4C's of Diamonds

Diamond prices can vary substantially, depending on a number of factors. Diamond experts distinguish four main characteristics that determine the price. These are the famous 4C:

1. CARAT

The weight of diamonds and other gemstones is expressed in carats. 1 carat = 0.2 grams. 1 gram = 5 carats. The diamond carats (ct) are not the same measure as the gold karats (kt).

2. COLOR

Diamond colour depends on presence or, more specifically, absence of colour in the diamond. In general, the less colour the diamond has, the higher its value. Colourless diamonds (also called ‘white’ diamonds) have higher value than yellowish or brownish ones. Another category are ‘fancy colour’ diamonds with exceptional colours such as blue, red or pink. The value of fancy colour diamonds can be even higher than the value of transparent stones.

3. CLARITY

Clarity is a measure of diamond inclusions. These can have a form of little black spots, cracks or ‘cloudy’ areas on the surface or within the diamond. The best clarity is called ‘loupe clean’ (or ‘flawless’) which means that there are no inclusions visible under a 10x magnifying loupe.

4. CUT

Diamonds cut means one of two things, it can represent how well a diamond has been cut, meaning its proportions, symmetry and polish as well as well as the shape it is cut into. Many diamond shapes exist for example round, oval and pear.