The 4 C's of Diamonds
Diamond Value Guide
Intro
4 C's
Color - Graded on a chart from Z (Yellow) - D (Colorless), with the least color being most valuable.
Carat - The carat refers to the weight of the diamond and is graded on a 100 point scale.
Clarity - There are 11 different grade for clarity depending on the amount of blemishes.
Cut
What The Cut Affects
Brilliance: Light that is reflected from the diamond creating brightness
Fire: Dispersion of light into the colors from our visible spectrum
Scintillation: Amount of sparkles and flashes that can be seen when the diamond or light is moved
Cut Grading Scale
Excellent – These diamonds will have the most brilliance and fire while reflecting almost all light that enters the diamond.
Very Good – Reflects a majority of the light that enters the diamond, producing superior fire and brilliance. Diamonds rate “Very Good” will appear similar to “Excellent” diamonds under normal light conditions.
Good – Reflects a majority of the light that enters the diamond, creating an above average appearance.
Fair – Reduced perceived fire and brilliance from allowing light entering the diamond to escape from the sides or bottom.
Poor – Diamond will appear dull and lifeless from allowing a majority of the light to escape from the sides or bottom.
Color
Color Grading Scale
Colored Diamonds
Carat
Carat Grading Scale
Clarity
Clarity Grading Scale
The GIA has eleven different categories in which a diamond's clarity will be graded as. A professional appraiser will look at the stone under various magnification levels, to determine the amount of blemishes and inclusions.
Flawless (FL) - Using 10× magnification, no inclusions or blemishes can be seen by a skilled grader
Internally Flawless (IF) – Blemishes are visible to a skilled grader under 10× magnification but no inclusions
Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) - Under 10× magnification, inclusions are difficult to see
Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) - A skilled grader using 10x magnification has little difficulty seeing minor inclusions
Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) - Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader under 10x magnification
Included (I1, I2, and I3) - Transparency and brilliance are affected and inclusions are obvious under 10× magnification