Frequently Asked Questions About the 4 C's of Diamonds
Which of the C's is most important in diamonds?
Cut is generally regarded as the most important of the 4 C's, since it has the greatest effect on a diamond's brilliance and sparkle. A well-cut diamond will always look more beautiful than a poorly cut diamond, even if that poorly cut stone had better color, clarity, or carat weight. Cut refers to how well light interacts with the diamond, creating the fire, brilliance, and scintillation that make diamonds so captivating.
Which of the 4 C's affects diamond price the most?
Carat weight has the most influence on diamond price, followed by color, clarity, and cut. Diamond prices are exponentially higher with carat weight: a 2-carat diamond is roughly 3 to 4 times more expensive than a similar quality 1-carat diamond, not just twice the price. All four of the C's interact, however, to ultimately determine final pricing, and strategic choices across all factors can help you maximize value.
What is the best color grade for a diamond?
D, E, and F grades are considered to be the best and most valuable for those seeking colorless diamonds. However, the "best" color for your purchase is actually dependent on your budget and setting. G, H, and I color grades offer excellent value in the "near colorless" range, where color is difficult to detect with the naked eye. Plus, if you are setting your diamond in yellow gold, you can go lower on the color scale-in fact, as far as J-K-without the warmth being noticeable.
What clarity grade should I choose for my diamond?
The clarity grades of VS2 and SI1 offer the best balance of quality and value for most purchasers. Diamonds of these grades are usually "eye clean," meaning that inclusions cannot be seen with the naked eye. For larger diamonds (over 2 carats), consider VS1 or higher, as inclusions may be more visible in bigger stones. If budget is the main issue, SI2 can work well if your jeweler confirms that the stone is eye clean.
How many carats should an engagement ring be?
There's no "should" where carat weight is concerned-it's totally a matter of personal preference and budget. The average engagement ring diamond in the United States weighs between 1.0 and 1.5 carats, but really, the most important thing is to select a size that works within your budget yet still allows for quality in the other C's. Keep in mind that a beautifully cut 0.9-carat diamond may look virtually identical to a 1.0-carat stone yet may cost thousands of dollars less.
Which is better, VS1 or VS2 clarity?
Technically speaking, VS1 clarity is considered better than VS2 due to the fewer and smaller inclusions. Both grades are usually eye clean and offer excellent value. The cost difference between VS1 and VS2 is usually modest. If your budget allows, VS1 provides somewhat better quality. To most buyers, VS2 represents that sweet spot where quality is high but you're not paying a premium for characteristics only visible under magnification.
What diamond shape appears the largest?
Because of their elongated shapes, oval, marquise, and pear-shaped diamonds have more surface area than round diamonds of the same carat weight and thus appear larger. These shapes maximize the visible size per carat. Of the square or rectangular cuts, radiant and emerald cuts can also appear larger than round diamonds of equal weight.
What's the difference between moissanite and diamond?
Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone that's almost as hard as diamonds (9.25 vs. 10 on Mohs scale) with more fire and sparkle. It costs much less than diamonds, making it great for budget-conscious couples who want maximum brilliance.
Are the 4 C's the same for lab diamonds?
Yes, the 4 C's system is used to grade lab-grown diamonds, just like natural ones. They essentially possess the same physical, chemical, and optical characteristics as natural diamonds. The biggest difference is in price: Lab-created diamonds are usually 40-70% less expensive than comparable quality natural ones, making them an excellent option for buyers wanting to maximize size and quality within their budget.
What does "eye clean" mean in diamond clarity?
"Eye clean" refers to a diamond that has no inclusions or blemishes visible to the naked eye when viewed from approximately 6-12 inches away. The inclusions are only visible under 10x magnification-that is, the standard for grading. The VS2 and SI1 clarity grades are usually eye clean, offering great value since you are not paying extra for perfection that is invisible without magnification.
Do I go for carat size or quality?
It depends on your personal preference. If the visual impact and size mean most for you, then you need to give carat weight priority-just don't sacrifice too much on cut quality because it will be about brilliance. For anyone interested in the aspect of rarity and perfection, prioritize higher color and clarity grades even if it means a smaller stone. Most experts recommend finding a balance: excellent cut, near-colorless color (G-I), eye-clean clarity (VS2-SI1), and the largest carat weight your budget allows.
How much does diamond cut affect price?
Cut has a medium impact on price relative to carat weight and color. The difference between an Excellent cut and a Very Good cut is usually 10-15%, while the difference between Excellent and Good could be 20-25%. This, however, is well worth the investment, since cut quality greatly impacts how beautiful and brilliant your diamond appears. Never compromise significantly on cut to save money.
How does diamond shape affect the other C's?
Color and clarity look different in different shapes. You might want to choose higher color and clarity grades with step-cut diamonds (emerald and asscher) since the large, open facets in step cuts tend to make inclusions more visible and appear to show more color. Brilliant cuts (round, oval, cushion) will hide color and inclusions with many facets and will allow you to select lower grades with no visible impact.
What does GIA certification mean?
GIA certification means that your diamond has been independently examined and graded by a respected laboratory using standardized criteria for the 4 C's. A GIA certificate offers an unbiased assessment of the quality of your diamond and is proof of its characteristics. Always buy diamonds with GIA or other reputable laboratory certifications, such as IGI or AGS, to make sure you get what you pay for.
