There is a standard way of appraising a diamond, by using criteria called the 4 C's. The 4 C's are the Clarity, Carat, Cut and Colour of a diamond.
The 4Cs also determine the diamond’s worth. Each quality is graded on a scale and should be considered in relation to one another when evaluating a diamond. Let us explore why.
Everybody asks “Which is the most important of the 4Cs?” . The answer is really simple.
-It depends on your taste and budget, and what you and your partner deem most important. And it is important to understand that a diamond doesn’t have to be at the very top of all 4Cs to be the right choice for your engagement ring.
Is carat weight important? – Sure, it is.
Diamond size is measured in carat weight. Small differences in carat weight can sometimes mean price differences of hundreds—even thousands—of dollars, depending on the size and overall diamond quality.
Is diamond colour an important factor? – No doubt.
Subtle differences in diamond color can dramatically affect diamond value. Two diamonds of the same clarity, weight, shape and cutting style can differ in value based on color alone. Even the slightest hint of color can make a difference in what you may pay for the diamond. The highest quality diamonds actually have an absence of color, whereas lower quality diamonds have a pale yellow hue to them.
Is the clarity of a diamond important?- Yes, of course.
Diamond Clarity relates to the number of imperfections a diamond has. These imperfections are called inclusions, which are technically anything from minute cracks to small traces of non crystallised carbon. Diamonds are natural products and invariably will have inclusions to some degree, however the fewer the inclusions the better.
Look at diamonds with different clarity grades to narrow down your preferences. Note where surface reaching blemishes are located. If you have your heart set on an emerald cut diamond, you may want to consider the highest clarity grade you can afford, since the traditional step-cut faceting style tends to make inclusions more obvious in lower clarity diamonds.
Is diamond cut also so important? - Yes!
Every diamond quality factor matters to someone. If you’re looking for sparkle and those unmistakable flashes of color and light that telegraph “diamond” across a crowded room, then a diamond’s cut quality is very important. This diamond quality factor refers to how skillfully the diamond was cut. A diamond’s cut grade represents a range of proportion sets and diamond appearances – all of which combine to deliver the magnificent return of light that’s only possible with a diamond.
To cut a long story short, it’s important to know that none of the 4 C’s alone is everything. Diamond quality is determined by a combination of all the 4Cs and a buyer should consider and understand each of them. For more details visit our Diamond Guide section.
