The 4 C’s of Diamonds

Let me start by saying that every single diamond, like a snowflake, is unique. Each has its own combination of characteristics: clarity, color, cut, and carat weight, that together make it special.

The Gemology Institute of America (GIA) refers to these as the Four C’s of Diamonds. Your diamond’s combination of 4 C’s doesn’t change. Your diamond is what it is, forever.

We love diamonds because of their play with light, the way they flash and sparkle and gleam, and the way they are cut has a lot to do with this. We also value them for their clarity, that is, their absence of markings, and how they fall in a particular range of color, most often from clear as water to a light brown. And of course, a diamond’s value may often increase with its weight.

But, it’s the four C’s together, cut, clarity, color, and carat weight, that identify your diamond and determine its value. The Gemology Institute of America created the first, globally accepted standard for describing diamonds in the mid twentieth century. Your appraiser will use these GIA standards in determining the value of your diamond. You can learn more about these standards and how they are measured at the GIA website.

Wondering what the 4 C’s of the diamond you own are? We can help you! Just give us a call.