The Four Cs – Colour, Clarity, Cut & Carat

You have probably come across the phrase “the Four Cs” before, but what exactly does it mean?

The Four Cs are the four characteristics which are commonly used to determine the quality and value of a diamond - colour, clarity, cut and carat.

Each diamond and every single one has specific qualities that establish its retail value. The attributes of every diamond are graded and categorised by experts in the diamond industry.

Before you purchase a diamond, it is important to ensure that you are getting what you pay for.

The colour of a diamond actually refers to its lack of colour- making colourless diamonds the most expensive. The Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) colour grading scale categorises diamonds on a scale of D to Z. Perfectly colourless diamonds at the D end of the spectrum are considered the highest quality and therefore the most expensive. Brown- or yellow-hued diamonds at the Z end of the spectrum are considered to be of the lowest quality. ‘Fancy’ diamonds are stones that exhibit other colours.

Clarity measures the purity of the diamond and the presence of tiny flaws. The more flaw-free the diamond, the more valuable it is. The GIA’s Diamond Clarity Scale has 6 categories ranging from ‘Flawless’ or 1F (no inclusions/small internal or external imperfections and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to ‘Included’ or I1, I2, and I3 (inclusions which may affect transparency and brilliance are obvious under 10x magnification). Many inclusions and blemishes are too small to be seen by the naked eye, but a trained diamond grader will spot them easily.

A diamond’s cut is determined by how well the diamond’s facets interact with light, the proportions of the diamond, and the overall finish of the diamond. The more precise the diamond is cut, the better the sparkle. The cut is not to be confused with the shape of the diamond – such as Round, Princess, Emerald, Asscher, Cushion, Radiant, Pear, Oval, Marquise and Heart – but has to do with the actual craftsmanship of the diamond. The GIA diamond cut chart grades Diamond Cut on the scale of Ideal, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor.

A diamond’s weight is measured in carats. One carat is equal to 1/5 gram and is subdivided into 100 points. The price of a diamond increases with diamond carat weight, because larger diamonds are rarer and, therefore, more desirable. However, two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different values depending on three other characteristics of the diamond.

Checking the quality of your diamond

How can you know if the diamond you are about to purchase is of high quality?

The easiest way to verify this is to see if the diamond is certified by a diamond grading laboratory. The Gemological Institute of America is largely recognised as the leading and most trusted diamond grading lab.

Other reputable labs include the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and HRD Antwerp.

A certificate from any of these laboratories is the sign that your diamond is truly of top quality.

The GIA recommends handling your diamond sparingly, as the oils from your fingers adhere to the diamond’s surface and affect its brilliance and fire.

Soak it in a gentle degreasing solution, such as water with a few drops of mild dish soap, once or twice a week. After you remove the diamond from the cleaning solution, use a soft, clean toothbrush to remove any remaining dirt. Then, just rinse your diamond jewellery with water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Pro-tip - if you are working over a sink, make sure to cover the drain!

Do not use chlorine bleach or abrasives (such as household cleansers or toothpaste) when cleaning your diamond jewellery.

Q & A

What does Diamond mean?

The dictionary definition is: “a precious stone consisting of a clear and colourless crystalline form of pure carbon, the hardest naturally occurring substance.” Symbolically, a diamond has come to signify love and commitment, especially when used in engagement and wedding rings.

What are diamonds made of?

Diamonds are made of carbon so they form as carbon atoms under a high temperature and pressure, then they bond together to start growing crystals.

The dictionary definition is: “a precious stone consisting of a clear and colourless crystalline form of pure carbon, the hardest naturally occurring substance.” Symbolically, a diamond has come to signify love and commitment, especially when used in engagement and wedding rings.

What are the most important characteristics of a diamond?

The Four Cs - colour, clarity, cut and carat are the essential traits of a diamond. They determine the way diamonds look and their price as well.

How much is a diamond worth?

That depends on a number of factors, including the Four Cs and the fashion trends of the time. Just FYI, the Hope Diamond currently housed at the Smithsonian Institution in the US, and weighing in at 45.2 carats, is worth an estimated $250 million. The diamond is rumoured to be cursed due to the misfortune that many of its previous owners experienced, so perhaps it is better if it remains there!

How can I tell if a diamond is real?

The best way is to make sure that the diamond is certified by a diamond grading laboratory.

Do diamonds need maintenance?

You should clean your diamonds with water with a few drops of mild dish soap, once or twice a week, but be very careful. Do not use abrasives such as household cleansers or toothpaste.