The Four C’s are four variables that are used to calculate the value of a diamond. These include Clarity, Color, Cut and Carat Weight.CUT
Cut refers to the proportions, finish, symmetry and polish of the diamond. These factors determine the fire and brilliance of a diamond. Well cut diamonds sell at a premium and poorly cut diamonds sell at discounted prices.

CARAT WEIGHT
Carat weight is the unit weight for the diamond. A carat is further sub-divided into 100 points (.01carat = 1 point). One carat is equal to .20 grams. The greater the carat size of the diamond, the greater its value per carat.

COLOR
Color describes the amount of color the diamond contains. This can range from colorless to yellow with slight tints of yellow, gray or brown. Colors can also range from intense yellow to brown, blue, green, pink and red. These fancy colors are rare and therefore more valuable. It is possible to influence the color by an irradiation treatment followed by a heat treatment.

CLARITY
Clarity describes the clearness or purity of a diamond. This is determined by the number, size, nature and location of the internal (inclusions) and external (blemishes) imperfections. The clarity scale is broken down into the following grades:

©2009 Hoover & Strong, Inc.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 25th, 2009 at 4:46 pm and is filed under Diamonds and Gems. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.