DIAMONDS
GUIDE : THE 4 CS - BETTER UNDERSTANDING DIAMONDS
DIAMOND GUIDE : THE 4 CS - BETTER UNDERSTANDING DIAMONDS
The quality of a diamond is defined by means of the 4Cs : Carat, Clarity, Color and Size. These characteristics do not only determine the quality of the stone, they can also be very useful in identifying the diamond, because each diamond is unique.
CARAT
The weight of diamonds is expressed in carats. One carat equals 0,20 gr. The weight of the diamond is also displayed in points. One carat equals 100 points. So, a stone for example. 1,50 carat means it is 1 carat and 50 points.
CLARITY
Pure diamonds are extremely rare. Almost all rough diamonds contain impurities or "inclusions" which are traces on non-diamond material which was "trapped" in the mineral during the formation of the stone.. Many inclusions are removed during cleavage, sawing, diamond cutting and polishing.
Less the stone has inclusions or structural phenomena, the higher the quality of the diamond… learn more about clarity….
COLOR
More than 90 % of all gemstone diamonds have a predominantly yellowish color. Intensity can vary from almost colorless, which is preferable, to resolutely yellow. The value of a white stone is greater than that of a yellowish stone. However, diamonds can also be orange in color, Brown, rose, distinct green or blue. These colored diamonds can be extremely valuable.
The color grade describes the color tones in a stone. D is perfectly colorless, which is rare and expensive. The color scale goes from D to Z and indicates yellow and brown tones. It takes a trained eye to distinguish shades that are close to each other, but the untrained eye sees the difference between shades that are separated by several tones with a little practice… more on color….
COUPE (not to be confused with the shape)
The proportions and degree of finish of a diamond determine the quality of the cut. A good quality of finish testifies to the quality of manufacture of the diamond polisher. It refers to the symmetry of the facets and their overall finish. The best cut diamonds also have the right proportions between the different parts of the diamond.. If these proportions are not optimal, diamond fire and brilliance are affected and unwanted visual effects may occur. In addition to the most popular "round brilliant" cut, there are a range of other commonly used sizes, and one can also meet magnificent "fancy cut" diamonds ... find out more about the cut ...
