The Four C's of Diamonds & How to Select Them

Diamonds are one of the most precious and rarest commodities in the world having both commercial and artisan properties. They range from qualities used in modern electronics to those auctioned off in vast and splendorous auction houses. Here we will discuss the average diamond market in the world that are used in the world of fine jewelery.

One important factor to consider when purchasing a diamond is if you wish to purchase a certification along with it. A certified diamond has been assessed by three gemologist who has come to a decision on all it's characteristics. It is definitely an important consideration in more expensive diamonds that may need to be insured. The main certifying bodies are IGI, AGL, EGL, and GIA. GIA is the most renowned of them all and gives the most detailed report.

Cut- All diamonds are cut into different shaped with facets or sides. There are two important aspects to the cut which are why it takes a minimum of forty years to become a master diamond cutter. One is the grade or quality of the cut graded at excellent, good and poor. If the diamond is cut too deep or too shallow the light can escape and not be reflected correctly. The second is the type of cut. For ex. a princess cut square stone though considered more fashionable by some have less cuts than a traditional round brilliant stone, hence they reflect less light. There are many types of cuts with varying amounts of facets.

Clarity- The Clarity of stones is the level of which they are free of inclusions. Inclusions can be black carbon spots, feathers which appear as internal white cracks, etc. Diamonds are graded on a pyramid level. FL (Flawless), being at the top. Followed by Internally Flawless alongside. VVSI (Very Very Slightly Included) VVS2, VS1 and VS2, SI1 and SI2 (Slightly Included), and I1, I2, and I3. 70% Of Mined Diamonds are at a I1 or lower level. I1 is where the flaws in the diamond can be seen by the naked eye without use of magnification. At the lowest level, I3 the durability of the diamond begins to be compromised from the inclusions. Most I3 are used for commercial grade electronics.

Color- The Color of a diamond is done on an D-Z Scale. D being a "colorless" stone and Z being a "Fancy" or colored stone. Blue, Canary Yellow, and Pink Diamonds are all colored stones. Generally you will encounter two types of diamonds in the modern market, Colorless and Near Colorless. Colorless is any diamond graded D, E, or F. Any diamond graded G, H, I, or J would be considered near colorless and have a slightly yellow tint.

Carat Weight- All diamonds are measured in carat weight. The average engagement ring is 1/2 to 1 carat total weight. The higher the carat weight of a quality stone the rarer it becomes thus the more expensive.

The goal is too balance all these four characteristics into creating your perfect stone. Generally diamonds in the average market are SI2-I1, Near Colorless, With a Good Cut Rating, equaling approximately $1,000 a carat per stone. Be selective and do research before buying a diamond as the prices can differ dramatically from one source to another.