(859) 727-0055
Stop By For Our Anniversary Sale!
Saturday, November 12th; 10: 00AM - 5: 00PMFind Details On Amazing Deals In-Store
FAQs
Visit Us Today!
Boyle Jewelers, Inc|3147 Dixie Hwy, A, Erlanger, KY 41018|(859) 727-0055

The Four Cs of Diamonds

Fine diamonds are among the most coveted of all gems. Their value, however, differs widely from one diamond to another. Experts evaluate every diamond for rarity and beauty, using four primary guidelines. These are called the Four Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.

jewelry

Cut

content image

When you think of a diamond’s cut, you probably think of its shape. While the term “cut” does refer to a diamond’s shape, it also refers to the proportions of how it is cut.
 
Diamonds are cut into many different shapes, reflecting not only popular taste but the proportions and quality of the rough diamond. The most popular shapes include round, oval, square, princess, emerald, baguette, and marquise cuts, with many specialty shapes also available.
 
A diamond's overall proportions, plus the size and placement of its many reflective surfaces or facets, also play a large part in its cut. The consistency and balance of these aspects can greatly affect how the stone captures light and reflects it back to the eye.

Color

With the exception of some fancy colored diamonds, the most valuable diamonds are those with the least color. The color scale for transparent diamonds runs from D-F (colorless), G-J (near colorless), K-L (faint yellow), to Z (light yellow). Completely colorless diamonds are rare.
 
When diamonds are formed with traces of other minerals, rare and beautiful colors can result. These "fancy" colors range from blue to brilliant yellow to red, brown, pale green, pink, and violet. Because of their rarity, colored diamonds are highly desirable and may be quite valuable.

Carat Weight

content image

The size of a diamond is measured not by its dimensions but by weight. One carat, the traditional unit of measure for diamonds, is equal to approximately 0.2 grams. You may also hear the weight of a diamond referred to in points. A point is equal to 1/100 of a carat; therefore, a 75-point diamond equals 0.75 carat. Diamonds of equal weight may appear slightly different in size, depending on their depth and proportions. Because they are quite rare, larger diamonds of gem quality are much more valuable.

Clarity

A diamond's clarity is measured by the existence, or absence, of visible flaws. Tiny surface blemishes or internal inclusions — even those seen only under magnification with a jeweler's loupe — can alter the brilliance of the diamond and, thus, affect its value. Clarity levels begin with Flawless (F & IF) and move down to Very Very Slight (VVS1 & 2), Very Slight (VS1 & 2), Slightly Included (SI1 & 2), and Included (I1, 2 & 3).

Rarity & Beauty

All gem-quality diamonds are rare, taking billions of years for nature to form them. The journey from the mine to you is long and arduous. While the four Cs information helps you to identify the quality of the diamond you are purchasing, it is the combination of these four characteristics which determines a diamond's rarity. If you imagine a four-sided pyramid, with each side being a diamond characteristic — the more readily available diamonds form the base of the pyramid while the rarest diamonds are at the top. Keep this pyramid in mind when you are selecting your diamond. Your selection of characteristics will determine rarity and value. And remember — beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A diamond can only be truly perfect if you think it is beautifully perfect for you.

Explore Our Jewelry

Learn More

Contact Us

Contact Us

Business Hours

Tuesday10:00AM-5:00PM
Wednesday10:00AM-5:00PM
Thursday10:00AM-5:00PM
Friday10:00AM-5:00PM
Saturday10:00AM-3:00PM
Closed on Sunday

Social

Copyright © 2024 Boyle Jewelers, Inc, All rights reserved.