THE 4C OF THE DIAMOND
The world of diamonds may seem intimidating, complex, or even a bit obscure, but there is a simple and universal way to understand the quality of a diamond: the 4 Cs.
The 4 Cs are a diamond grading system that takes into account their cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
DIAMOND CARAT:
As a diamond expert or as a simple buyer, it is strongly recommended to understand the nuances of the diamond world, particularly in regards to the carat, one of the four fundamental components of the 4Cs of the diamond. The carat is a precise unit of measurement equivalent to 0.20 g, derived from the Arabic word "qirat", referring to carob seeds, known for their constant weight.
The carat weight of a diamond is crucial in its evaluation, however, it should not be considered as the sole determinant of its value. The precision of the weight is essential, as even a small fraction of a carat can have a significant impact on the price. It is important to note that two diamonds of equal weight can have significant variations in other key aspects, namely cut, color, and clarity.
The carat weight is measured using special scales, installed under optimal conditions to ensure accuracy. Note that the size of a diamond is more important than its carat for the overall appearance. An excellent cut maximizes the brilliance and sparkle, making a well-cut diamond more appealing, even if it has fewer carats.
For the price, the carat has a significant impact. The heavier a diamond is, the higher its price, as it requires a larger piece of rough diamond. The shape of the diamond also influences the price. Round cuts are the most expensive due to their popularity and the amount of rough diamond wasted during the cut.
The choice of carat depends on personal preferences and the morphology of the hand. The size remains crucial for the brilliance and sparkle of the diamond. Experts recommend prioritizing an excellent cut first, then adjusting the carat weight accordingly. A deep understanding of carat weight, combined with knowledge of the other 4Cs, will allow you to choose the perfect diamond for your jewelry, whether it's an engagement ring or any other precious jewel.
The carat is therefore a major element in the evaluation of a diamond, but it should not overshadow the importance of cut, color, and clarity. An enlightened understanding of carat weight will help you make the wise choice for dazzling jewelry that reflects your personal style.
DIAMOND COLOR (COLOR):
The color of the diamond is an essential component in assessing its quality. It is part of the famous 4C's, where it holds a prominent place alongside cut, clarity, and carat. Understanding the color of the diamond is crucial in choosing the perfect stone for your jewelry.
Diamonds, contrary to what one might think, are not completely colorless. They have a hue that varies from colorless to light yellow, brown, or gray. This hue is the main characteristic of the diamond's color.
The diamond color grading scale was established by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) in 1950. It ranges from letter D (colorless) to letter Z (light yellow to brown). The further we go in the alphabet, the more yellowish the diamond becomes and the less expensive it is. However, discerning the color difference between certain letters, like E and F, is extremely difficult, even for experts.
The choice of diamond color depends on your preferences and your budget. The D hue is the best quality, but it is also the most expensive. However, the difference between a D hue and an H hue is almost indiscernible to the naked eye. Hues H to L are often considered the "magic zone" in terms of diamond color, offering excellent value for money.
The color of the metal on which the diamond will be mounted should also be taken into account. Yellowish hues (H, I, J) go well with gold metal.
It is essential to verify that your diamond is certified by a reputable laboratory such as the GIA, IGI, or HRD to guarantee its quality.
In the end, the choice between clarity and color depends on your personal preferences. If a diamond is clean to the eye, you may consider compromising on clarity while favoring color, as the difference between certain hues is subtle and will not be noticeable to the naked eye. The color of the diamond is a matter of personal taste, so choose the one that pleases you the most.
The Celinni advises you to prioritize color, provided that the diamond is clean to the naked eye, to obtain a sparkling and dazzling jewel.
The color of the diamond is a natural aspect of the stone, coming from trace elements such as nitrogen or boron present during its formation. Some artificial treatments can alter the color of the diamond, so it is essential to demand a laboratory certificate to guarantee the authenticity of the stone.
The color of the diamond is a crucial characteristic to take into account when buying a gemstone. By understanding color nuances and making informed choices, you can acquire a diamond that matches your tastes and your budget, while being sure of its quality.
DIAMOND PURITY (CLARITY):
The purity of a diamond is one of the characteristics evaluated according to the 4C principle (Carat, Cut, Color, Clarity). Elle refers to the inclusions and visible imperfections to the naked eye present in the stone, and elle helps determine the quality of a diamond. The purity scale, widely adopted by the industry, has eleven levels, with abbreviations such as FL (Flawless), IF (Internally Flawless), VVS (Very Very Slight), VS (Very Slight), and I (Inclusions).
FL represents the pinnacle of purity, meaning no inclusion is visible to the naked eye. IF indicates the absence of inclusions, although surface imperfections may sometimes be present. The VVS1 and VVS2 categories are characterized by tiny inclusions difficult to spot, while VS1 and VS2 present very small inclusions, the former being less visible. The SI1 and SI2 levels show more significant inclusions, those of the former being evident under a magnifying glass, while those of the latter are more visible, even to the naked eye. Finally, I1, I2, and I3 represent the highest levels of inclusions, with very visible and disturbing inclusions.
Inclusions vary in size, number, location, and nature. The larger, more numerous, and visible to the eye they are, the more the clarity of the diamond is reduced. The location of inclusions is also crucial, especially for lower quality diamonds. An inclusion near the pavilion (culasse) is less visible than an inclusion in the middle of the table.
The cut of the diamond also plays a major role in clarity. Fancy shaped diamonds, like the emerald, reveal more inclusions than those cut in a round shape. In addition, the color of the diamond can affect the visibility of inclusions. A yellower diamond will bring out the inclusions more, while an icy white diamond will make them less visible.
The carat of the diamond is also important. The larger the diamond, the more its inclusions are perceptible to the eye. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for a higher quality for diamonds over one carat.
When buying diamonds, it is necessary to rely on the certificate, which acts as an identity card for the stone. Reputable laboratories such as GIA, HRD, EGL, and IGI are the most reliable for certification. Certified diamonds have an engraving on the girdle to guarantee their authenticity. It is crucial to note that, the larger the diamond, the more its inclusions will be visible to the eye. Therefore, it is preferable to opt for a higher quality for larger diamonds.
The Celinni recommends you look for VS2, SI1, and SI2 quality diamonds, the "magic zone" where purity is high, but savings are substantial. Understanding inclusions is made easier thanks to a plotting diagram on the certificate, which shows the location and nature of the diamond's internal features, as well as their number. There are different common inclusions, such as crystals, feathers, pinpoints, and graining.
The cut of the diamond is essential for its brilliance, much more than its carat. By choosing an appropriate size, a diamond can appear larger. In summary, the purity of a diamond is a key element of its evaluation, alongside size, color, and carat, and it is important to understand these criteria to make an informed purchase.
DIAMOND SIZE (CUT):
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Diamond cutting is the art of preparing a diamond for sale. Carried out by skilled lapidaries, this cut determines the brilliance, beauty, and apparent size of the diamond.
The history of modern diamond cutting dates back to 1919, when Marcel Tolkowsky discovered the ideal proportions for cutting a diamond, thus laying the foundations of the modern cut. Subsequently, in 1966, Tillander published the standards of the Scandinavian standard, which slightly diverged from those of Tolkowsky. In 1978, the IDC (International Diamond Council) established standards to maximize the refraction of light in a diamond, combining the experience of diamond cutters and scientific knowledge in optics.
The diamond cut includes various elements, such as the table, the culet, the crown, the girdle, the collet, the star, the bezel, and the half, all of which play a role in how light interacts with the stone.
The quality of the cut is paramount as a well-cut diamond reflects light optimally, creating an illusion of larger size, increased brilliance, and spectacular color play. In addition, a skilled lapidary can sometimes conceal inclusions, thus improving the apparent purity of the diamond.
The size of the diamond does not depend on its weight in carats, but on its size and cut. A well-cut diamond is brighter and more sparkling, which can make it more attractive than larger diamonds, but less well cut. The size also influences the angle of the pavilion, which determines the direction of light reflection and, therefore, the brilliance of the diamond.
Therefore, the quality of the cut should also be prioritized when choosing a diamond. Elle has a significant impact on its appearance and value. A properly cut diamond shines exceptionally, creating a dazzling piece of jewelry.
