The 4 C's of a Diamond

THE FIRST C
CLARITY

FL: Flawless No blemishes or inclusions when viewed under 10X magnification.
IF: Internally Flawless No inclusions and only insignificant surface blemishes under 10X
VVS1: Very, very slight inclusions Minute inclusions that are difficult to see under 10X
VVS2: Very, very slight inclusions Minute inclusions that are difficult to see under 10X
VS1: Very slight inclusions Minor inclusions ranging from diffult to somewhat easy to see, face up, under 10X
VS2: Very slight inclusions Minor inclusions ranging from difficult to somewhat easy to see, face up, under 10X
SI1: Slight inclusions Noticeable inclusions that are easy to see under 10X. Clean, face up, to the naked eye.
SI2: Slight inclusions Noticeable inclusions that are very easy to see under 10X. Clean, face up, to the naked eye.
I1,I2,I3: Imperfect Obvious inclusions that are usually visible, face up, to the naked eye.

Diamonds up to SI2 are fine for 1/2 carat stones or larger. We never recomend I1, I2, or I3 diamonds unless they are being used in very small accent diamonds 2mm or less.
I1, I2, and I3 diamonds are what they say "imperfect", lower in cost, but will not be of much value later. They usually have dark inclusions which rob the diamond of it's sparkle, and are hard to see through because they resemble the inside of an ice cube.
A good clarity is a diamond that is easy to see to the bottom (culet), and acceptable to see a small "black speck" or two under 10X magnification.


THE SECOND C
COLOR

Diamonds up to J are fine for 1/2 carat stones or larger. We never recomend K and up diamonds unless they are being used in very small accent diamonds 2mm or less.
L color and up are lower in cost, but will not be of much value later. They usually have a visible dull yellow hue visible to the naked eye in bright light.
A good color diamond will not show any tints of yellow even in a yellow gold setting and under 10X magnification.
NOTE: Diamonds come in a variety of colors including green, yellow, blue, cognac, chocolate and black. These diamonds are not as valuable as a good clear white diamond. These colored diamonds are Irradiated (R) or Heat Treated (H) to bring out these different colors.


THE THIRD C
CUT

Cut has the greatest influence on a diamond's fire and brilliance. A round, brilliant-cut diamond has 58 facets. When it is well-proportioned, this shape best shows the stone's brilliance because it allows the most light to be reflected back to the eye of the observer. Stones that appear lifeless or seem dark in the center are probably poorly cut. When the relationship of the angle between the crown (the top) and pavilion (the depth) facets is correct, rays of light entering the diamond strike the rear facets at an angle greater that the critical angle and reflect back to the eye of the observer. If the stone is cut too deeply, the light strikes the rear facets at and angle less than the critical angle and the light is lost through the sides of the diamond. If the stone cut is too shallow, the light passes through the diamond without being reflected back.
To someone who doesn't know what to look for in a correct cut, it is best to first see how the diamond sparkles, is there prisms of light to the naked eye? Next, borrow the jewelers loop. Through magnification you will be able to see the bottom of the diamond's cut and see a series of geometric stars or triangles. Lastly, pay particular attention to the crown, does it look cut evenly like a perfect hexagon?


THE FORTH C
CARAT (weight)

Carat refers to the weight of the diamond not the size. Some diamonds look bigger than others but may be a smaller carat weight and visa-versa.
At A Bit of Everything Jewelers we like to pay close attention to the millimeter size as well as the carat weight.


TRICKS OF THE TRADE

Armed with knowledge, you will be more likely to make a good diamond purchase. When purchasing your diamond, however large or small it may be, don't be shy to ask questions of the jeweler. A reputable jeweler will be more than happy to answer your questions. Ask to inspect the diamond loose, out of the setting, with the jewelers loop. Inspect the diamond from the top and bottom, for any cracks, chips, or blemishes. If you see something, ask. The jeweler should be able to account for everything you notice.
Not all diamonds are certified, but all diamonds are graded. You can save several hundred dollars by buying a non-certified diamond and then taking it to a certified appraiser for certification. If a diamond is presented without a grade, pass it up. It is usually a poor diamond that has been graded something they don't want you to know.

DIAMONDS - Know your 4 c's before you buy

If I had a dollar from everyone who purchased a diamond from a large jewelry chain store for the same amount of money I would have charged them. Usually it's the young couple with a budget for a ring in mind, and in a real hurry to announce to the world through the diamond on her finger, "we're engaged". The conversation usually goes something like this: They say, "I just got a great deal on this ring."
"Is this a Certified Diamond?" I say.
"What does that mean?"
"Did they give you a certificate from GIA or someone who is qualified to certify the diamond?"
"No I just have a receipt from my purchase."
I say, "So what is the clarity or color they said the diamond is?"
"They said it was I2 and J color."
Of course my heart sinks as I realize they just purchased a poor diamond for the same amount I would have charged them for a much better diamond. They were the ideal customer to walk into the typical jewelry store. They didn't know the 4 c's and their lack of education was just what the salesperson loved. The poor quality diamond they purchased would have likely been there for sometime, and turned down by more diamond educated consumers. So in turn, the store, not knowing how long it would be before the next uneducated in diamonds customer would walk in, unloaded it for what the customer thought was a great deal. The store probably showed them a near flawless certified diamond of the same carat weight, costing considerably more, and said, "I have a great deal for you! Sold!"
Don't get me wrong, there are many reputable jewelry stores that try to explain the 4 c's and the value between the different diamonds, but of course there is always the exception.
In my store location, I have created a free hand-out explaining the 4 c's. If my customers don't understand the 4 c's I tell them, "Take this and study it. You have some homework to do before you buy a diamond. Do some comparison shopping then come back to me." Maybe I'm just embarrassing the customer, but I'm really just trying to help them. If I want a new computer, I really don't know the difference between the most expensive verses the least expensive, so I rely on the (hopefully trustworthy) salesperson to educate me to make the best decision. My knowledge of diamonds is not only based on experience in the business but through a GIA education.
Now through this blog, and my lack of computer experience, I will try to post the 4 c's. Hopefully it will arm you with the knowledge you need to purchase that diamond. Just remember the old saying, "you get what you pay for."