The Four C's
carat
Diamond carat weight is the measurement of how much a diamond weighs. A metric “carat” is defined as 200 milligrams. Diamond price increases with diamond carat weight because larger diamonds are more rare and more desirable. But two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different values (and prices) depending on three other factors of the diamond 4Cs: Clarity, Color, and Cut. It’s important to remember that a diamond’s value is determined using all of the 4Cs, not just carat weight. Some weights are considered “magic sizes” – half carat, three-quarter carat, and carat. Visually, there’s little difference between a 0.99 carat diamond and one that weighs a full carat. But the price differences between the two can be significant. Carat weight is often directly associated with size. -GIA
Keep in mind that while it holds significance, carat weight can be deceiving. The size of the diamond can appear larger or smaller than its carat weight depending on its measurements & proportions. We pride ourselves in searching the world to find you the finest overall quality diamond with measurements that oftentimes exceed the carat weight.
cut
A Diamonds cut unleashes its light.
Diamonds are renowned for their ability to transmit light and sparkle so intensely. We often think of a diamond’s cut as shape (round, heart, oval, marquise, pear), but a diamond’s cut grade is a stone’s facet arrangement and about how well a diamond’s facets interact with light. Precise artistry and workmanship are required to fashion a stone so its proportions, symmetry and polish deliver the magnificent return of light only possible in a diamond. A diamond’s cut is crucial to the stone’s final beauty and value. And of all the diamond 4Cs, it is the most complex and technically difficult to analyze.
GIA calculates the proportions of the facets that influence the diamond’s face-up appearance. These proportions allow GIA to evaluate how successfully a diamond interacts with light to create desirable visual effects such as brightness, fire and scintillation.
clarity
Diamond clarity is the absence of inclusions or blemishes. Natural diamonds are the result of carbon exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth. This process can result in a variety of internal characteristics called ‘inclusions’ and external characteristics called ‘blemishes. ’Many inclusions and blemishes are too tiny to be seen by anyone other than a trained diamond grader. To the naked eye, a VS1 and an SI2 diamond may look exactly the same, but these diamonds are quite different in terms of overall quality and price. Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics, as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone. While no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes, the higher its value. -GIA
Keep in mind that blemishes and inclusions are unique characteristics of each diamond depending on heat & pressure in its formation. When they are in the right place on the right shape, this can result in a huge price decrease while not affecting the way the stone appears to the naked eye.
color
Color actually means the lack of color. The diamond color evaluation of most gem-quality diamonds is based on the absence of color. GIA’s D-to-Z diamond color-grading system measures the degree of colorlessness by comparing a stone under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions to masterstones of established color value. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, and consequently, a higher value. Many of these diamond color distinctions are so subtle that they are invisible to the untrained eye; however, these distinctions make a very big difference in diamond quality and price. The importance of color depends on the cut or shape of the diamond you choose. -GIA
Color is important to everyone, and we agree. The amazing thing is that depending on the cut and shape and finding the right diamond, color tends to diminish and hide itself, appearing much whiter and icier than its color category suggests. We are proud to pour through hundreds of diamonds to find the ones that stand out for their unique value and significance.