The 4Cs were coined by the founder of GIA (Gemological Institute of America) in the 1940s. He developed the concept so students could remember the four factors that characterize diamond quality. Simple, but revolutionary, the 4cs had a tremendous impact on the world of diamonds.
The Gemological Institute of America is the most respected nonprofit source of geological knowledge in the world. When Robert M. Shipley founded it, he recognized that there needed to be a comprehensive approach to understanding and evaluating diamonds and gemstones. The organization was a place for education and knowledge. His successor expanded Shipley’s work by developing the GIA Color Scale and Clarity Scale for diamonds.
According to GIA, “The creation of the diamond 4Cs and the GIA International Diamond Grading System™ meant two very important things: diamond quality could be communicated in a universal language, and diamond customers could now know exactly what they are purchasing.”
Today, the 4Cs of diamond quality are the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond. It is the standard. There are four diamond characteristics that need to be considered, and understanding the 4 Cs is important.
The 4 C’s Of Diamonds
Diamond Cut
Of all the 4Cs, diamond cut has the greatest effect on a diamond’s beauty. In determining the quality of the cut, the diamond grader evaluates the cutter’s skill in the fashioning of the diamond. A diamond’s cut quality impacts the fire and sparkle of a diamond and enhances the diamond’s subtle differences.
Diamond Color
The color of gem-quality diamonds occurs in many hues. In the range from colorless to light yellow or light brown. Colorless diamonds are the rarest. Some people prefer to own a diamond with a light pink or yellow tint. Other’s may want a well cut diamond with a very clear appearance.
Diamond Clarity
The clarity of diamond is based on internal characteristics known as inclusions or external characteristics known as blemishes. Diamonds without inclusions or blemishes are rare; however, most characteristics can only be seen with magnification. There is a GIA clarity scale for diamonds for grading. Quality diamonds have a balance between color and clarity.
Diamond Carat
The carat is the diamond’s physical weight measured in metric carats. One carat equals 1/5 grams and is divided into 100 points. Carat weight is the most objective grade of the 4Cs. Larger carat weight diamonds are rarer and thus more expensive. A diamond carat is divided into 100 points, meaning a 50-point diamond weighs 0.50 carats. However, a stone with a certain weight may actually look larger than the carat suggests due to its dimensions. A diamond’s weight refers to how much a diamond weighs, and not the size of the diamond.
The cut, color, clarity, and carat weight combined contribute to the beauty, rarity and overall value of a diamond. But what is the most important factor?
CUT QUALITY
Cut quality is the single most important of the 4Cs that impacts the physical beauty of a diamond. The cut quality determines the diamond’s sparkle.
Cuts include the facets, the angle of the facets, and the symmetry of the shape. This is because the diamond cut returns the light, and the goal should always be to optimize light return.
Often in today’s diamond industry, diamonds are cut for weight retention. Sometimes cuts are made at the expense of beauty. This isn’t a good thing, and a quality diamond cutter will consider beauty first. Cuts vary from diamond to diamond, and it has to do with how the diamond cutter shapes, facets, and polishes a diamond.
Sometimes diamonds are cut to hide flaws in the stone and minimize inclusions. Art and science are both involved in a quality diamond cut. A skilled diamond cutter will tailor the cut so that the diamond carat weight isn’t compromised.
A quality cut results in a quality sparkle.
If a diamond is poorly cut, no clarity grating, color grading, or carat weight will make up for it.
A poorly cut diamond will look dull and glassy. If a diamond is cut too deep, light will leak out the sides. If it is cut too shallow, light will escape from the bottom. Light should be symmetrical and return light out of the top of the diamond.
Carat weight is important in the value of a diamond, but the precision of the cut affects the value of a diamond by 50% or more. Quality diamond cutters don’t compromise beauty. No two diamonds are completely identical. They may have the same color, clarity, and cut, and all have the same carat weight, but they will be slightly different in shape and how each returns the light.
There are Diamond Sellers and You Will Find Experts at Beach Loan Services
Understanding the four diamond characteristics that make a diamond’s quality is essential when you are buying a diamond. How the retail store describes diamonds makes a difference in what you learn about the diamond and how you compare diamonds available for sale.
Beach Loan Services offers quality diamond jewelry at affordable prices. Their expert pawnbrokers under how a diamond’s appearance is affected by the 4Cs. They use the 4Cs when they appraise and value diamonds.
They have a large inventory of small and larger diamond rings, necklaces and pendants just in time for Christmas gift giving. They also have that special diamond engagement ring or elegant wedding sets.
The diamond experts at Beach Loan Services can help you understand how to look through a jeweler’s loupe to see any inclusions, since you can not always see the visible difference between two diamonds with the naked eye.
The diamond experts trained eye can see the small differences, and they also test all their precious metals, gold, and diamonds. When you are looking for the best value, consider shopping for a pre-owned diamond ring.
Beach Loan Services also has luxury handbags, designer watches, and other luxury items ready to be given as Christmas gifts.
They also buy and pawn quality diamonds, luxury items, and valuable jewelry if you need quick cash. A quality diamond with a diamond sparkle that shows it is internally flawless will bring a higher offer. They are always interested in one carat diamond jewelry.