What are the 4Cs of diamonds?
The “4Cs” are standards for assessing diamond quality: carat(weight), clarity, color, and cut. They are called “4Cs” because each term begins with the letter “C.”
1.Cut
The quality of the cut is one of the most important factors in determining the value of a diamond. A diamond with a good cut will maximize the brilliance and fire of the diamond. The following chart illustrates the impact of different cut qualities.
The color of a diamond is an important factor in determining its value. Colorless diamonds are the rarest and most valuable, with their grades ranging from D to Z, where D represents the highest quality and Z the lowest. The following chart illustrates the various color grades of diamonds.
Flaws found both inside and on the surface of a diamond are referred to as inclusions. Clarity grades indicate the cleanliness of a diamond's interior and range from Flawless (FL), which has no inclusions, to I3, which has visible inclusions. The chart below outlines the characteristics of various clarity grades.
Carat is the unit used to measure a diamond's weight, with 1 carat equivalent to 0.2 grams. In general, the heavier the diamond, the rarer and more expensive it tends to be. The chart below compares diamonds ranging from 0.25 carats to 5 carats.
In conclusion, the 4Cs of diamonds are interconnected and together determine the value of a diamond. When purchasing a diamond, you should consider the trade-offs based on your personal budget and preferences.
1.Cut
The quality of the cut is one of the most important factors in determining the value of a diamond. A diamond with a good cut will maximize the brilliance and fire of the diamond. The following chart illustrates the impact of different cut qualities.
An exceptional cut quality reflects and refracts light beautifully, creating a brilliant sparkle. In contrast, a diamond with a poor cut will lose light and diminish overall brilliance.
2.ColorThe color of a diamond is an important factor in determining its value. Colorless diamonds are the rarest and most valuable, with their grades ranging from D to Z, where D represents the highest quality and Z the lowest. The following chart illustrates the various color grades of diamonds.
Diamonds graded D-F are colorless and have near-perfect clarity. Grade G diamonds show a subtle hint of color, while grades Z exhibit a distinct yellow tint.
Flaws found both inside and on the surface of a diamond are referred to as inclusions. Clarity grades indicate the cleanliness of a diamond's interior and range from Flawless (FL), which has no inclusions, to I3, which has visible inclusions. The chart below outlines the characteristics of various clarity grades.
Diamonds of higher clarity are rarer and more expensive; however, most people struggle to see inclusions with the naked eye.
4.Carat (weight)Carat is the unit used to measure a diamond's weight, with 1 carat equivalent to 0.2 grams. In general, the heavier the diamond, the rarer and more expensive it tends to be. The chart below compares diamonds ranging from 0.25 carats to 5 carats.