If you're wondering 'what is a carat?' and 'what is clarity?', we've put together a simple diamond guide for understanding the 4 C's.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY THE 4 C'S?
When we talk about 'the 4 C's' we're referring to a universal diamond grading system. It was created by GIA, an independent nonprofit organisation that sets standards for determining diamond quality, and is the toughest standard that diamonds are assessed against.
WHICH DIAMONDS DO ALL OF THE 4 C'S APPLY TO?
→ Round Brilliant Cuts White Diamonds only
WHAT ABOUT OTHER WHITE DIAMONDS?
COLOUR, CARAT and CLARITY still apply in the same way to any other shape of white diamond. Instead of CUT, each diamond is assessed by symmetry and polish as indicators of how well the diamond's facets interact with light.
AND OTHER STONES?
In short, no. The 4 C's do not apply to any of the following stones:
→ Champagne or Coloured diamonds
→ Salt and Pepper Diamonds
→ Sapphires or any other gemstone than white diamonds
WHAT ARE THE 4 C'S?
COLOUR
Carat is the unit of measurement used to weigh a diamond. Put simply, this is a diamond’s weight and not just its size.
CUT
This takes into consideration how well a Round diamond’s facets interact with light, alongside the design and craftsmanship of the stone.
CLARITY
Clarity assesses the number, size, and position of internal inclusions and external blemishes on a diamond under 10x magnification. The grades are; Flawless, Internally Flawless, Very Very Slightly Included, Very Slightly Included, Slightly Included, and Included.
We're here to help guide you through the process of choosing the perfect diamond for your ring, and are always happy to give our opinion on the stones we've sourced for you. For further reading, the GIA's website is a fantastic resource that you can find here.
In our complimentary consultations, we cover the 4 C's and any other essential stone information to help you make an informed decision about the ring you'd like to create. We're available for in-person consultations at our East London showroom, or digitally via Skype, WhatsApp and phone for our overseas and UK-wide clients. Book yours via this link.
