Looking for that perfect engagement or anniversary gift? Diamond jewelry, whether it’s a ring, bracelet, or necklace, offer beauty and elegance that lasts a lifetime.

Before shopping for that perfect diamond engagement ring or diamond anniversary necklace, it may help to know and understand how the quality of a diamond is measured.

The 4Cs

Understanding the 4Cs of diamonds will help you choose the right type of diamond for your loved one and that will fit your budget. A diamond’s quality is measured by 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. These four characteristics are universally used among diamond sellers and was established by the GIA.

Cut

How a diamond is cut is of extreme importance, and may be the most important characteristic of the 4Cs in determining a diamond’s overall value. A diamond’s cut is more than the shape (round, pear, oval), it tells how well the diamond’s facets interact with light. A well-cut diamond reflects light from one facet to another and then disperses the light through the top of the diamond.

 

Color

A diamond’s color is evaluated using a universal D-to-Z color grading scale. A perfect diamond, represented by the letter D, will be colorless. As the presence of color is found within the diamond it will move down the scale to the letter Z. The presence of color will determine the diamond’s quality and price.

Clarity

A naturally-made diamond may have a variety of internal (inclusions) and external (blemishes) characteristics. The absence of inclusions and blemishes are what determine the diamond’s clarity and thus its overall quality. A flawless diamond will have no inclusions or blemishes visible under a 10x magnification. There are 6 categories under the GIA Diamond Clarity Scale, and some of those are divided, for a total of 11 possible grades of clarity.

Only about 2% of the world’s diamonds are actually flawless. Most retail stores carry VVS as their highest grade. VS or SI are considered by most to be “fine quality” diamonds.

Carat

A diamond’s carat weight is determined by how much the diamond weighs, using the metric “carat” of 200 milligrams. Measuring a diamond is very precise to the hundredth decimal place. With all other characteristics being equal (Cut, Color, Clarity), a diamond’s price will increase with the diamond’s carat weight.

 

Biris Jewelers has been Canton’s premier jewelry store since 1964. They have the expertise to guide you through the purchase of your diamond jewelry. Their friendly staff have built a reputation for personal service and are always ready to offer their expertise on finding you the right diamond ring or necklace.