It’s time to nerd up on diamonds! The hardest substance on Earth, made entirely of carbon, these timeless beauties always lead to admiring gazes and a sharp intake of breath when given as a gift. Something so small (or not so small), and yet so captivating. When choosing a diamond to place in a setting, you will usually be asked to share your preference for the grade of the stone you will purchase. What is meant by ‘grade’?
Diamonds, whether naturally mined or lab-grown, are all assessed according to a universally accepted grading system referred to as the ‘4Cs’. This grading system uses the four Cs of diamonds, which refer to carat, cut, clarity, and color to assess a diamond’s quality and determine its value.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) introduced the 4Cs grading system back in 1949. The introduction of this grading system makes it possible to measure and express a diamond’s quality via a universal standard and allows consumers to know precisely the value and quality of a diamond they are planning to purchase.
Of the 4 Cs, cut is the most important. The way a diamond is cut affects its brilliance, sparkle, and fire, and its final value and beauty. Without these qualities, the diamond is not valuable no matter what the carat weight, color, or clarity. Cut is sometimes confused with shape but they are not the same thing; cut has to do with symmetry and proportion whereas shape has to do with the diamond’s outline and form. The diamond’s carat weight also helps determine a diamond’s price, and it is probably the most noticeable characteristic of a diamond. It’s also the most objective grade of the 4Cs. It should be noted that carat and size are not the same thing; carat refers to a diamond’s physical weight, while size refers to its dimensions. Generally, the larger a diamond, the more it costs per carat.
Of the last two characteristics, clarity and color, color is considered more important than clarity, although both have significant impact on a diamond’s appearance. Color refers to the hue of a diamond, which is based on the GIA diamond color scale. The absence of color affects a diamond’s grade and value as well. For example, a diamond with a poor color grade will have a yellow or brown tint that could affect its appearance. The highest quality diamonds are totally colorless. Clarity, on the other hand, refers to the degree to which inclusions and blemishes are present. When a diamond has numerous inclusions or blemishes, it has less brilliance, which affects its value. Most diamonds are graded for clarity using the 11 point diamond clarity scale, which was created by the Gemology Institute of America. Watch a short video explaining inclusions, blemishes, and brilliance here.
