When talking diamonds, there are four C’s every connoisseur knows – cut, color, clarity, and carat. The funny thing is, however, most people believe carat to be the most important of them all. The reality, of course, is that how many carats a diamond is determines its overall weight, not its value. So, to help clarify things, we’ve listed below, in order of importance, the four C’s of buying diamonds so that you can always make the most brilliant purchase!
Cut
The actual cut of your diamond is what will affect its beauty the most. Every angle will catch light differently, leaving your hand to sparkle, but each stone is different. If you opt for carat (weight) over cut, you might end up with a heavy rock that’s too deep or too shallow to properly catch the light, making your gem look dull. Ideally, you’ll want a cut that allows for exceptional clarity and light reflection, even if it means sacrificing size. The style and shape, of course, is up to you. Choose a traditional round cut, an emerald cut, or a princess cut, whatever makes you happy!
Color
Diamonds come in all shapes, styles, and colors, and are rated on a scale from D to Z, with D representing the most colorless stones. That means, if you’re looking for a traditional colorless diamond for your piece, you will want to go the extra mile to ensure its purity. Even the slightest bit of color can offset a diamonds brilliance and light reflection, which is made even harder by how difficult it is to actually tell the difference just by looking at them, so don’t be afraid to ask an expert to help you understand the differences and value of each option.
Clarity
Clarity refers to how “clean” a diamond is, meaning how free it is from various inclusions and blemishes. All diamonds are graded for clarity on the GIA scale, which ranges from I2 (Inclusions 2) to FL (Flawless). The lower the clarity, the lower the quality.
Carat
As stated above, carat refers exclusively to the weight, not the size, of a diamond. In fact, two single carat diamonds might look completely different side by side, which is why when choosing diamonds for yourself or a loved one, carat weight should be the last thing on your mind unless that is your specific concern.
Are you in the market for stunning quality diamonds, or any other incredible custom pieces? If so, stop by Traders Loan and Jewelry today at 18505 Sherman Way Reseda, CA 91335, call 818.345.8696 , or simply fill out the form on our contact page if you have any questions.