The ABCs of Diamonds: Everything You Need To Know From the 4 Cs to GIA

Learn about Diamonds from the diamond jewelry experts at Inter-Continental Jewelers in Houston

Learn About Diamonds

Learning about diamonds is key to selecting the highest quality diamond for your budget. When selecting a diamond, you typically think about the shape and size that you desire, but there are other factors that determine the cost of your diamond. For example, the clarity and color of a 1-carat round diamond will create a large variation in price. In order to understand these variations you need to learn about the Four C’s that determine the value of a diamond.

Diamond Carat

Carat is a diamond’s weight measurement. While a 1-carat diamond is weighed at 200 milligrams, higher carats contain higher weights. When searching for the “right” diamond, carat can provide size and density insights. This larger the carats, the larger the price.

Diamond Color

Color is defined by a letter basis. Within this system, a “D” is considered a colorless, rare diamond. “E” and “F” ratings, meanwhile, are of excellent grade. “G” and “H” grades are similar to “F” rated diamonds. However, letters beyond an F may contain yellow hues, and are generally lower priced due to their lack of pristine color.

Diamond Clarity

Clarity determines a diamond’s overall flaws. These flaws, also called inclusions, often appear as cloudy surfaces, spots, and cavities. An “SI” clarity grade depicts “slightly included” flaws. “VS” stands for “very slightly included” flaws and “VVS” depicts a “very, very slightly included” flaw base.

Diamond Cut

Cut measures a diamond’s overall workmanship. A diamond’s cut enhances its luminosity and sparkle, and it can decrease visible flaws. A “rare” cut is ideal, though most diamonds are considered “fair”, “good” or “very good”.

The Four C’s: What to Look For

Now you understand the Four C’s of Diamond grading. When purchasing a valuable stone, however, considering their individual attributions—while important—isn’t as effective as understanding a diamond’s overall facilitation of each quality.

In most situations, quality of a diamond’s cut should never be forgone. A mediocre cut destroys a stone’s integrity, and it can make a diamond appear lifeless.

Following cut, color balance is important. A balanced coloration gives a stone its sheen, and this difference is incredibly noticeable by others.

Clarity and carat weight may be left up to individual preference, and they’re considered “subtle” diamond identifiers. When you’re out purchasing a valuable stone, consider these qualities last. Overall, personal preference should be a top priority. However, cut and color are a diamond’s highest cost driver, and they often determine a “high quality” or “low quality” stone.

How Can I Guarantee I am Buying a Quality Diamond?

Inter-Continental Jewelers diamonds are independently verified for quality characteristics and origin. A diamond certificate or grading report provides an expert opinion on the quality of the diamond and is provided by an independent gemology lab. Trained gemologists with specialized equipment measure the weight and dimensions of the diamond and assess quality characteristics such as cut, color, and clarity. All of our diamonds are certified by the world’s leading gem grading labs including GIA and EGL, and come with the original certification papers. You can rest assured that you are receiving a high quality conflict free stone.