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The Four Characteristics Of Diamonds
By:
Published: July 25, 2006
If you've ever purchased a diamond then you already know that carat size is not the only determinant of their cost. Rather, value is assessed according to the various diamond characteristics. Every stone of gemstone quality that will be used in jewelry making is first magnified by lab experts to identify each of its four characteristics: cut, color, clarity and carat.
Commonly referred to simply as the 4 Cs, the more rare the diamond characteristics, the higher its price will be. So, what do each of these characteristics mean?
Cut is the diamond characteristic that refers to the angles and proportions that are created when diamonds are transformed from the appearance of a rough pebble to a shiny, valuable gemstone. A well-cut diamond is one that reflects light internally and reflects it like a mirror to the top of the stone. If it is cut too deep or shallow then the stone may leak light either through the bottom or the sides, making it less brilliant.
A lot of cutting and polishing is needed to create a stone of gemstone quality. It is common for stones to lose 50% of its original weight during these processes alone. Accounting for the most labor-intensive components of diamond processing, 250 tons of ore must be mined to produce just a single one-carat diamond.
There are three types of cutting styles associated with diamonds: the step cut, brilliant cut, and the mixed cut. The brilliant cut, which is the most popular among buyers, reflects the most light. The step cut includes rows of facets that resemble steps on a staircase. This cut is commonly associated with the emerald shape. The mixed cut includes both step and brilliant facets.
Color is the diamond characteristic that refers to the degree to which a diamond is colorless. Each stone is individually graded on a scale by the Gemological Institute of America, which includes a range from D (colorless) to Z (yellow.) While white remains the most popular color for diamonds, they are also found in an array of many colors, including blue, green, yellow, orange, pink and red, which is the rarest of all.
Clarity is the diamond characteristic that refers to the number of flaws that are contained within a diamond. Such flaws, which are commonly known as inclusions, disrupt the flow of light. This is why the more inclusions there are in a stone, the lower its quality rating will be, lowering its value. Inclusions are typically not visible unless a stone is magnified and, only then, may appear as tiny crystals, clouds, or feathers.
Clarity is measured according to a standard of eleven different levels, ranging from FL (flawless) to I (Included.)
Contrary to popular belief carat is the measure of a diamond's weight, not size. One carat is equivilant to 200 milligrams, or it can also be divided into 100 parts. Therefore .25 is equivelant to 25 points, or a ¼ carat diamond.
Carat is a term derived from the word carob. Carob seeds were often extremely similar in weight and, therefore, were used within ancient civilizations as an accurate means of measuring weight. Furthermore carat should not be mistaken for the word karat, which refers to the purity of gold.
Cut is the diamond characteristic that refers to the angles and proportions that are created when diamonds are transformed from the appearance of a rough pebble to a shiny, valuable gemstone. A well-cut diamond is one that reflects light internally and reflects it like a mirror to the top of the stone. If it is cut too deep or shallow then the stone may leak light either through the bottom or the sides, making it less brilliant.
A lot of cutting and polishing is needed to create a stone of gemstone quality. It is common for stones to lose 50% of its original weight during these processes alone. Accounting for the most labor-intensive components of diamond processing, 250 tons of ore must be mined to produce just a single one-carat diamond.
There are three types of cutting styles associated with diamonds: the step cut, brilliant cut, and the mixed cut. The brilliant cut, which is the most popular among buyers, reflects the most light. The step cut includes rows of facets that resemble steps on a staircase. This cut is commonly associated with the emerald shape. The mixed cut includes both step and brilliant facets.
Color is the diamond characteristic that refers to the degree to which a diamond is colorless. Each stone is individually graded on a scale by the Gemological Institute of America, which includes a range from D (colorless) to Z (yellow.) While white remains the most popular color for diamonds, they are also found in an array of many colors, including blue, green, yellow, orange, pink and red, which is the rarest of all.
Clarity is the diamond characteristic that refers to the number of flaws that are contained within a diamond. Such flaws, which are commonly known as inclusions, disrupt the flow of light. This is why the more inclusions there are in a stone, the lower its quality rating will be, lowering its value. Inclusions are typically not visible unless a stone is magnified and, only then, may appear as tiny crystals, clouds, or feathers.
Clarity is measured according to a standard of eleven different levels, ranging from FL (flawless) to I (Included.)
Contrary to popular belief carat is the measure of a diamond's weight, not size. One carat is equivilant to 200 milligrams, or it can also be divided into 100 parts. Therefore .25 is equivelant to 25 points, or a ¼ carat diamond.
Carat is a term derived from the word carob. Carob seeds were often extremely similar in weight and, therefore, were used within ancient civilizations as an accurate means of measuring weight. Furthermore carat should not be mistaken for the word karat, which refers to the purity of gold.
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