Simplified 4Cs Diamond Buying Guide

You have more than likely heard of the 4Cs of diamonds- cut, color, clarity and carat. These 4 attributes are by far, the most important when determining which diamond meets your preference and standards. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) stands as an authority and have given us all a basis on how to understand a diamonds value and appearance based on this grading scale. As we get more into diamond knowledge, you will learn that there are specific attributes to focus on depending on the diamond shape you are interested in. Here, we have put together a simple guide to help you understand the 4Cs. These are by no means listed in order of importance and each diamond shape holds specific attributes that we focus on when finding your forever diamond.

Cut: Your Diamonds Dimensions

Cut refers to the exact proportions, quality of polish and the arrangement of a diamonds facets. Only round brilliant diamonds receive a cut grade, which ultimately determine how well proportioned the diamond is. The cut of a diamond determines its ability to reflect and refract light, ultimately influencing its sparkle and fire. 

When it comes to fancy shapes, we examine different aspects of diamond cut, from the proportions to the symmetry and polish. These factors are important in both round and fancy shapes because they interact to create the perfect balance, allowing light to bounce within the diamond, ultimately enhancing its stunning radiance.

A diamonds facets allow light to enter the stone, become refracted and then exit the stone causing a display of colors. As you can see in the image below, when a diamond is cut to ideal proportions light will reflect from facet to facet and disperse through the top portion of the stone resulting in fire, brilliance and scintillation but when the diamond is cut too deep or too shallow It will lose light resulting in a less brilliant stone.  

Color: The Presence or Lack There Of

Color refers to the degree of which a diamond is colorless, or the absence of color. The closer a diamond is to completely colorless (D Color) the more rare and valuable it is considered. Color grade can range from D to Z. D is completely colorless while Z has the presence of color that is light yellow to brown.

Colorless diamonds or more rare than those with the presence of color which results in a higher price point. Luckily for those interested in purchasing a diamond, color can be extremely difficult to detect in the near colorless (G H I) range and it is recommended to opt for a near colorless stone to optimize carat size and clarity.

 The diamond grading scale that all stones, both natural and lab was established by GIA and is the standard for certified diamonds across the board.

Clarity: Your Eye Clean Stone

Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions, or clarity characteristics such as minerals or fractures. The scale ranges from F (Flawless) to I (included). Diamonds are graded under 10x magnification and the size, nature, position and color of inclusion has a major impact on the diamonds final clarity grade.

 It is important to note that in many cases there are diamonds graded as low as SI2 with the presence of inclusions that can be considered “eye clean”, meaning to the naked eye the imperfections do not effect the diamonds overall brilliance.

At Shapira Fine Jewelry, we recommend a clarity grade of VS1 to SI1 to ensure the best value and brilliance. This brings us into the term eye-clean which essentially means a diamond that does have imperfections or inclusions that cannot be seen by the naked eye and do not impact the stones overall brilliance.

Carat: The Weighty Matters

Carat weight is the standard unit of measurement for diamonds and is directly linked to their size. When it comes to diamond weight, there are instances where 2 stones can be the same weight yet appear to have a visual size difference. This is due to the proportions of the stone and how it carries its carat weight. some shapes such as elongated shapes tend to appear larger then those that are squared or round.

When on the search to find the perfect diamond, remember that each of the 4Cs plays a vital role in determining its beauty and value. At Shapira Fine Jewelry, we are committed to helping you navigate this process with confidence and ease, ensuring that every diamond you choose is a reflection of your unique style and sophistication. Explore our exquisite collection today and discover the brilliance that awaits you.