The 4 c's

There are four main factors by which the value and quality of a diamond is determined. These items are popularly known as the 4C’s. Any combination of these four factors can make it possible to understand the quality and value of a diamond.

These factors are: COLOR, CLARITY, CUT and CARAT.

Color

Diamonds come in a variety of colors as well as the traditional colorless type. Fancy colors such as red, green, blue, pink, etc., are more costly than the regular colorless, yellow and brown. A fancy colored stone of equivalent size to a colorless stone will be more than three times the price of the colorless one.

Clarity

The clarity of a gemstone is assessed by examining any imperfections, inclusions and blemishes under 10x magnification. Almost all diamonds have some minute traces of non-crystalized carbon or non-diamond crystals in them. However, most of these cannot be seen by the naked eye.

Cut

The cut of a diamond, its proportions and symmetry, are of extreme importance as they have the greatest influence on the brilliance of a stone. This factor is also the one most influenced by human hands. The polisher’s skills are very important for shaping a stone.

Carat

Is the term used to describe the size measurement of a diamond. Diamonds come in all sizes from 0.005 carat to even 500 carat, and more. The larger the size of the diamond, the rarer it is to mine. Hence, a 1ct. diamond is more rare than a 1/2 carat diamond. However, the price of a 1ct. diamond is not twice the price of a 1/2ct. It is actually more than twice the price. The price is not directly proportionate to its size. The reason is attributed to rarity. It is much more difficult to get a 1ct diamond than it is to get a 1/2ct.