The diamond 4cs chart is the basic gradings that help buyers decide the quality of diamonds. These four characteristics – Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight – are graded on a consistent scale used by professionals.
When evaluating diamonds, it is critical to understand that each of these characteristics can have an impact on how a diamond looks and how much it costs. By understanding these four gradings, you can ensure that you are getting the most for your money.
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Carat Weight
Carat weight is a diamond measurement unit that is commonly used around the world. It is one of the four major quality factors in the diamond industry, along with color, clarity, and cut.
The carat was first invented in 1907, and is now widely accepted as a standardized measure. It is a small unit of measure, equivalent to 200 milligrams and divided into 100 points.
When a jeweler weighs a diamond, they use an electronic micro-balance with a sensitivity of up to five decimal places. This allows for an accurate reading that is backed up by an expert gemologist.
The carat has a long history, dating back to gem traders who relied on balance scales to determine a gemstone’s weight. However, it was not until the carob seed was introduced that this diamond measurement became universal and standardized.
Color
Color, the second of the 4C’s of a Diamonds, plays a major role in how an engagement ring will look and its overall value. While it isn’t as well-known or appreciated as carat weight, cut and clarity, the color of a diamond can make a huge difference in determining a stone’s value.
The diamond color grading system uses a color chart to measure the amount of color in a diamond. This grading process is the most widely accepted diamond color chart in the industry.
The diamond color grading system compares a test diamond to master stones with known colors while exposing the diamond to specific lighting and viewing conditions in order to assess its color. The color grade is based on the lighter of the two master stone’s color values.
Clarity
The clarity of a diamond is a critical factor to consider when comparing diamonds for an engagement ring. Like other elements of the 4Cs, clarity can vary greatly depending on how many inclusions are present and how they are positioned within the diamond.
These inclusions can be in the form of blemishes, or tiny imperfections inside the diamond crystal itself. Or they can be nicks and scratches on the outside of the diamond that affect how the diamond reflects light.
Flawless or internally flawless diamonds have no blemishes and are extremely rare. These are also the most expensive and sought-after.
Other diamonds may have a few blemishes or inclusions, but they are not noticeable to the naked eye. However, these can be easy to spot under 10x magnification. These are referred to as “Slightly Included” diamonds, and are graded at SI1 and SI2.
Cut
Cut quality is the most critical of the 4Cs, and it’s the factor that gives a diamond its unique beauty. The way a diamond’s facets are cut and polished affects how well the stone reflects light, resulting in a lustrous appearance.
A poor cut can detract from a diamond’s overall appearance, making it appear dull and lifeless. A good cut, on the other hand, can make a smaller diamond look larger and hide some blemishes or inclusions.
The cut of a diamond is also influenced by design. A diamond with poor design could add unnecessary weight or wear out quickly.
Another factor that impacts a diamond’s cut quality is its clarity. Clear diamonds are rare and therefore expensive, with the rarest being Flawless (FL). These diamonds are free of internal blemishes or surface imperfections that can be seen by the naked eye.
