When picking out the perfect diamond for your engagement ring or for your wedding day, there are many things you need to consider. In addition to selecting a ring that suits your personal taste and style, you also need to keep the “Four C’s” in mind in order to be certain the diamond you pick is of the highest quality. But, what exactly are the Four C’s and what do they mean?
The First C: Cut
The first of the Four C’s is the Cut of the diamond. The cut refers to the proportion of the diamond, which involves examining how closely the facets match each other. Although there are several different types of cuts to select from, the three most common are round, oval and pear. Within these three categories, you will find numerous variations to select from. Some experts feel the Cut is the most important aspect of determining the value of a diamond because even one of low Clarity and Color can be Cut to a display a great sparkle. Yet others believe it is the least important because the Cut cannot be seen with the naked eye.
The Second C: Color
Many people do not realize it, but natural diamonds can be yellow or nearly clear in color. Those that have been treated can be any color you desire. The closer the diamond is to pure white in color, however, the more valuable it is. In order to get a better idea of the Color of the diamond, take a white cloth with you and hold the ring up to the cloth. Many jewelers display their diamonds on black backgrounds in order to make them appear whiter, but the white cloth background will give you a better idea of the diamond’s color.
The Third C: Clarity
The Clarity of the diamond how clear it looks. A diamond can be perfectly clear or it can be quite opaque. Smaller diamonds are generally clearer than larger ones and larger stones that are clear tend to be quite expensive. Clarity can be difficult to judge with the naked eye. So, unless you are concerned about this aspect and the value of the diamond, don’t worry too much about clarity. If you like the way the diamond looks, that is all that really matters.
The Fourth C: Carat
Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, with one Carat weighing 1/20th of a gram. The greater the Carat, the more the diamond will cost.
Finally, when purchasing a diamond ring, ask the jeweler to provide you with a Gemological Institute of America certificate. This certificate will clearly state the pedigree of your diamond and will guarantee that you get precisely what you paid for.