Diamond Education: 4 C's & Basics

Our diamond education is the most comprehensive diamond buying guide, designed to answer all your questions. We address the 4 C’s of diamonds(carat, cut, color and clarity) and beyond so you can make a prudent diamond buying decision, while maximizing your diamond’s appearance and value. Diamonds are considered the world's most precious gemstone.

They are traditionally used for engagement rings and other jewelry as a symbol of love and commitment. Buying a diamond is an important personal, financial and emotional decision. Our gemologists are experts on the subject and provide invaluable guidance so you can shop with confidence in a pressure free environment.

Diamond Shape

Diamond shape is the most visual characteristic. It is the diamond’s outline and comes in many forms such as round cut, princess cut, cushion cut, etc.

Diamond Carat

Diamond carat is its weight and reflects the diamond’s size. The larger the diamond, the rarer and more valuable it becomes. Carat is the most visible C.

Diamond Color

Graded on a scale from D to Z, diamond color is its degree of colorlessness or tint of yellow/brown. The more colorless, the rarer and higher the value of the diamond.

Diamond Clarity

Diamond clarity is set by microscopic imperfections and growths found naturally within the diamond. Diamond clarity makes every diamond unique.

Diamond Cut

Diamond cut is the angles and proportions of the diamond’s cutting and faceting. The cut grade represents the diamond’s sparkle. Well cut diamonds have maximum sparkle.

Diamond Certification

Diamond certification validates the characteristics of a diamond. A grading report provides diamond value transparency. GIA and IGI are the most prominent certification laboratories.

BEYOND THE 4 C’S

Once you’ve learned the 4 C’s (cut, carat, color and clarity) of diamonds, venture on to the advance topics to make the perfect diamond selection. Use our expert advice guides to understand the anatomy of a diamond so you can choose the right polish, symmetry, fluorescence, girdle, culet, table and depth. By understanding the nuances of each diamond attribute, you’ll maximize your diamond’s price budget for the highest value. Click below to start with diamond symmetry and go beyond.

Beyond The 4 C’s

  • Fluorescence

    Fluorescence is graded based on the diamond’s appearance in Ultraviolet light. Due to trace minerals that occur in the diamond as it forms naturally, or within the lab, the diamond can emit a blue glow. While fluorescence does not affect the appearance of the diamond in daylight, it can impact the price of the diamond. Therefore, fluorescence needs to be carefully assessed especially when it comes to color and clarity.

  • Symmetry

    Symmetry is how well the facets of the diamonds are cut in terms of their proportion and alignment with one another. Well cut diamonds will also have excellent symmetry grades, so this attribute generally goes hand in hand with the cut grade. The symmetry grade can be seen on the IGI or GIA certificate.

  • Polish

    Diamond polish is how well the diamond facets are polished and how smooth and even the surfaces are. If there is roughness, unevenness or remnants of the rough diamond, the diamond gets a lower quality. Polish is another advanced C that feeds directly into the cut grade of the diamond. Generally diamonds that have an excellent cut grade will also have an excellent polish grade.

  • Culet

    The culet is the bottom portion of the diamond which needs to be in the correct proportion of the diamond based on the shape of the diamond. The culet of the diamond determines the passage of light through the diamond and ultimately the sparkle of the diamond. If the culet of the diamond is not in the correct proportion, there is light leakage and this can detract from the sparkle of the diamond.

  • Measurements

    The measurements of the diamond determines once again how well the diamond sparkles and how well the facts can show off the color and clarity of the diamond. A well proportioned diamond of the same size, may look better than the diamond that is larger but has less than ideal measurements. The proportions of the diamond can also make the gemstone look larger faceup and maximize the beauty of the diamond.

FAQ's

How is a diamond made?

Both lab grown and natural diamonds are formed with intense heat and pressure whether it is within the earth or within a laboratory. Lab grown diamonds are made in a lab setting with a highly controlled environment that mimics the conditions under the earth. The lab grown process speeds up diamond creation to within a few weeks, whereas diamonds that grow within the earth take millions of years to form.

What is the difference between lab grown and natural diamond?

Lab grown and natural diamonds are essentially the same in terms of their chemical and physical properties. They are also certified based on the same characteristics by laboratories that assign them grades. The only difference is one is grown in a lab while the other forms within the earth and is mined.

Where do diamonds come from?

Diamonds have been mined for centuries from within the earth. Now lab grown created diamonds are also being made with the use of technology within a lab setting. Once the rough diamond is formed, it is cut, polished and faceted and set in jewelry and engagement rings. Diamonds can be grown or mined around the world.

How to clean a diamond ring?

A diamond cleaning or jewelry cleaning solution is the best way to regularly clean your diamond at home. Avoid abrasive or harsh chemicals. The other homemade alternative is using warm soapy water and a soft bristled toothbrush. Finally, for a cleaning that you can do yearly or once very few years, your jeweler can use ultrasonic cleaning and steam to ensure the diamond and jewelry is fully clean.

What is diamond certification?

Diamond certification encompasses all the quality grades assigned to diamonds based on their characteristics. They can be graded by various reputable labs around the world like IGI or GIA. This grading ensure that the diamond has a certificate that enables it to be assessed by any jeweler or customer whether it’s purchased loose or set within an engagement ring or jewelry.