Have you ever heard the phrase “a diamond in the rough''? Chances are you’ve probably used it to describe someone with exceptional qualities but some unpolished edges. Nevertheless, there’s no need to be offended by this phrase. When it comes to diamonds, none are perfect right from the start.
It takes time, care and a skilled hand to transform a raw stone into a brilliant diamond. The end result of such precise craftsmanship is the sparkling, show-stopping gem we all love. In turn, the value of a refined diamond is determined by four qualities established by the Gemological Institute of America. These are known as cut, color, clarity and carat weight, otherwise known as the 4 C’s. Together, these variables pinpoint the cost of the stone and, most importantly, determine the best sparkler for you. Let’s take a look at the components that go into each of the 4 C’s.
Cut
The cut of your diamond is what makes it glamorous! When raw diamonds are mined, they start out unrefined and definitely not red-carpet ready. But, a well-cut diamond is able to catch light that glistens brighter than the smile of a Hollywood starlet. Alternatively, a gemstone that’s cut too shallow or too deep will leave the stone looking small and dull. When a diamond has the perfect cut, it will make any piece of jewelry light up the room.
Color
Much like other precious gems, diamonds come in a variety of colors. During formation, the impurities in the earth determine whether the stone will be white and pure or uniquely colored. Whatever your preference is, the lack of color indicates the quality of your diamond. To set a value on the gemstone’s color, The Gemological Institute of America uses a scale to identify the grade. This chart ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Gemstones with no color are the rarest of the bunch, being deemed as the most valuable.
Clarity
Natural diamonds are formed when carbon, heat and pressure mingle deep in the earth to produce the glimmering gem that we can’t get enough of. The process can result in a variety of ‘inclusions’ and ‘blemishes’ that occur both inside and outside of the gem. These natural characteristics are a normal part of every diamond. However, a gem that has more inclusions and blemishes is cloudier, impacting value. While no diamond is perfectly pure, the cleaner it appears, the more stunning (and valuable) it will be.
Carat
Often confused with size, carat is actually the unit of measurement that determines a diamond’s weight. It’s quite rare for a large diamond to be found, so bigger, heavier stones tend to cost more than smaller ones. You could tape a penny to your finger and it would feel just as heavy as a 14 carat diamond ring!
However, carat weight alone doesn’t determine the ultimate cost of a diamond. The combination of the 4Cs guides gemologists and jewelers to choose high-quality precious gems and provide you with show-stopping jewelry.
Discovering an Extraordinary DiamondWe know how much time, skill and thought goes into finding the perfect diamond. A radiant engagement ring or striking set of earrings all start with the highest quality gems. With over 100 years of experience serving our community, our team at Whidby Jewelers knows exactly how to help you choose the best jewelry. By using the 4Cs in combination with our excellent customer care, we’ll help you identify the perfect diamonds for you. Visit us at 177 W. Jefferson St. in Madison, Georgia to shop our hand-picked collections of jewelry that will make you the center of attention. We can’t wait to see you soon!