The 4C’s of Buying Diamonds
With so many to choose from, shopping for diamonds can be quite difficult. But, it can be made easier if you focus on the major attributes of the stone. The 4C’s refer to the cut, color, carat, and clarity of a precious jewel. These characteristics are graded and categorized to identify its quality and size. They can also help in determining the value and price of the gem.
Read on to learn more about the 4C’s of diamonds.
Cut
Out of all the 4C’s, this has the most impact on the diamond’s beauty and overall appearance. The cut refers to its proportions, angles, brilliance, and finishing details. These elements determine the stone’s ability to sparkle and catch light.
In determining the quality, the diamond grader evaluates the cutter’s skill in shaping and fashioning the jewel. The more precise the cut, the more attractive it is.
Color
A diamond’s color is the shades of yellow and brown that reduce the sparkle of the gem since it doesn’t reflect as much light. Because of this, tinted ones are at the lower end of the scale.
You should also note that certain colored diamonds are considered as valued stones, such as the fancy pink and green ones. Their grades are distinctly different compared to the traditional “white” jewels.
Clarity
Clarity is the evaluation of the small imperfections of a diamond. Flaws on the surface are called blemishes, while the ones found on the inside are known as inclusions. This is the least crucial aspect for a precious jewel since they’re too microscopic to be seen by an untrained eye. These natural faults don’t affect the overall beauty of a sparkling gem. In fact, they can make the stone more unique and give it a bit of individuality.
Each of the 4C’s plays its own part in a diamond’s overall beauty and brilliance. These characteristics interact with one another to create your perfect gem. Learning about these essential components will allow you to shop for your ideal stone in jewelry stores in Okemos, MI.
