4 Cs of Diamond

The 4 Cs - Clarity, Colour, Cut & Carat
The value of a diamond is based on a combination of factors which is used by professionals to describe and classify diamonds: clarity, colour, cut and carat weight. These are known as the Four Cs.

CLARITY
Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions in a diamond. Inclusions can be in the form of fractures, cracks, black spots, tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. To view inclusions, jewellers use a magnifying loupe or 10X lens. This tool allows the jeweller to see a diamond at 10times its actual size so that inclusions are easier to see. The position of inclusions can affect the value of the diamond. There are very few flawless diamonds found in nature, so these diamonds are much more valuable.

COLOUR
Colour refers to the degree to which a diamond is colourless.
Diamonds are graded on a colour scale established by the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) which ranges from D (colourless) to Z. Colour differences are very subtle and it is very difficult to see the difference between, say, an 'E' and a 'G'. Colourless stones, graded D/E/F or G/H, are more expensive than the lower grades like I/J/K etc.

CUT
Cut refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond.
A diamond will glitter more only when it is cut according to its proper proportions and measurements. An improperly/uncut diamond will not glitter as much as a perfect round brilliant cut.

  

CARAT
Diamonds are weighed and sold in carats. One carat is equal to 0.200gm or 100cents. eg. a 10 cents diamond means 1/10th of a carat. Bigger sized diamonds are more rare and expensive than smaller sized diamonds.