4C's
What makes one diamond more expensive than another?
Diamonds are very valuable, so value needs to be precisely measured.
Over the years diamond professionals have developed precise standards for comparing or grading diamonds and setting their values. These values are influenced by its rarity and by the educated opinions of experts.
Very slight differences in characteristics can make big differences in price, but remember that factors that lower the grade and value of a diamond do not necessarily reduce its brilliance, scintillation and beauty. Although we can measure, tabulate and compare them, it does not necessarily mean that one diamond is more beautiful than another.
That said diamond appraisers look for four qualities in a diamond when discerning it value. Commonly known as the 4 C’s they are cut, colour, clarity and carat weight.
The assessment of each C directly affects the value of a diamond simply because they are more rare.
No one C is more important than another and none will deminish over time.
Understanding these terms will help you discover the features most important to you, insuring you make the best decision when buying your diamond.
Carat
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Carat is a measurement of weight.
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1 Carat = 0.2 gram
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1 Carat may also be referred to as 100 points ie. half a carat may be referred to as 50 points and so on.
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Since larger diamonds are found less frequently in nature, a single one carat diamond will cost considerably more than two half carat diamonds etc.
Colour
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Diamonds occur in many colours, most of which range from yellow to near colourless or white.
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Diamonds are graded on an alphabetical colour scale which ranges from D - Z.
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With the exception of rare fancy colours, the rating of D is regarded as colourless and is treasured for its rarity, thus more valuble.
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Colours ranging from D – J on the colour scale are regarded as face white or near colourless. Colour differences are very subtle and are graded under controlled conditions.
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Colours J – Z will display a yellow overtone, these warmer colours are favoured when setting in yellow gold. Although considered less desirable than their whiter counterparts, they display no less brilliance, fire and beauty.
Clarity
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Natural diamonds are subject to individual flaws. Clarity is the degree to which a diamond is free from these flaws.
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Flaws can be classified as blemishes (surface scratches or chips), or internal inclusions such as feathers (cracks), carbon spots, crystals etc.
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These flaws are often not visible to the naked eye but if they are big enough to be seen they can often affect the brilliance and durability of the diamond.
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A diamond without these characteristics is referred to as flawless. These diamonds are more rare and command a higher price.
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Most inclusions are to small to be seen. It is only when a diamond is graded 'I' that it is possible to see an inclusion with the naked eye.
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Diamond clarity is graded and classified as follows:
Cut
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Cut is the human contribution to a diamonds beauty. Today’s design is the result of hundreds of years of studying and experimentation as people sought to bring out the special beauty of a diamond. While most of a diamonds qualities are defined by nature it takes a true craftsmen to unlock a diamonds brilliance, fire and beauty.
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Brilliance is determined by the ability of a diamond to reflect light back at you. A quality cut diamond will have facets angled correctly to disperse and reflect the greatest amount of light back through the top.
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There are 3 aspects when referring to the cut of a diamond:
The first refers to the quality of the cut. Proportions are the key to its beauty, so a poorly cut diamond with incorrect angles will leak light dramatically reducing brilliance.
The second refers to the style or facet arrangement. These may include the brilliant cut arrangement which radiates from the centre-out, or the step cut arrangements with concentric rows running parallel, these would include emerald or baguette cut diamonds.
The third refers to the actual shape of the diamond. Round brilliant is the shape most capable of exuding the greatest amount of brilliance. Other shapes are regarded as 'fancy' shapes' and are also very beautiful, the most common shapes include:
