The “4Cs”: how to choose the right diamond?

Are you afraid of not paying the right price? Are you having trouble sorting through the multitude of possible choices? Ask one of our jewelry experts for advice here.

Our recommendation in a few words:

Each of the 4Cs – Cut (size), Color (color), Clarity (purity) and Carat (weight) – plays a certain role in the beauty of the diamond, although it is complicated to consider each component in isolation. The 4Cs interact with each other to form a whole, creating a unique alchemy. In general, we recommend favoring the quality of the cut, which makes the diamond beautiful and which will maximize its brilliance. It will then be a matter of finding the right balance between color and purity level according to your budget. If you need help evaluating the quality of a diamond and its price, please do not hesitate to contact our experts right now.

What are the “4Cs” of a diamond?

The 4C classification was created in 1976 by Martin Rapaport to assess the price of a diamond. A classification reserved for international professionals.

The 4Cs represent the four main characteristics of a diamond's beauty and shape: Cut (size), Color (color), Clarity (purity) and Carat (weight). When we look at a diamond, the eye perceives these four components in particular without necessarily being able to discern them.

Each C is evaluated according to a certain scale which will make it possible to determine its quality. Although certain terminologies and scoring standards exist, these assessments may differ between laboratories. The best-known laboratories are the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and HRD Antwerp. For any purchase of a diamond of 1 carat or more, we recommend that you request a certificate from the seller.

The 4C grading helps determine the value of a diamond and gives a good indication of its quality. Generally speaking, diamond dealers set their prices based on these grading ratios. As a buyer, it is important to understand the basics of this grading system while knowing that ultimately, what matters most is the appearance of the diamond, as perceived with the naked eye. So, in our opinion, it is best to avoid spending your entire budget on a feature that will ultimately be invisible to the naked eye. We recommend striking a fair balance of the 4Cs, so as not to overpay for one of the Cs and, conversely, underpay another.

SIZE (CUT)

Cut refers specifically to the quality of the diamond's angles, proportions, facet symmetry, brilliance, sparkle and finishing details. These factors have a direct impact on the diamond's brilliance as well as its overall aesthetic appeal. The GIA classifies the different levels of pruning quality into six categories: ideal, excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor. The “ideal” and “excellent” ratings mean that the proportions and size of the corners allow for maximum shine and shine.

Sizes can vary significantly depending on diamonds and diamond cutters. Depending on the demands and objectives of the moment, a cutter can choose to maximize the number of carats, which can lead him to make a diamond that is too deep or, on the contrary, not deep enough, not allowing optimal reflection of light. In other situations, the diamond is cut to minimize the number of inclusions in order to improve its purity, at the expense of its brilliance.

In any case, we believe that it is essential to pay particular attention to the quality of the cut when choosing a diamond. The latter is the most important indicator of the beauty of a diamond, and must therefore be prioritized over the other “Cs”. Finally, you must be aware that even for cuts rated as being of very good quality (like excellent for example), the diamond in question can be truly exceptional or relatively mediocre in the end. Therefore, we systematically recommend seeking the advice of an expert.

COLOR

Diamond color is expressed in gradations of white or absence of color. GIA grades range from D to Z, with D being completely colorless and Z having a marked yellow/brown tint.

The price of the diamond will reflect this rating which can significantly affect its value. In most cases, the naked eye cannot distinguish two adjacent colors but the price difference can be high.

Regarding Color, the key is to determine whether the diamond appears colorless in its setting. It is also important to ensure that the diamond does not have a tint that interferes with white light and color reflections.

Note, certain colored diamonds have real value, such as “fancy” pink or green diamonds which are particularly sought after. Their color grading scale varies from traditional white diamonds.

PURITY (CLARITY)

Clarity assesses the flaws in the diamond which may have surface imperfections and internal inclusions. The GIA has established the following rating scale:

• FL (Flawless): no fault
• IF (Internally and externally Flawless): No internal defects visible under a 10x magnifying glass
• VVS1 & VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included): Tiny inclusions barely perceptible under a 10x magnifying glass
• VS1 & VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Very small inclusions detectable under a magnifying glass by a
• SI1 & SI2 (Slightly Included): Small inclusions visible under a magnifying glass
• I1 & I2 (Inclusions): inclusions easily visible to the naked eye

Depending on the size, positioning and darkness of the spots (black spots commonly called "toads") and inclusions, these imperfections can interfere with the light passing through the diamond. When this is the case, the brilliance and beauty of the diamond suffers, diminishing the benefits of a high-quality cut.

We recommend ensuring that the diamond does not have any defects visible to the naked eye and that inclusions do not obstruct the reflection of light.

WEIGHT (CARAT)

Many people think that the carat number refers to the size of the diamond, but in reality it is simply its weight. 1 carat weighs 0.20 grams. Depending on their shape and how they are cut, two 1 carat diamonds can each be quite different in size.

Some people will favor the size of the diamond, while others the transparency.

How do the “4Cs” interact with each other?

Each of the 4Cs contributes to the overall beauty of the diamond and makes each stone unique. A diamond must be considered as an organic whole because the eye has difficulty differentiating each component (the 4Cs). Thus, we must understand how the 4Cs interact with each other.

What is the most important C?

It depends on your expectations, each person will give more or less importance to each C depending on their own tastes. However, we present to you below our opinion, which is ours alone:

• There Size (Cut) : this is the element that has the most immediate and direct impact on the beauty of a diamond. Look for diamonds with strong brilliance and exceptional light while being ready to reduce your budget on other criteria, such as Purity or Color.
• There Color : the second most important aspect. A diamond should appear white or colorless to the naked eye. Ensure that the Color does not interfere with the refraction of white light.
• There Purity (Clarity) : third item on the list. Choose a diamond that does not show any defects to the naked eye. Stains and inclusions should not diminish the brilliance of the diamond.
• THE Weight (Carat) : last criterion in choosing a diamond but which remains important. Think about the ideal number of carats but do not hesitate to reduce the weight to be sure to maximize the brilliance and beauty of the diamond.

feel free to contact our experts to be sure to buy an exceptional diamond that fits your budget.