THE 4 C’s The four factors that influence the value of a diamond:
Color Grading Scale
Diamonds are available in a wide variety of colors including purple, pink, green, orange, yellow, blue, brown and black. The rarest of all is red. These extremely rare and unique diamonds are termed "Fancy Colors" and are graded based on the hue, tone and saturation of their color. The more concentrated the color, the higher the rarity factor, and of course the higher the price.
The color scale below demonstrates how a white or colorless diamond is graded by color. The scale begins with "D" colorless, which is the highest color grade a diamond can receive, and continues onto "Z".
Clarity Grading Scale
Diamonds are also graded on their clarity. The grade is determined by the degree to which the diamond is free of inclusions and blemishes. Most diamonds have internal markings known as inclusions, and external characteristics known as blemishes. Gemologist review these characteristics under 10x magnification microscope. Each diamond is graded based on the number, nature, size, location and color of each inclusion or blemish. Clarity characteristics are also used to distinguish one diamond from another. A diamond's markings make each diamond one-of-a-kind, and are much like fingerprints. Flawless diamonds are extremely rare and can be purchased at the highest prices. However, most diamonds have minute inclusions that cannot be seen without magnification. These minor markings will reduce the price of the diamond without distracting from its beauty or durability.
Carat
Diamonds are weighed on a scale of metric carats, abbreviated "ct." A carat is equal to approximately 1/5 of a gram (or 1/142nd of an ounce). Each carat is broken down into 100 points, much like a pound is broken down into 16 ounces. When you see a diamond weight of 1.45 carat, that means one carat and 45 points.
The higher the carat weight, the rarer the diamond is. Each diamond is bought and sold on a pricing system known as "per carat." As the carat weight increases, the price per carat increases due to the rarity factor. For example, a diamond weighing 2 carats will be worth more than double the price of a 1 carat diamond.
Cut
The term "cut" refers to the diamonds proportions. A gemologist will measure factors such as its depth, diameter and the uniformity of the diamond's facets. These characteristics determine the diamond's brilliance and durability.
A good cut is critical to a diamond's brilliance. Even a diamond with exceptional color and clarity will not present the sparkle and beauty that diamonds are know for if its proportions do not receive and reflect with light as they should.
