Our HistoryThe 4 C's
Although not everyone shares the same opinion as to what constitutes beauty, people want a diamond that expresses their individual taste and personality. These are some of the primary factors to consider in selecting the perfect diamond:
Cut
Of all the 4 C's, cut has the greatest effect on a diamond's beauty. In grading, cut evaluates the cutter’s skill in fashioning the diamond. Diamonds have a unique ability to manipulate light efficiently. This ability can be released and maximized only by cutting and polishing the diamond to an extremely high level of accuracy. The American Gem Society Cut Grading System considers not only the proportions of a diamond, but also the craftsmanship of its overall symmetry and polish. The system is unique in that it uses the latest technology to analyze the cut’s impact on the diamond’s light performance.
Cut is often confused with the shape of a diamond. Shape is largely a matter of personal preference and is limited only by the skill and creativity of the craftsman. Below are the 10 most common shapes for diamonds of one carat or more.
Color
A truly colorless diamond is extremely rare. Most diamonds possess varying degrees of yellow or brown, and small, subtle differences in color can make a substantial difference in value. If a diamond is well cut, the diamond's refraction and dispersion often will disguise certain degrees of coloration. Unless a diamond is a fancy color (or any color other than colorless to light yellow or brown), the American Gem Society Color Grading System places it on a 0 to 10 scale, 0 being colorless. To accurately and consistently grade color, an American Gem Society experienced grader will utilize special lighting to compare the diamond being graded to a set of American Gem Society Master Color Comparison Diamonds, which have met exacting standards of cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
Clarity
Clarity is the evaluation of a diamond's internal and external characteristics. The fewer inclusions or blemishes, the more desirable the diamond. Inclusions are internal, that is, inside the diamond. Crystals are merely minerals trapped inside the diamond; feathers are breaks in the diamond. Blemishes are usually very small and are only on the surface of the diamond. To locate these tiny characteristics, an American Gem Society member jeweler will use a binocular microscope that magnifies the diamond 10 times. Then, from an evaluation of the size, location, nature, number, and color of all the inclusions and blemishes, a clarity grade from 0-10 will be assigned – 0 being flawless or internally flawless.
Carat
The standard used to measure diamond weight is the carat. A carat equals 1/5 of a gram (or 1/142 of an ounce). Each carat is further divided into points, each point representing 1/100 of a carat. While weight may be the least important of the four C's in determining value, it may be the easiest of the four C's to gauge accurately and is the most objective. As diamonds increase in size, their cost tends to increase geometrically. Thus, a one-carat diamond may cost more than twice as much as a one-half-carat stone of equal quality. Also, weight does not always enhance the value of a diamond. In fact, when a diamond is improperly cut, added weight may serve only to reduce its brilliance. For these reasons, you should consult with an American Gem Society titleholder regarding the question of carat weight.
Source: American Gem Society/GIA
