the four c’s
Understanding Carat, Color, Cut, and Clarity
Searching for the perfect diamond can feel exhilarating and overwhelming all at once. At Dana Rebecca Designs we aim to make the process as straightforward as possible, which is why we created our guide to the 4 C's. Written by our Bridal Experts, this information will educate you about what makes diamonds truly extraordinary.
Carat
Let's start with the most straightforward of the 4 C's
Carat is the unit of measurement for a diamond's weight. Divided into 100 "points," a "fifty pointer" signifies a half-carat diamond (0.50ct). Remember, carat weight shouldn't be confused with karat, which is a term used to measure the purity of gold. At Dana Rebecca Designs, we embrace diamonds of all carat sizes because we believe every diamond tells a unique story.
*Please note the diagram above is not to scale. It is a visual representation tool.
Diamond Color
The color of a diamond refers to the degree to which it is "colorless"
The color scale ranges from D to Z, with D being "colorless" and Z being noticeably warmer with a yellowish hue. The chart is further broken down into five general categories: D-F is "colorless" - G-J is "near-colorless" - K-M is "faint" - N-R is "very light" - and S-Z is "light". Past Z color, there is an entirely different color spectrum that encompasses "fancy" color diamonds (think Canary Yellow) which has its own scale and terms. While many people think they should only look at diamonds in the D-E-F range, the truth is that the untrained eye usually cannot detect the difference between colorless and near-colorless diamonds without side-by-side comparisons. Additionally, a well-cut diamond can often appear more colorless than it actually is allowing one to potentially consider lower colors.
The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions and finish
Diamond Cuts
A well-cut diamond displays symmetrical precision with ideal depth, table, crown, and pavilion angles, with a flawless finish. This expert craftsmanship enables light to gracefully travel into the diamond, reflecting off its facets and bounce back out creating its scintillation and dazzling brilliance. The cut is widely recognized as the primary factor affecting a diamond's value, as it brings the stone to life, igniting its fiery sparkle. Keep in mind that polish and symmetry also contribute to the overall appeal of any diamond shape. Rounds are the only shape that receive an actual “Cut Grade” by GIA and combined with an excellent polish and symmetry, the Triple Excellent Cut round diamond has really become the market standard for that shape.
Clarity
Let's uncover the clarity of a diamond—the absence of inclusions and blemishes, both internally and externally
Inclusions, often unfairly called "flaws'' or "imperfections," are unique characteristics that give each diamond its distinct identity, much like a personal fingerprint. The clarity grade takes into account the size, location, quantity, and nature of these features and how they affect the diamond's appearance. At Dana Rebecca Designs, we carry a wide range of clarity grades from FL to SI2. We believe in balancing clarity with other characteristics of the diamond to find the perfect combination of the 4Cs for you.
The scale is as follows
Let your diamond journey begin!
With this diamond buying guide, we hope you feel confident and excited about the prospect of selecting your dream diamond engagement ring. Educating our clients is our utmost priority, empowering you to make choices that align with your unique preferences. Should you have further questions or wish to book a bridal appointment, please follow the links below.
