Diamonds are not just beautiful and rare, but they are undoubtedly the hardest natural substance found on the planet. These substances are formed deep within the Earth’s surface with intense heat and pressure and are pushed to the surface at high speeds through volcanic molten lava.
Despite being found under the same surface, no two diamonds are the same. But then, how are these diamonds evaluated? The answer is the 4C’s of diamonds developed by GIA (Gemological Institute of America).
So, what are these 4C’s of the diamonds?
The 4C’s of The Diamonds
1st C- Cut
The cut of the diamond is an important aspect as they are renowned for their ability to transmit light and sparkle. You might think the grade of the diamond is often determined through its shape, but in reality, a diamond’s cut grade is all about how well a diamond’s facets interact with light.
A diamond’s cut plays an important role in the stone’s beauty and overall value. And out of all 4Cs, the cut is the most complex and difficult to analyze.
2nd C- Carat
Another C is the diamond carat, which is nothing but the measurement of the weight of the diamond. Generally, a metric ‘carat’ is defined as 200 milligrams.
Here, each carat is later divided into 100 points, allowing for a more accurate measurement of the hundredth decimal place. The value of a diamond depends on the weight of it.
However, remember that the actual cost of a diamond is determined using all of the 4Cs and not just carat weight.
3rd C- Colour
You will be surprised to know that the color evolution of most diamonds is based on the absence of color. As per the expert diamond manufacturers, a chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, just like a drop of pure water, making it expensive and rare in the market.
4th C- Clarity
As mentioned earlier, natural diamonds are made from carbon, which is exposed to extreme heat and pressure deep inside the earth’s surface. As a result, the stones possess several internal characteristics called ‘inclusions’ and external characteristics called ‘blemishes’.
The value of diamond clarity depends on the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics and how they affect the overall appearance. However, if you want the most beautiful diamonds with fewer blemishes, you can contact ABD Diamonds, which is the biggest polished diamond manufacturer in the USA.
When it comes to the clarity of diamonds, the GIA Diamond Clarity Scale has 6 categories, which are divided into 11 specific grades.
- Flawless (FL)– There are no inclusions and blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
- Internally Flawless (IF)– There are no inclusions visible under 10x magnification.
- Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)– Some inclusions are so minute that they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification.
- Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)– There are inclusions observed with effort under 10x magnification but can be characterized as minor.
- Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)- There are noticeable under 10x magnification
- Included (I1, I2, and I3)- Many inclusions in the diamond are visible under 10x magnification, which may affect transparency and brilliance.
In the end, if you wish to buy top-quality and flawless diamond jewelry, you can contact ABD Diamonds.