Discover the Diamond 4Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat Weight
Image source: Gemological Institute of America
Cut
Cut refers to how well a diamond's facets interact with light. A diamond's cut is the most important of the 4Cs because it has the greatest influence on a diamond's sparkle. Precise craftsmanship is required to cut a diamond so that its proportions, symmetry, and polish maximise its brilliance. Cut is also the only (post-growth) factor man can directly influence without scientifically altering the diamond.
The common factors considered when analysing a diamond’s Cut are:
- Brilliance: The internal and external white light reflected from a diamond.
- Fire: The dispersion of light into the colours of the spectrum.
- Scintillation: The pattern of light and dark areas caused by reflections within the diamond.
Image source: Gemological Institute of America
Colour
Colour measures the absence of colour in a diamond.
The highest quality diamonds are completely colourless, while lower quality diamonds can have slight tints of yellow or brown (or any other colour).
The GIA colour scale ranges from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colours beyond Z are referred to as Fancy Colours.
- D-F: Colourless - The rarest and most valuable.
- G-J: Near Colourless - Slight colour, but still high quality.
- K-M: Faint Yellow - Noticeable colour.
- N-Z: Very Light to Light Yellow - More obvious colour.
Image source: Gemological Institute of America
Clarity
Clarity evaluates the presence of internal inclusions and external blemishes.
Diamonds with fewer inclusions and blemishes are more valuable.
The GIA clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3).
The heavier the inclusions the more visible they are to the naked eye. We prefer not to sell diamonds lower than SI2.
- FL, IF: Flawless, Internally Flawless - No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
- VVS1, VVS2: Very, Very Slightly Included - Minute inclusions difficult to see under 10x magnification.
- VS1, VS2: Very Slightly Included - Minor inclusions.
- SI1, SI2: Slightly Included - Noticeable inclusions under 10x magnification.
- I1, I2, I3: Included - Obvious inclusions affecting transparency and brilliance.
Image source: Gemological Institute of America
Carat (Weight)
Carat refers to and is the measure of a diamond's weight.
One carat consists of 100 points, in the same way as one metre consists of 100 centimetres.
One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. Larger diamonds are rarer and more valuable.
- Total Diamond Weight (Carats): In the context of a pierce of jewellery means the combined weight of multiple diamonds in a piece.
- Points System: One carat is divided into 100 points (e.g., a half carat diamond or 0.50-carat diamond is 50 points).
- Balance: Larger diamonds may show imperfections more easily due to the relative size of both the diamond and its inclusions
Explore Our Collection
At Jewelco.com.au, we offer a wide range of diamonds meticulously graded for cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. Our expert team is here to assist you in selecting the perfect diamond that meets your specific preferences and budget.
