Bridal Jewelry 4 C's of Diamonds
Carat Weight
This is the size of the diamond measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 "points," so that a diamond of 75 points weighs .75 carats. Carat weight is the most obvious factor in determining the value of a diamond. But two diamonds of equal carat weights can have very unequal prices, depending on their quality, and diamonds of high quality can be found in all size ranges.
Since diamonds are measured by carat weight, and not size (or diameter), two diamonds of the same weight could have different sizes. Why? If a diamond is cut too shallow (or flat) it will be wider and appear larger. Likewise, if a diamond is cut too deep (or pointed) it will appear smaller. This is why cut is so important. You want to make sure the diamond is cut to proper proportions. Not only does it make a large difference in the diamond's ability to reflect light, but a poorly cut diamond will not be proportionate in size to a diamond cut to proper specifications. For example, if you purchase a 1.00ct diamond solitaire with a table of only 49%, the diamond will be cut way too steep and will look like a 0.80ct diamond.
Clarity
A diamond that is virtually free of interior or exterior inclusions (commonly reffered to as flaws) is of the highest quality, for nothing interferes with the passage of light through the diamond. To determine a diamond's clarity, it is viewed under 10x magnification by a trained gemologist. Small inclusions neither mar its beauty nor endanger its durability.
Flawless - No internal or external flaws.
Internally Flawless - No internal flaws. Very rare and beautiful diamonds which are quite expensive.
VVS1, VVS2 - Very, Very Slightly Included: Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. An excellent quality diamond.
VS1, VS2 - Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are nearly impossible to view to the unaided eye for most diamonds. Exceptions to this rule could be when the diamond is viewed from the bottom, or for diamond shapes that are not brilliant cut and have larger facets which makes it more difficult to conceal the diamond's flaws. For the most part VS diamonds are very clean.
SI1, SI2 - Slightly Included: Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification, SI clarity diamonds are usually of the best value since inclusions are typically not visible to the naked eye and prices are reasonable when compared to prices of the VS2 qnd up clarity grades.
SI3 - Slighty Included-EGL: SI3 is an EGL grade that has also been adapted by other grading labs. It is not recognized by GIA or AGS. For the most part, an SI3 graded diamond is usually comprable to a "good" I1 clarity by GIA. When shopping for an SI3 graded diamond online, it's always a good idea to buy a stone where you've seen a clear picture and the diamond dealer has assured you it's of a good quality.
I1 - Included: an I1 clarity diamond will have a visible flaw which can be seen with the naked eye, but there should only be one major flaw which is not too obvious from a little distance. If your budget only allows for an SI3 or I1 clarity diamond, be sure to examine it thouroughly before purchasing and make sure you can not see any inclusions which you may later regret. A good I1 clarity diamond can still look decent however a poor I1 clarity could look terrible.
I2, I3 - Included: These diamonds will have inclusions visible to the naked eye, and will have many black spots from the black inclusions and appear cloudy from the white inclusions, feathers and cracks.
Color
Not including fancy colored diamonds, most diamonds fall within a totally colorless to light yellow color grading scale as shown below:
D-F : Colorless: perfect or almost perfect color.
G-H : Near colorless: An excellent choice for a bright white diamond with a fair value.
I-J : Slightly Tinted Yellow: This diamond may "face up" white when mounted, especially in white gold or platinum. Having a well cut diamond will allow more whie light to be reflected through the table and help it's face up appearance as well.
K-M : Light but noticeable yellow or brown tint. Not recommended for larger diamond stone purchases, especially in engagement rings unless your jeweler has been able to inspect the stone and ensure it will still look nice face up.
In our opinion if a customer is looking for a white sparkly diamond, out of the 4 C's, Color and Cut are the two most important characteristics of a diamond. Do not compromise on color unless you've seem some of the warmer shades and are happy with their appearance. An "H" color or better is usually best.
Cut
Many people confuse cut with the shape of a diamond. Most round diamonds are cut round with a full 58 facets, and a good cut, or make, has more scintillation and more sparkle. The shape of the diamond, however, is largely a matter of personal preference and does not directly affect the value. It is the work of a master cutter that allows the diamond to be cut in such a way as to permit the maximum amount of light to be reflected through the diamond, and that's a great reflection on you. It is the cut that enables a diamond to make the best use of light.
