The 4C's of Diamonds | Understanding the 4C's

Understanding The 4Cs

When selecting a piece of diamond jewellery, there are important considerations to take into account namely cut, carat, colour and clarity, the so-called 4Cs. Having an understanding of these features is essential in making the correct decision.

Cut

In many ways, the cut of a diamond is the least understood of the 4Cs. It is often thought the cut of a diamond specifically refers to its shape.

In fact, the term “cut” also includes its angles, proportions, polish and symmetry. The way a diamond is cut determines how light enters and leaves the stone, which affects its “life” and “fire”.

At Ronald Abram, cut is the most important of the 4Cs as it’s the most noticeable of the characteristics. So our advice, is to always seek diamonds cut to the most perfect proportions.

Carat

The number of carats in a diamond refers to its weight. There’s a common misconception that the heavier the diamond, the more valuable it will be.

However, factors such as cut, clarity and colour should also be considered when determining value. For this reason, smaller diamonds can sometimes be worth more than larger diamonds with inferior characteristics.

Stones of equal weight can also vary significantly in value.

Colour

Diamonds are graded on a colour scale established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), ranging from D (colourless) through to Z.

While colourless diamonds are the most rare and therefore the most valuable, beautiful diamonds exist within every category of colour.

Clarity

Imperfections or inclusions occur naturally in diamonds. The number and location of these inclusions is ranked on a scale of clarity from Flawless (FL) to Included (I) by the GIA.

Such imperfections are not readily visible without magnification, and the differences between each category on the scale are very subtle.