Today, the 4Cs of Diamond Quality is the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world.

Diamond 4Cs meant two very important things: diamond quality could be communicated in a universal language, and diamond customers could now know exactly what they were about to purchase.

Color– The diamond color evaluation of most gem-quality diamonds is based on the absence of color. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of pure water. Consequently, a higher value. GIA’s D-to-Z diamond color-grading system. This measures the degree of colorlessness by comparing a stone under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions to masterstones of established color value.

Clarity– Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics. Also as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone. While no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes, the higher its value.

Cut– Diamonds are renowned for their ability to transmit light and sparkle. We often think of a diamond’s cut as shape (round, heart, oval, marquise, pear). But a diamond’s cut grade is really about how well a diamond’s facets interact with light.

Carat Weight– Diamond carat weight is the measurement of how much a diamond weighs.  A metric “carat” is defined as 200 milligrams. Each carat can be subdivided into 100 ‘points.’ As a result, this allows very precise measurements to the hundredth decimal place. A jeweler may describe the weight of a diamond below one carat by its ‘points’ alone. For instance, the jeweler may refer to a diamond that weighs 0.25 carats as a ‘twenty-five pointer.’ Diamond weights greater than one carat are expressed in carats and decimals.

What’s in your jewelry box?