The 4 C's of diamonds are elements which impact each stone's appearance. Choosing your dream diamond jewelry is an important decision. Discover how to spot the perfect diamond, and what each element of this glittering stone entails. The 4 C's of diamonds - cut, color, clarity, & carat weight.
Table of Contents:
- What Are the 4 C's of Diamonds?
- Diamond Cuts
- Clarity of Diamonds
- 5 Colors of Diamond
- Diamond Carat Weights
- Sparkling Diamond Jewelry for Every Occasion
- Ethical Diamonds & Responsible Sourcing
What Are the 4 C's of Diamonds?
The 4 C's of diamonds are how diamonds are categorised with words that all conveniently begin with the letter C. It is essential to know what to look for when you're considering diamond jewelry, and the 4 C's of diamonds can help! These timeless stones have an alluring sparkle if you get the 4 C's of diamonds right.
The 4 C's of diamonds are:
- Cut
- Clarity
- Color
- Carat
The 4 C's of diamonds allow you to assess the quality and the features of the stone. Whether you're looking for a new ring featuring a diamond to signify a special occasion, or looking to brighten up your favourite party outfit with some more sparkle. Choosing diamond jewelry using the 4 C's of diamonds is a great way to make an informed decision and find the perfect piece.
Diamond Cuts
The diamond cut is the first of the 4 C's of diamonds. While the 'cut' of a diamond is used to mean the shape, it actually refers to how well it has been polished from the raw material. Cut proportions affect a diamond's ability to reflect light and provide brilliance. So, cut doesn't technically mean the shape, it means the symmetry, proportioning, and polish of a diamond.
The cut in the 4 C's of diamonds is different from the shape of the stone. A well cut diamond will reflect light back at you; this is called brilliance. The more brilliant a diamond cut is, the more light it reflects. This means the diamond has to be cut in a way to optimally reflect light. If a diamond is cut too deep or too shallow, light will escape through the sides or bottom of the stone. The facets, or flat surfaces within the diamond, determine how light reacts with the stone. Well cut diamonds in a pair of earrings will reflect the light back at anyone who looks at them, ensuring you're the centre of attention.
10 Diamond Shapes
Although the terms shape and cut are used interchangeably, they are not the same when it comes to this precious gemstone. The shape of a stone is not part of the 4 C's of diamonds, but many confuse it with a stone's "cut". An oval shaped diamond could have a shallow cut, but still have an oval shape. There are some shapes of stones which are more common than others. Some common diamond shapes include:
- Round
- Princess
- Cushion
- Emerald
- Oval
- Pear
- Asscher
- Kite
- Marquise
- Radiant
These common shapes can be found in different designs of jewellery. It's all about personal preference, knowing which shapes you like can help you determine which piece of diamond jewelry you might want. Use your newfound knowledge of the 4 C's of diamonds to select the perfect stone for your collection.
Clarity of Diamonds
The next of the 4 C's of diamonds is the clarity of the stone. Diamond clarity refers to the quality of the stone and how clear it is. This means you have to know how diamonds are created. Natural stones are formed over years under huge amounts of pressure. If there are other chemicals present when the diamond forms, small marks called 'inclusions' appear in the stones. Necklaces with diamonds which feature more inclusions will look different to one with high clarity stones.
The clarity of the 4 C's of diamonds can vary depending on the stone itself. The higher clarity the stone has, the fewer inclusions it has, and the more clearer it appears. There are 6 categories of inclusions which range from Flawless (FL) all the way to Included (I1, I2, and I3). You may not be able to see these small marks in the stone, but need a microscope to see them.
Inclusions in diamonds affect the color and how light responds to the stone. These things aren't necessarily negative, diamonds with inclusions are often just as striking, and may well be more your personal taste. Accessories such as engagement or promise rings may benefit from a stone with few or no inclusions in order to make the diamond really shine. The second of the 4 C's of diamond - clarity - affects how a diamond looks, and what clarity you want is down to personal preference.