Diamonds~The 4 C’s~Tips from the Diamond Experts at Morgan Jewelers

Understanding the Four C’s (Cut, Color, Clarity, & Carat Weight) when it comes to diamonds is essential.  Here is some GREAT information from our friends at Morgan Jewelers.

Cut~

The Ideal Cut When a round brilliant diamond has been cut to “Ideal” proportions by a master cutter, it is a splendor to behold. The Ideal Cut Diamond describes a round brilliant diamond that has been cut to exact and mathematically proven proportions. Its symmetry, with 58 exactly placed facets, produces the ultimate in luster and beauty. When a diamond is cut to the ideal proportions, all of the light entering from any direction is totally reflected through the top and is dispersed into a display of sparkling flashes and rainbow colors.

The Premium Cut A Premium Cut diamond demonstrates subtle variations from the Ideal Cut. Although  dimensional differences affect a diamond’s reflection of light, a Premium Cut still achieves a harmonious balance between its proportions and the display of brilliance.

Ideal Cut Light entering the diamond reflects internally from facet to facet and is reflected back through the top ONLY, creating maximum brilliance		Too Deep When a diamond is cut too deep, light leaks out of the bottom, brilliance is lost and the center of the diamond will appear to be dark.		Too Shallow When a diamond is cut too shallow, light leaks out of the bottom, brilliance is lost and the diamond appears watery, glassy and dark.

Color~

Most diamonds, although appearing colorless, actually have slight tones of yellow or brown. As these tones become more easily apparent, the rarity and the cost decrease.

Ideal cutting dramatizes the rare splendor of a diamond because it produces such dazzling brilliance.

Diagrams courtesy of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS)

Clarity~

Practically all diamonds contain naturally occurring internal characteristics called inclusions. The size, nature, location and amount of inclusions determine a diamond’s clarity grade and affect its cost.

One unique advantage of the Idea Cut is that its sparkle can mask otherwise noticeable inclusions.

Diagrams courtesy of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS)

Carat Weight~

The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 parts called “points”, 1 ct. = 1.00; 1/2 ct. = 0.50. The value of two diamonds of the same weight can vary greatly depending on the color, clarity and especially the cut. To the right are two identical pieces of rough, (uncut diamonds) each of the same quality and value.

Therefore, one can see that the value of a diamond can vary as much as 40% in the cutting alone.

Don’t forget to check out our Awesome Ring Gallery HERE!  To read a Man’s guide to purchasing a diamond click HERE!