The Six C's

When shopping for a single important stone, note the six C's!

 

CUT: Not to be confused with only the shape of the diamond. Diamonds can be cut into almost any shape. Cut also includes the proportions of a particular shape. A well-cut diamond handles light better, which directly affects its brilliance and scintillation. And ultimately the beauty of your diamond!

CARAT: The weight of the diamond when weighed loose on a diamond scale. There are 100 points to a carat so a stone weighing .50 carat is equal to 1/2 carat. Simply put a decimal system rather than fractions and more accurate.

CLARITY: Most diamonds have internal characteristics or inclusions. Clarity grades are based on the size, amount and location of these birthmarks. Grades range from flawless - I3 which means imperfect to the 3rd degree.

COLOR: is graded on a scale ranging from the letters D through Z. As you go up the scale there are slight tonal variances of body color in the diamond.
In general terms D-F grades are considered colorless, G-J are near colorless, K and greater have trace color which is darker with each letter increment.

The color grading scale varies from totally colorless to light color or tinted. The difference between one grade and its neighbor is very subtle. Experts never try to remember color; they use master diamonds of known color for comparison.


Color Grade Letter Value
COLORLESS D E F
NEAR COLORLESS GHIJ
FAINT YELLOW KLM
VERY LIGHT YELLOW NOPQR
LIGHT YELLOW STUVWXYZ

 

COST: This depends on adding the first 4 Cs together Cut + Carat weight + Clarity + Color = Cost.
The formula only makes sense if you are given honest assessment, especially of clarity and color grades. This leads to the sixth C:

CONFIDENCE: In my opinion this is the most important part of the diamond buying equation. When comparing diamond prices, be cautious. Diamond grading is somewhat subjective so beware of gross misrepresentation. Because every slight variation in a diamond could mean a significant cost difference, it is imperative that a Graduate Gemologist Certified diamond grader performs the grading. Confidence in the expert you are dealing with makes buying a diamond a sparkling occasion

 

ROUND: The most brilliant cut when proportioned properly. Its 58 facets scintillate as they catch the light at all angles.

PEAR: Also known as teardrop with its pleasing irregular shape, rounded on one side, pointed on the other. It looks best when cut with a length to width ratio of approximately 2:1.

OVAL: Slightly elongated with asymmetrical rounded ends. Its sparkling appearance catches and reflects light from all directions. Becoming more and more popular in engagement rings.

MARQUISE: Elegant oblong characterized by pinpoint flashes of fiery brilliance. This shape is often used as a center stone, mixed with ovals and rounds and accent stones, in contemporary settings. Named for Louis XV's mistress the Marquis de Pompadour.

EMERALD: Rectangular in outline, its four corners and symmetry make it a symbol of discipline and order. This cut emphasizes the stone's transparent beauty.

PRINCESS: Square or rectangular with a bold, architectural look. More facets than other cuts create a bright and scintillating look.