Diamond Education
THE 4C'S
Diamond Anatomy & Cut Quality
When we buy a diamond we are fascinated by its brightness and brilliance. Achieving maximum brightness and brilliance requires an excellent cutting technique, which is reflected in the cut quality of the diamond. Of the characteristics of a diamond, the cut has a greater impact on its appearance. It is good to specify that unlike what is mistakenly believed many times, the cut does not refer to the shape of a diamond but rather to its cut quality. Cut relates to a diamond’s fire, brilliance and luminosity and, as a value factor, refers to a diamond’s proportions, symmetry and luster.
The 4 Cs to know a diamond
Clarity
Cut
Color
Carat Weight
Today, the 4Cs are the universal method for evaluating the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world. This method ensures the customer an informed and guaranteed purchase worldwide.
Clarity
Clarity is the relative absence of inclusions and stains, collectively called purity characteristics. The inclusions are internal features, while the spots are limited to the surface. Clarity is rated on a relative scale from flawless (no inclusions or imperfections visible with a 10x gem lens) to inclusive (with obvious inclusions with a 10x gem lens)
Cut
The cut of a diamond can simply mean its shape and style of cut. There are many different diamond cuts. By far the most common is the brilliant cut which is round with triangular kite-shaped facets radiating from the center. Diamonds with shapes or styles of cuts other than brilliant are called “fancy cuts”. In the classification of a diamond, the cut also refers to the overall quality of the same. The evaluation of the cut includes an evaluation of the proportions of the diamond, the symmetry of its outline, the positioning of its faces and the attention that has been given in polishing their surface. For round brilliant diamonds that fall within the normal color range, the cut is graded on a relative scale from a “Excellent” to “Poor”.
Color
Color refers to the amount of color present in a diamond. Color can vary in hue, tone and saturation. Most diamonds used in jewelry range from colorless to light yellow and brown. The color of the diamond is classified on a scale from the letter D (colorless) to Z (light yellow, brown or gray) indicated as the normal range of colors. Diamonds in deeper shades of yellow, brown and gray as well as diamonds with deeper and more accentuated colors such as blue, green and pink, orange and red are referred to as “Fancy Colors”.
Carat Weight
The weight of a diamond, its carat weight, is measured in metric carats, abbreviated “ct”. One carat is equivalent to one fifth of a gram (0.200gr).
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