The 4Cs of diamonds

The 4Cs of diamonds are widely recognized as the standard grading system used to assess the quality and describe the characteristics of a diamond. They are as follows:

• Carat
• Clarity
• Color (Color)
• Cut (Size)

These factors help determine the market value of a diamond.

Carat

The weight of a diamond is measured in carats , which corresponds to 0.2 g. The word 'carat' comes from the carob , a fruit of a shrub from India, whose seed, once dried, weighs 0.2 g. It was used as a weight reference during Antiquity to weigh gems.

Clarity

A diamond's alterations define its clarity . These are tiny crystals inside the diamond, similar to fingerprints, and which help identify each diamond, making them unique.

A stone is said to be “flawless” if, under x10 magnification, it has no inclusions or stains.

Color (Color)

The whiter a diamond is, the rarer and more valuable it is. The color of a diamond is determined by placing it on very white paper and examining it under a special lamp, called daylight .

Colored diamonds (yellow, pink, blue, etc.) are rare. It is estimated that there is one colored diamond for every 10,000 white diamonds .

Cut (Size)

Cutting is the operation that transforms a rough diamond into a cut diamond. Carried out by the hand of man, it determines the brilliance, shape and proportions of the gem.

The shiny shape is the most common, but there are other shapes called 'Fancy Shapes' such as:

• Oval
• Emerald
• Pear
• Marquise
• Heart

Now you know!

Thanks to the 4Cs of diamonds , it is possible to evaluate the quality and value of a diamond with precision.