The Four C's of Diamonds
Carat • Color • Clarity • Cut
Diamonds are not only symbolic of enduring love and commitment but also significant investments. To make the right choice, the Four C's of diamonds – Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut – are essential factors that help determine the quality and value of a diamond. These attributes play a significant role in one's diamond buying process, as they influence the diamond's appearance, rarity, and ultimately, its overall worth.
The Fifth C
Washington Diamond's Exclusive Assurance
At Washington Diamond, we recognize the importance of these Four C's and take our commitment to diamond quality and customer satisfaction to a higher level. In addition to the traditional Four C's, we introduce a fifth C that is pivotal to every diamond purchase: "Certification." This approach ensures expertise, transparency, and confidence for every customer's journey to finding the perfect diamond is not only guided by the Four C's but also supported by a certified report.
Discover The C's
You'll soon discover that the setting style is more than just a design choice – it's a statement of love and personal taste. From classic solitaires to opulent multi-row settings, each engagement ring style tells a unique story. Join us in this section of our guide, where we will explore the diverse landscape of engagement ring setting styles.
Carat
Carat is the most well-known of the Four C's and refers to the diamond's weight. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. The carat weight has a direct impact on a diamond's size and, to some extent, its price. Larger diamonds are generally more valuable, but the other C's also greatly affect a diamond's quality. It's important to note that two diamonds of the same carat weight can differ significantly in terms of overall value based on their color, clarity, and cut.
Compare Diamond Carat Weight
Color
Diamonds come in a range of colors, but the less color a diamond exhibits, the more valuable it typically is. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond color on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Truly colorless diamonds are rare and highly prized. The presence of even subtle color can significantly affect a diamond's appearance and value. The choice of diamond color often depends on personal preference, but it's important to consider the setting and metal color as they can influence the perception of a diamond's hue.
Discover Diamond Color
Clarity
Clarity measures the presence of internal and external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes, in a diamond. These natural features formed during the diamond's creation process and are like the diamond's unique birthmarks. The GIA provides clarity grades from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions and/or blemishes visible to the naked eye). Diamonds with higher clarity grades are rarer and more valuable. However, many inclusions are microscopic and do not impact a diamond's beauty.
Discover Diamond Clarity
Cut
The cut is perhaps the most critical of the Four C's as it directly affects a diamond's sparkle and overall visual appeal. A well-cut diamond will reflect light in a way that maximizes its brilliance, fire, and scintillation. The GIA grades diamond cut from Excellent to Poor, taking into account factors like proportions, symmetry, and polish. A well-cut diamond can make a smaller carat diamond appear larger and more dazzling than a larger one with a poor cut.
Certification
At Washington Diamond, we recognize the immense importance of providing our customers with certified diamonds. A diamond lab report certification is a document that offers a comprehensive analysis of a diamond's characteristics based on the Four C's: Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut, along with other essential information.
These certifications are generated by independent gemological laboratories, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI), which are renowned for their expertise and impartiality.
Washington Diamond is committed to ensuring that every customer receives a diamond with a valid and reputable certification. This certification not only verifies the diamond's characteristics but also assures its authenticity and provenance. With a certified diamond, you can trust that you are investing in a high-quality gem that lives up to the specifications stated by our experts.
By offering these detailed reports, we empower our customers to make educated choices and select a diamond that aligns with their preferences, budget, and peace of mind.