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Diamond Quality


Diamonds Q and A: What are the 4 Cs and why are they important?


At least 13
factors affect diamond value, including fluorescence, table percentage,
symmetry and other crucial details. The 4 Cs are just a good
place to start.

When you are done here,
read
How to Read a Certificate
to take the next step in defining your dream diamond. You can
also go directly to one of the top-rated
Best of the Web diamond dealers and ask the most helpful, expert
staff we found anywhere.

WARNING:


Contrary to what most dealers will tell you, knowing the 4 Cs
is NOT enough to compare diamond prices.


 

 

The 4 Cs:

  1. Cut
    The cut actually
    pertains to both the shape of the diamond and to the make
    (how well a diamond was fashioned to good proportions and polish).
    Shapes include round, marquise, princess, radiant, pear,
    oval, emerald, and heart, and a few rare shapes. The Make
    includes details such as table percentage, depth percentage,
    polish, and symmetry, among others.

     


    Learn more about cut, shape and make.

     

  2. Color
    The color of
    diamonds varies from colorless (highest quality) to many shades
    of yellow (less rare). Some people ignore the “popular”
    trend toward the colorless and prefer the warmth of light yellow
    tints.

     


    Learn more about color.

     

  3. Clarity
    Diamonds are
    a natural substance, and no two diamonds are exactly alike. Nature
    signs each of its creations with telltale inclusions, or internal
    flaws. A diamond with more inclusions will be less rare, so it
    will be less expensive. But this does not necessarily mean it
    will be less beautiful to the naked eye.

     


    Learn more about clarity.

     

  4. Carat
    Weight

     

    The weight of
    diamonds is measured in carats. Larger diamonds are much more
    rare, so a 2-carat gem will be worth significantly more than
    2 diamonds of the same quality weighing 1 carat each.


    Learn more about carat weight.


 

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