The Four C’s of Diamond Quality

 

Cut- Color- Clarity- Carat

Before the revolutionary grading system of the 4Cs existed, there were several confusing and inconsistent grading systems used. Objective terminology such as “rarest white”, “top Wesselton” and “AAA” were used to categorize the color grades of diamonds.

It wasn’t until the early 1940s that Robert M. Shipley, the founder of GIA, created and modernized the diamond grading system that we know and use today. The 4Cs has provided a framework that has transformed the way diamond quality is defined and communicated and therefore has changed the way diamonds are bought and sold.

  • CUT

    The most important of the 4Cs is cut because it has the greatest impact on a diamond’s sparkle. The better the cut, the more valuable the diamond.

  • COLOR

    The second most important of the 4Cs is color. Which actually refers to a diamond’s lack of color. The higher the color grade, the higher the rarity. Color is also visible to the naked eye which is why it’s listed as the second most important feature.

  • CLARITY

    Often the least important of the 4C’s because the tiny imperfections are often only visible under 10x magnification. However, diamonds can come with eye-visible inclusions. Meaning, they are visible to the naked eye and it can affect how light is refracted in the diamond and therefore make the stone look dull. Diamonds that are highly included (I1-I3) are at a much higher risk of breaking due to the inclusions weakening the nature of the diamond’s structure.

  • CARAT

    The term carat actually refers to the diamond’s total weight and not its physical dimensions. The diamond’s cut will ultimately dictate the diamond’s size.