Beyond the 4Cs of Diamonds:
Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carats
What’s most important when selecting a diamond? That she loves it! She’ll have her diamond forever, and you may want to better understand the details of how diamonds are judged and priced so you can make an informed purchase decision based on what you care about.
The certification and grading of the 4Cs apply equally to natural and lab-grown diamonds. Note that the grading of a diamond isn’t a guarantee of its beauty. At Robbins Brothers, we hand select all diamonds (natural and lab-grown) and additionally evaluate them based on their visual beauty, sparkle, and structural integrity (we only select 1 in 10 diamonds we see - natural or lab grown).
Should I review the carat weight?
Yes, after you have compared the diamonds under the gemscope, look at the carat weight of each. The difference of a point or two can significantly change the cost of a diamond.
Color
Your color choice is not just about what is the most rare, but what color works best with the metal you’ve chosen for your setting. How a diamond color complements a metal is all about personal preference. For instance:
The cohesiveness of white diamonds with white gold and platinum provide a modern, sleek look
The contrast of white diamonds with yellow or rose gold works well with vintage-style settings
Yellow diamonds with yellow gold result in a warm, rich beauty
Yellow diamonds with white gold or platinum provides a contrasting, contemporary look
Clarity
A diamond’s clarity refers to the natural markings within the diamond. The GIA clarity grading scale is based on rarity. Flawless is the most rare and most expensive. Included 3 is the least rare and least expensive. VVS marking are “very very small”. Others are visible to the eye without magnification.
Carat Weight
1 carat is divided into 100 points. 50 points is ½ carat. Many people think they should get the largest diamond they can afford. However, the right size for you depends on your preference and the setting that you choose. And since all 4Cs impact price, you may place more importance on one of the other factors and may choose, for instance, a smaller diamond with higher quality or color.
When examining diamonds, ensure that each diamond is weighed in front of you so that you can verify the weight. A difference of a point or two can significantly impact the price.
Once you’ve learned about diamonds, check out the rest of our jewelry buying guides.
