Understanding the 4C's of Diamonds

The 4C’s are the global standard for measuring a diamond's value and beauty. They eliminate guesswork when you want to buy diamonds and can help you choose the most beautiful stone based on industry-approved science and measures, allowing you to get your money’s worth.
Let's take a deep dive into the 4 Cs of diamonds…

1.Diamond Cut: The Art and Science of Brilliance

What Is Diamond Cut?

The cutting style of a diamond means the interaction of light with the facets of the diamond. This does not refer to a round diamond or an oval diamond, but rather concerns: how well – proportion, symmetry, and polish. How well – that is the cut grade, explains the amount of light entering and escaping the diamond, and its optical effects – brilliance, fire and sparkle.

The Importance of Diamond Cut

The cut affects those aspects :

  • Brilliance: The reflection of white light from outside and inside the stone.
  • Fire: The creation of a ‘rainbow’ due to the splitting of white light.
  • Scintillation: The appearance of light and dark areas as the diamond is turned.

A very clear diamond of considerable carat weight, which is badly cut, will disappoint because it possesses none of the sparkle for which diamonds are so valued.

Diamond Cut Grades

We provide diamonds that correspond with the grading system of the Gemological Institute of America which guarantees the right quality to our clients :

  • Excellent: Cut in a manner designed to maximize the reflection of light for optimum brilliance.
  • Very Good: The majority of light is reflected which contributes to the appealing sparkle.
  • Good: A diamond that is cut well, but still manages to show a fair degree of brilliance.
  • Fair: Some light escapes, but it manages to still have a decent shine.
  • Poor: An excessive amount of light is lost hence little or no sparkle to be seen.

2.Diamond Color: The Measure of Purity and Beauty

What Is a Diamond Color?

Diamond’s color translates to the absence of color within the stone. The more color a diamond has, the less common and more expensive it becomes. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) classifies and ranks the color of diamonds from D which is colorless to Z which is very light yellow or brownish.

  • D-F (Colorless): The highest grade that still has no color seen even using a 10X loupe. These types of diamonds are for those who want the best since they are the purest and the most brilliant.
  • G-J (Near Colorless): A hint of color may be discerned with the naked eye; however, these colored diamonds are almost colorless and represent exceptional value for money, hence a growing demand for them.
  • K-M (Faint Color): A touch of warmth in the diamond, which can sometimes be more flattering with antique or warmer yellow golds.
  • N-Z (Noticeable Color): Diamonds that show distinct amounts of colored yellow and brown colors and are meant for more inventive styles and settings.

Why Does Diamond Color Matter

The color of the diamonds affects its beauty as well as the price of the diamond. A diamond that is colorless refracts a lot of light which results in a brilliant shine around the diamond. Yet, depending on one’s taste and the arrangement he or she is in, a diamond with some few colors may add a certain degree of warmth and appeal that is pleasing to the eyes.

How to Choose the Right Diamond Color

1. Match the Setting

The highest grade that still has no color seen even using a 10X loupe. These types of diamonds are for those who want the best since they are the purest and the most brilliant.
2. Consider Your Budget

In the diamond range of 1 carat, why not consider a diamond that is near colorless with grade G-J, for it will be a compromise between beauty and cost, because the difference in how they look outwardly is hardly distinguished by the common average person in grade diamond.
3. Personal Preference

Personal preference should be the main guiding principle. For example, some people love the clear ice quality of the D grade diamond while some quite enjoy the fabulous look of the low grade diamonds.

3.Diamond Clarity: The Art of Visual Purity

The clarity of a diamond enhances its beauty and its price as well so it is a factor worth considering while selecting your ideal stone.

What is Diamond Clarity?

Diamond clarity is the degree to which the diamond is free from or clear of inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions are characteristics found inside any given stone while blemishes are imperfections found outside the stone. Such features are natural and generally happen while the diamond is being formed, and they are often microscopic.The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) provides a scale of diamond clarity that allows customers to know the standard of the diamond that they are buying. It includes;

  • FL (Flawless): No inclusions or blemishes visible to the naked eye, even at 10x magnification.
  • IF (Internally Flawless): Free of internal inclusions, but with surface blemishes only.
  • VVS1, VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included): So well concealed that even at 10x difficulty can detect these inclusions.
  • VS1, VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Inclusions visible at 10x magnification but not to the naked eye.
  • SI1, SI2 (Slightly Included): Inclusions visible at 10x magnification and may be seen without magnification in some examples.
  • I1, I2, I3 (Included): Inclusions easily visible to the eye and affect beauty.

Why is Diamond Clarity Important?

Clarity contributes to the beauty and light performance of a diamond. With less inclusions and blemishes more light is able to pass through that diamond resulting in greater brilliance. But some from some point of view inclusions are so tiny that they have no effect on the aesthetics of the diamond hence clarity is subjective and depends on value.

How to Choose the Right Diamond Clarity

1. Look for Eye-Clean Diamonds

An eye-clean diamond, which may possess a lower clarity grade than she has no visible inclusions on the diamond under natural light without any magnification. Consider this for instance:

  • Diamonds grading VS1-VS2 often are perceived to be flawless without the cost of higher grade diamonds.
  • Dollars SI1 diamond range represents hard to find purchase value due to visible inclusions yet are relatively full of beauty.

2. Consider the Diamond's Size

A larger diamond may be given a lower grading of clarity but inclusion would still be more apparent in a diamond that is larger in size.

3. Match the Clarity to the Cut

Brilliant round and princess cuts cluster hiding more inclusion than in step cuts like emerald and Asscher with large, accessible facets.

4.Diamond Carat Weight

We believe that each diamond has its own brilliance and narrative that defines its worth including its carat weight besides the obvious beauty. It doesn’t matter whether you are buying a diamond for an engagement ring or any other timeless jewelry; one has to appreciate carat weight for one to make the right choice.

What is Diamond Carat weight?

A carat weight determines the physical weight of a diamond and does not parametrize its dimension. One carat is 0.2 grams, which is approximately the weight of a standard paper clip. In ‘points’ measurement, one carat also equals 100 points. A 0.50 carats diamond for instance would be 50 points.Carat weight does alter the size of the diamond in relation with other factors such as center diamond cut and shape which will also determine the size of the diamond.

How Does Carat Weight Affect a Diamond?

1. Appearance:

  • Larger weight categories almost always look good and are able to get all attention focused on them.
  • The cut quality on the other hand, to an extent, affects the visual size and brilliance of the diamond and can make smaller diamonds look bigger and vice versa.

2. Price:

The two cannot be separated because the price of the diamond rises at an exponential rate relating to carat as the size and therefore the rarity increases with the size for instance, a 2.00 ct diamond will fetch a price much higher than the combined price of two 1.00 ct diamonds. Price changes considerably between carat weights.

3. Settings and Style:

It is common for larger diamonds to necessitate stronger settings while smaller diamonds are more conducive to complex designs or settings with many small stones that fit together.

How to Choose the Right Carat Weight

1. Consider Your Budget

Carat weight is one of the most destructive parameters on price. To give a more prudent push, one could opt for diamonds, which are a more intelligent purchase, just than the highly popular ones. For instance, a weight of 0.90 rather than the usual 1 carat. These diamonds are nearly the same but cost less price.

2. Match the Setting

Certain settings are capable of making smaller diamonds appear larger than would normally be possible. For instance, a halo setting can make a 0.5ct diamond appear like it is closer to 1ct.

3. Lifestyle Considerations

Wearing larger sized diamonds, for example, is more likely to cause problems such as catching on clothing or discomfort. The weight should be a compromise between the decorative and practical sides.

4. Individual Taste on Top

There are those who, for instance, seek larger sizes, whereas others would go for better quality regardless. At Stienhardt and Stones, you are assured of finding a Diamond range within your designs.