Diamond Nitty-Gritty

As we mentioned in a previous post, when it comes to buying a diamond we recommend focusing on a high-grade cut above all else. That said, there are still three other factors that you should pay attention too – Color, Clarity, and Carat. While any Preferred Jeweler will be able to help you will these aspects, it’s important to understand the basics before you walk into the store. This is where we come in. Below we’ve outlined the nitty-gritty on the four C’s so that when it comes time to find that perfect rock, you’re prepared!

Cut Contrary to popular belief the cut of a diamond is not it’s shape. Rather, it is how each facet within the stone is positioned. This is important because it ultimately determines how that diamond will reflect light. The better the cut, the more it will sparkle. The more it sparkles, the happier the girl.

Color While diamonds are made of mostly carbon, they take a long time to form and as they do other minerals can get trapped in the stone. The higher the concentration of Nitrogen the more yellow the diamond will appear, decreasing its overall value. Colorless diamonds come with a higher price tag because they are much more rare.

Clarity Just like human beings, all diamonds have their imperfections. The clarity of a diamond measures the amount and size of these imperfections as well as how they affect the overall value of the stone. While most blemishes and inclusions cannot be seen with the naked eye, they can impact the diamonds ability to shine.

Carat Carat weight, referring to the size of a diamond, is probably the most commonly known diamond characteristic. Diamonds of a larger carat weight are harder to find, and are therefore more expensive. That said, bigger is not always better! A one-carat diamond with a poor cut and noticeable color won’t deliver as much sparkle as a smaller diamond that’s near colorless with a high-grade cut.

We’re wishing you the best of luck on your hunt for the perfect diamond! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to a Preferred Jeweler near you.