Color, Clarity, Carat Weight, and Cut are the “4 C’s” that most jewelers use to grade diamonds. Understanding the other two Cs, certification and, most significantly, conscience, is also important. Here is a brief description of the various diamond characteristics you should take into account while making your purchase.
Conscience: A diamond on an engagement ring represents the most revered and honorable feelings. Because its origin must reflect your ideals, Conscience is the first “C” for us. The diamonds we sell for engagement rings on our online and in-person can be tracked all the way from the mine, through cutting, to you. We also be honest with you about the diamond’s origin so that you may make a wise choice.
Color: A flawless, white diamond is what you should look for when buying one. Only a small number of the millions of carats of diamonds that are mined each year are truly pure white, making them quite valuable. The remaining ones have small amounts of trapped gaseous components, frequently nitrogen. Brownish or yellow coloring results from this, which can be hardly perceptible or severely hindering.
Letters are used to categories diamond colors based on how white they are. Because they are the most white, grades ‘F’ and lower are more uncommon and sell for more money. Even diamonds that are “G” or “H” are so white that it takes practice to even see them. Some individuals feel that the whiter diamonds are not nearly warm enough and are too stark and wan.
At Artisan Wedding Rings, we advise choosing a color in the “G” to “H” range since we believe it offers the best value. We can accommodate you if you prefer a whiter diamond, though.
Clarity: To indicate the degree of inclusion in a diamond, it is graded using numbers and letters. “Very Slight” inclusion is denoted by VVS1. Compared to VVS1, VVS2 signifies a little more inclusivity. There are somewhat more inclusions in VS1 than VS2. If the diamond you receive has an inclusion level of 3, or I3, it is not truly gem quality.
Most of the diamonds we offer for sale have a minor inclusion level 1 (SI1) or lower. SI1 contains inclusions that are difficult to see with the naked eye. This is referred to as “eye clean” in the trade.
Although we have access to better grade diamonds, we believe that the SI1 category offers our consumers the best overall value.
Cut: While the raw diamond that emerged from a river, ocean, or mine dictated the first three C’s stated so far, the cut truly determines how that diamond is transformed into a glittering jewel. Cut is highly essential, and anyone can see that some cuts are superior to others without needing to be an expert.
There are three portions in each diamond. The diamond’s base is referred to as the “pavilion.” The thin middle portion known as the “girdle” lies between the diamond’s pavilion and its top, or “crown,” portion. The facets are carved to reflect and refract light in the crown.
Carat Weight: Of the four Cs, carat weight is the most obvious and simple to comprehend. A carat weighs 0.05 grams. Based on your preferences, we can find diamonds of any carat weight.
Certificate: Diamonds are frequently sold with certificates from independent diamond grading laboratories like the GIA and the EGL. With the use of these certifications, you may determine whether the diamond you are purchasing is rated “G,” “SI1,” or “H,” “VVS 2.” Consumers benefit from certification because it enables some form of unbiased comparison.