Diamond cut explained step by step dont get ripped off. Why 12fifteen the 4cs explained about lab diamonds about forever companies blog customer service faq financing options phone. Most diamonds never reach the consumer market because they are too flawed. The ultimate guide to the 4cs of diamonds beyond 4cs. When looking at a diamond, the eye perceives a balance of its characteristics and components, including, but not limited to, the 4 c s. This process can result in a variety of internal characteristics called inclusions and. You can ensure the maximum value and quality of your selection by learning about the most important characteristics of a diamond carat, color, clarity, cut, and shape. When it comes to color diamonds, and colored gemstones for that matter, color takes precedence. To understand diamond clarity, we must first understand how diamonds are created. Learn about their discovery, how diamonds help canadian diamond buying guides. Various characteristics of diamonds are graded and categorized by the diamond industry. Knowing this means you as a shopper can prioritize some cs over others to find a diamond that works within your budget. Of all the 4 cs, cut has the greatest effect on a diamonds beauty.
Optical absorption and luminescence in diamond pdf. The 4 cs of diamonds the four cs that are looked at when a diamond is graded are the most important properties that affect how the diamond looks, and how much the jeweler can ask the consumer for the diamond when it is being sold. To learn about diamonds is to first learn about the four cs of diamonds the four characteristics which are considered the most important in determining a diamonds value. The 4 cs cut, color, clarity and carat refer to the standards set by the gemology institute of america gia in order to grade diamonds so buyers can have a more objective set of criteria when choosing a diamond. Before you shop for that showstopping diamond, hopefully you have gained an understanding of the four c s of diamonds. A diamond s 4 c s represent the four main components of its beauty and structure. Learn about gia 4cs of diamond quality before you buy a diamond.
Each of the cs are graded on a scale, and can be evaluated for quality. As mentioned above, in 2005 ags transitioned to ray tracing performance assessment, and diamonds at the outer limits of this traditional range may no longer receive their top grade. To merge pdfs or just to add a page to a pdf you usually have to buy expensive software. In grading, cut evaluates the cutters skill in the fashioning of the diamond. Buying a diamond does not have to be an uncomfortable experience. Clarity insights to a diamonds natural characteristics.
Jan 02, 2014 let me start by saying that every single diamond, like a snowflake, is unique. Each of the four c s carat weight, cut, color, clarity is accompanied by a diamond chart illustrating the differences between grades. Another key characteristic of diamonds is fluorescence which will also be discussed. After going through the above details on 4 cs of diamond, i am sure you would have gained fair understanding of technicalities used in valuation of diamond. Once youve determined your budget, think about the other 4 cs of diamonds cut, color, clarity and carat weight and figure out which are the most important to you. What you should really know before you buy a diamond is a compilation of the extensive collection of educational materials he has available online, now gathered together in one guide. To get started on that process and ensure we can fit our stones in your setting, please call our customer service team at 800 5094990. The earliest gia course materials in the richard t. The gemology institute of america gia refers to these as the four cs of diamonds. Jul 10, 2014 understanding the four cs of diamonds is an essential part to buying any loose diamond, yet few people actually understand what they actually are. At a certain point, even if the cut of a diamond is ideal, the color must play a role in your decision.
When looking at a diamond, the eye perceives a balance of its characteristics and components, including, but not limited to, the 4 cs. If youve ever purchased a diamond, youve heard of the 4 cs. The four cs explained many of your customers will know something about how diamonds are evaluated and graded. All diamonds, whether mined or lab created, are graded on quality using a universal system that assesses the stone on its color, clarity, cut and caratweight. Often, these diamonds are used for industrial purposes as an abrasive, for drill bits or for cutting diamonds and other gems. However, a renewed emphasis on one of the cs cut can help a diamond shine more brilliantly. Diamond 4cs clarity, cut, color, carat weight kothari jewelry. Whilst the acquisition of diamond jewelry is an important expression of love or. This unique ability can be released and maximized only by cutting and polishing the diamond to an extremely high level of accuracy. If you want an icy white looking diamond and want to save money, consider buying a near colorless diamond in the gh color ratings.
Carat, cut, color and clarity make up the 4 cs of diamonds. Diamonds are judged on several factors that determine their beauty. For this post, i added one more c as a certificate. Diamond color, clarity, cut and carat weight are collectively termed the 4cs the factors that, when combined, define a diamonds quality and ultimately determine its value. To learn about diamonds is to first learn about the four cs of diamonds the four characteristics which are considered the most important in determining a diamond s value.
Diamonds have a unique ability to manipulate light efficiently. Cut, color, clarity and carat weight are the qualities that come together to define the unique beauty and. Diamond s 4cs are color, clarity, cut and carat weight. With colorless diamonds, every one of these specifications equally matters.
But even if you know the four c s, its still hard to tell which diamonds are a good value. Most diamonds have a yellow or brown tonal modifier. Every diamond certified by the gia undergoes a thorough, independent evaluation. The gemological institute of americas 4 cs is a universal standard used worldwide to. Diamonds with higher 4cs grades tend to be rarer, which can affect their price. Select multiple pdf files and merge them in seconds. A diamonds combination of the 4 cs never changes, regardless of the age or condition. Diamond education understanding a diamond s characteristics is simple.
Certificate quality is also relevant in determining how much a diamond should cost. For colorless to light diamonds, color is graded on a scale from d colorless to z possessing a strong tonal modifier. Diamonds with a grade of vvs2 and higher are the best value, but dont over think the prestige of a flawless diamond. Many of our engagement rings can fit diamonds up to 5. In fact, the cut is the ruler of the diamond 4cs cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
The lumera diamond education guide is designed to give you the tools and information you need to properly evaluate diamond quality and value with confidence. I1, i2, i3 these diamonds have flaws that can be seen with. The diamonds cut affects how light is reflected through the gem and, as a result, how. This second edition adds additional chapters on subjects like the gia cut grade, labcreated diamonds and more. If the person youre buying for is looking for something big, you might be able to save some money by getting a lower color rating or clarity rating. A diamond is one of the bestknown and most soughtafter gemstones.
Vvs1, vvs2 these diamonds have very, very small inclusions. The 4 cscut, clarity, carat weight, and colorfollow a globally accepted standard that assesses the quality of your diamond, and therefore its price. Some consumers turn to canadian diamonds in their quest for ethical diamonds. The 4 cs of diamonds knowledge is the key to a fair price in the diamond market. Si1, si2, si3 these diamonds have small inclusions.
Natural diamonds are the result of carbon exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth. The majority of people cannot differentiate between diamonds that are 34 color grades apart. The standard color range for white diamonds is d through z. Learn how experts evaluate diamonds using the four primary guidelines.
Before i begin, please bear in mind that the diamond cut. These details will definitely help you at the time of buying diamond. Liddicoat gemological library and information center that mention the 4cs are from 1949. A diamonds cut is arguably the most important of the 4 cs because it has the biggest impact on the stones brilliance. The four cs are the primary criteria the american gem society and others use to grade gems and determine their value and price. However, it is important to remember that the 4cs are only four of the many characteristics of a diamond and that no two diamonds are the same, even if they share the same 4cs. Wherever youre shopping, the diamond guidelines will be the same. Four characteristics known informally as the four cs are now commonly used as. Diamonds are graded on a color scale implemented by the gemological institute of america gia, which ranges from d, which is colorless, to z. Color differences can be so subtle that diamond colors are graded under controlled lighting conditions and are compared to a master set for accuracy. Every single diamond is a unique, inimitable miracle of nature. Vs1, vs2 these diamonds have very small inclusions. Prong settings can be manipulated to fit virtually any size diamond, but tensionset diamonds and bezel set diamonds have more limitations on size.
The 4 cs are diamond color, diamond cut, diamond clarity, and diamond carat weight. Prioritize the diamond 4cs to fit your budget jewelry wise. They may have heard of the the 4 cs cut, color, clarity and carat but struggle to understand what they are and how they relate to a diamonds worth. The most precious gemstone, the diamond, is graded based on the 4 cs. A diamonds 4 cs represent the four main components of its beauty and structure. Susan, we can certainly set a nexus diamond in your existing setting. Good cut diamonds can be a good blend of value and size, however be careful and always ask a. Information about diamond 4cs, clarity of diamonds, diamond cut, diamond color. Whitecolored diamonds remain the most popular, even though diamonds are found in a kaleidoscope of colors. Knowing what diamond clarity truly means helps you understand the factors that contribute to diamond quality and price. Colorlessn ear colorless fain t yellow very ligh ncy light yf ancy intense vivid carat0. Internally flawless these diamonds may have very minor blemishes on the outside surface of the stone. While you can depend on our certified gemologists and experienced estate buyers to carefully inspect the cut, color, clarity and carat of your diamond and to use our extensive information on the current diamond market to determine the highest price for your diamond, it can be helpful and. Heres a guide to help you understand the 4 cs of diamonds a bit better.
How to use the 4cs of diamonds to buy the perfect stone with. Diamond clarity refers to the absence of inclusions and blemishes. Each of the cs plays a major role in the ultimate value of any loose stone. As creator of the diamond 4cs and the international diamond grading system, gia is not only a global authority, but the worlds trusted source for unbiased assessment. Round diamonds with overall measurements in this range are considered to have traditional ideal proportions. The other three qualities describe the gems quality. Our servers in the cloud will handle the pdf creation for you once you have combined your files. This grading system is applied only to diamonds, and never to a diamond simulant such as cubic zirconia or moissanite. When buying loose diamonds online or at a local jeweler, it is important to understand how they are evaluated.
Sep 27, 2017 the 4 cs are the gias the gemological institute of america grading system for a diamond. This is why expert and accurate assessment of diamond clarity is extremely important. This video explains the 4cs cut, color, clarity, and carat weight the. What is diamond clarity the 4cs of diamond quality by gia. Each of the c s are graded on a scale, and can be evaluated for quality.