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The 4C's and diamond education
- A diamond's worth is determined by its weight and quality. These elements are commonly known as the "4Cs." Clarity, Color, Cut, and Carat Weight are the 4 C's of a diamond. These factors impact the value and price of a diamond. In addition to the 4 C's, numerous additional factors influence the price of diamonds. A solid education in diamonds is required.It will help you comprehend why diamonds cost what they do.
- Typically, the ideal diamond for a customer is one that strikes a balance between all quality factors. Unless you have a limitless budget, it is not necessary to be at the top of every grading criteria. A strong understanding of diamonds will enable you to choose a diamond that is a wonderful balance of diamond grades for your budget.
- CUT
- The cut has the most impact on the beauty of a diamond among the four C's. If cut differently, two diamonds of the same size, colour, and purity will appear dramatically different to the human eye; one may be dazzling and sparkling, while the other may appear dull and drab. The greater the quality of the cut, the greater the brightness and beauty of the diamond.
- COLOUR
- An absolutely colourless diamond is quite uncommon. The majority of diamonds have variable degrees of colour, resulting in significant variances in value. The highest grade for a colourless diamond is D, and letter grades are issued in alphabetical order from A to Z. Typically, a 'icy white' diamond is graded D, E, or F. However, some individuals like the "warmth" of colours I, J, and K.
- CLARITY
- The third of the Four Cs is the diamond's clarity. Clarity is a measurement of the absence of visible and internal defects in a diamond. Inclusions are internal imperfections that might manifest as small white spots, black dots, or feathery fissures inside the gem's body.
- Clarity is measured by the number, location, and size of any inclusions visible on the diamond's table face. The diamond is evaluated using the usual GIA scale and a 10x microscope.
- Under magnification, F1 diamonds are immaculate, whereas IF diamonds have only small surface flaws. If a diamond contains minute, difficult-to-spot inclusions, it will receive a VVS1, VVS2, VS1 or VS2 grade. I1, I2, and I3 diamonds contain inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. SI1 and SI2 diamonds have inclusions that are easily visible with magnification.
- CARAT
- The term "carat" really refers to the diamond's weight. This word originates from the days when carob seeds (because to their usually equal weight) were used as counterweights in early balancing scales. The present metric 'carat' weight was adopted in 1913 to standardise the measurement of diamonds. One carat is equivalent to around 0.2 grammes. A carat is split into 100 points, just as £1 is composed of 100 pence. A point is equivalent to 1/100 of a carat, therefore a 0.75 carat diamond has 75 points. Due to its weight and size, bigger diamonds are typically rarer and more expensive. The size of diamonds of identical weight may vary somewhat.
