Understanding Diamonds and the 4Cs

Each diamond, like a human fingerprint, possesses certain characteristics that are unique and distinct from its peers.

The 4Cs – color, clarity, cut, and carat weight – are globally accepted standards for classifying diamond quality and commercially evaluating diamonds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Color" - Color

Color refers to the natural hue inherent in colorless diamonds. In nature, most colorless diamonds have a yellow hue. The less color a diamond has, the rarer it is. The industry standard for grading color is to evaluate each stone next to a set of "master stones" under specific lighting and assign a grade ranging from "D" (colorless) to "Z" (light yellow).​
Color Chart (International Classification)
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D, E, F

Colorless

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G, H, I, J

Almost colorless

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K, L, M

Faint yellow

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N, O, P, Q, R

Very light yellow

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S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z

Light yellow

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"Clarity" - Purity
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Diamond clarity is a measure of the natural characteristics and rarity of the stone, classified by the visibility of these characteristics under ten times magnification. A stone is classified as pure if, under ten times magnification, no inclusions (internal impurities) and no blemishes (external impurities) are visible.​
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FL

FL diamonds are Flawless

IF

IF diamonds are Internally Flawless

VVS1, VVS2

VVS diamonds (1 and 2) have minimal inclusions (Very, Very Slightly Included)

VS1, VS2

VS diamonds (1 and 2) have very small inclusions (Very Slightly Included)

SI1, SI2

SI diamonds (1 and 2) have small inclusions (Slightly Included)

I1, I2, I3

I diamonds (1, 2, and 3) are imperfect

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"Cut" - Cut

One of the most important of the 4Cs, cut refers to how the diamond's facets interact with light. It is determined by symmetry, proportion, and polish. More than any other factor, the cut determines the beauty of the stone. The quality of the cut is based on three different factors:
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Cutting Precision
How the size and angles relate to the different parts of the stone

Symmetry
The precision with which the various facets of the diamond align and intersect.

Polishing
The details and positioning of the facet shapes, as well as the external finish of the diamond.

The highest cut grade in the industry, called "triple excellent," is given to diamonds rated excellent for cutting precision, symmetry, and polish.

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"Carat" - Carat (weight)
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Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, not its size. One carat is equal to 0.20 grams and can be divided into 100 points.
Carat weight may appear different between different diamond shapes, such as brilliant, princess, pear, oval, cushion, marquise, emerald, radiant, or heart. A diamond can have a higher carat weight without appearing larger, and two diamonds of the same carat weight can be different sizes if one diamond is cut deeper than the other. In other words, it's important to note that carat weight does not necessarily indicate size.

 

 

 

 

This image illustrates the carat ratio in brilliant cut format. It does not represent actual size.