’re looking for a new ring featuring a
diamond to signify a special occasion, or looking to brighten up
your favourite 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 Cuts
The
diamond cut is the first of the 4 C’s of diamonds. While the
‘cut’ of a diamond is used to mean the shape, it actually refers to
how well it has been polished from the raw material. Cut
proportions affect a diamond’s ability to reflect light and provide
brilliance. So, cut doesn’t technically mean the shape, it means
the symmetry, proportioning, and polish of a diamond.
The cut in the 4 C’s of diamonds is different from the shape of
the stone. A well cut diamond will reflect light back at you; this
is called brilliance. The more brilliant a diamond cut is, the more
light it reflects. This means the diamond has to be cut in a way to
optimally reflect light. If a diamond is cut too deep or too
shallow, light will escape through the sides or bottom of the
stone. The facets, or flat surfaces within the diamond, 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, ensuring you’re
the centre of attention.
10 Diamond Shapes
Although the terms shape and cut are used interchangeably, they
are not the same when it comes to this precious gemstone. The shape
of a stone is not part of the 4 C’s of diamonds, but many confuse
it with a stone’s “cut”. An oval shaped diamond could have a
shallow cut, but still have an oval shape. There are some shapes of
stones which are more common than others. Some common
diamond shapes include:
- Round
- Princess
- Cushion
- Emerald
- Oval
- Pear
- Asscher
- Kite
- Marquise
- Radiant
These common shapes can be found in different designs of
jewellery. It’s all about personal preference, knowing which shapes
you like can help you determine which piece of diamond jewelry you
might want. Use your newfound knowledge of the 4 C’s of diamonds to
select the perfect stone for your collection.
Clarity of Diamonds
The next of the 4 C’s of diamonds is the clarity of the stone.
Diamond clarity refers to the quality of the stone and how
clear it is. This means you have to know how diamonds are created.
Natural stones are formed over years under huge amounts of
pressure. If there are other chemicals present when the diamond
forms, small marks called ‘inclusions’ appear in the stones.
Necklaces
with diamonds which feature more inclusions will look different to
one with high clarity stones.
The clarity of the 4 C’s of diamonds can vary depending on the
stone itself. The higher clarity the stone has, the fewer
inclusions it has, and the more clearer it appears. There are 6
categories of inclusions which range from Flawless (FL) all the way
to Included (I1, I2, and I3). You may not be able to see these
small marks in the stone, but need a microscope to see them.
Inclusions in diamonds affect the color and how light responds
to the stone. These things aren’t necessarily negative, diamonds
with inclusions are often just as striking, and may well be more
your personal taste. Accessories such as engagement or
promise rings may benefit from a stone with few or no
inclusions in order to make the diamond really shine. The second of
the 4 C’s of diamond – clarity – affects how a diamond looks, and
what clarity you want is down to personal preference.