All About Diamonds

One of the questions that we often get asked the most is how to purchase a diamond. Whether it be for an engagement, an anniversary gift, a mother’s day gift or just because, we completely understand how daunting it can be to find just the right one – and also know that you are getting a quality diamond. Let’s start with addressing what the industry refers to as the 4 C’s: CUT, COLOR, CLARITY & CARATS

CUT

Cut is the most important of the4 C’s because it can have the greatest effect on a diamond’s beauty. Diamonds are known for their “sparkle” because of their many facets, how they are proportioned and their overall finish. A poorly cut diamond will not capture the light as well and will look dull and grayish. The more precise the cut, the more captivating the diamond will be.

COLOR

Probably one of the most subjective of the four C’s is diamond color. Generally speaking, the less color there is in a diamond, the higher the color grade will be. A diamond sparkles best when there is less color within the body of the stone.

CLARITY

The term clarity when viewing a diamond is ensuring that what you are purchasing is “eye clean.” This means that the diamond does not show any inclusions or imperfections that are visible to the naked eye without magnification. It is quite rare to purchase a flawless diamond, so always ask to see where the inclusions are located within the stone.

CARATS

Contrary to popular belief, carats refer to the actual weight of the diamond, not the size. Diamonds are measured in grams with a one-carat diamond weighing 1/5 of a gram.Carats also indicate the “spread” of the diamond, which is how the diamond is measured across the top in millimeters.When purchasing a quality diamond, you want to ensure that the total spread of the diamond looks like what it should weigh.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Having a good basic understanding of the 4 C’s when purchasing a diamond is key. Fine jewelry is very personal and you should always be able to look at your diamond and treasure it each time you wear it. We encourage our customers to take their time when making their selection. It is one of the most important moments of your life - enjoy the process!