THE 4 C's

The quality, value and cost of a diamond are determined by “the 4 C’s”

CUT: The cut refers to the angles, shapes and proportions of each diamond. A well cut diamond with proper shapes and proportions optimizes the diamond’s natural radiance and brilliance by reflecting and refracting light back through the top of a diamond.

COLOR: Diamonds are judged for their color, or lack thereof. In most cases, the whiter the diamond, the greater its value. Therefore, setting a diamond in a naturally white metal, which won’t cast any of its own color into the diamond, maximizes its brilliance. The color of a diamond is classified and rated using a color scale, the most popular of which is from the respected Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which grades color alphabetically from D to Z. Diamonds with a color rating of “D” are “colorless.” “Fancy” colored diamonds may be given a grade of “Z.”

CLARITY: A diamond’s clarity is rated by the number, size and position of its inclusions or flaws. Inclusions, which give each diamond its uniqueness, are sometimes referred to as "nature's fingerprints.” Typically, these inclusions are not apparent to the naked eye, and are only visible under magnification. The fewer the inclusions, the more valuable the stone. Diamonds are classified according to their position on the GIA clarity scale, from Internally Flawless (IF), with no visible defects, to Imperfect Three (I3), with inclusions visible to the naked eye.

CARAT: The “carat” is a unit of measurement used to weigh diamonds. Although a higher carat weight may increase its rarity and value, the cut, color and clarity of the diamond greatly impact the price. Small stones can be more expensive than large stones if the other 3 C’s (color, cut and clarity) rate highly.

GEMSTONE CUTS 

ROUND	EMERALD	OVAL	PRINCESS
PEAR	MARQUISE	HEART

The diamond may be alone (solitaire) or surrounded by other diamonds or precious gemstones.
Side stones can take the shapes mentioned above, as well as Baguette and Trillion configurations.