What Are the 5 Cs of Diamonds?
Perhaps you’ve heard about the 4 Cs of diamonds. Here, we will expand this to the 5 Cs of diamonds to cover the most important attributes of the most treasured gem of them all. Diamond engagement and wedding rings represent couples’ love for one another and are everlasting. It’s therefore important to know what you are investing in. To do so, you need to know how to tell a diamond is truly great.
These are the 5 Cs of diamonds to help you gauge whether you’ve found the perfect stone:
Although the rarest, colorless diamonds are the most sought-after. For the most part, diamonds range from light yellow to light brown, to gray, while blue, red, or pink “fancy” diamonds are rated on a different scale. The most colorless diamonds have a “D” rating; near colorless stones run from “G” to “J”, and those with noticeable color range all the way from “K” to “Z”.
The key to the perfect cut is precision. It affects how well the diamond allows light in and uses it to form brightness, the rainbow of colors known as “fire”, and flashes known as “scintillation”. If a diamond isn’t well cut, it will lose light and may appear dull. A great cut is thus what makes a diamond sparkle as light exits the top of the stone. This is affected by dimensional variables like depth, table size, girdle thickness, and crown height and angle.
A perfectly clear diamond is extremely rare. Most stones have inclusions within their carbon lattice, and blemishes on their surface, although magnification is usually required to see them. These imperfections get trapped within the carbon as it’s heated during diamond formation. Inclusions are evaluated based on their size, color, and location on a scale from Flawless to Internally Flawless, to different levels of Included.
*Two diamonds of equal weight can therefore have different values, while added weight can reduce brilliance if a diamond is poorly cut.
Although not a characteristic of the diamond itself, a diamond certificate is proof of the stone’s evaluation by a certified gemologist at an independent diamond laboratory. This certificate lists the first 4 Cs, provides details on measurements and shape, and includes a diagram of the stone’s inclusions. To ensure the most reliable certification, have the diamond graded at the Gemological Institute of America or other reputable grading laboratory.
We educate our clients on diamonds and provide the highest quality engagement and wedding rings at reasonable prices. Browse our amazing collections or have our gemologists custom design your jewelry. We also repair, modify, appraise, and finance jewelry including our rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, charms, and bracelets. To learn more, browse our educational resources or schedule an in-store, virtual, or curbside appointment. Call 714-579-1616 for more information.
These are the 5 Cs of diamonds to help you gauge whether you’ve found the perfect stone:
Color
Although the rarest, colorless diamonds are the most sought-after. For the most part, diamonds range from light yellow to light brown, to gray, while blue, red, or pink “fancy” diamonds are rated on a different scale. The most colorless diamonds have a “D” rating; near colorless stones run from “G” to “J”, and those with noticeable color range all the way from “K” to “Z”.
Cut
The key to the perfect cut is precision. It affects how well the diamond allows light in and uses it to form brightness, the rainbow of colors known as “fire”, and flashes known as “scintillation”. If a diamond isn’t well cut, it will lose light and may appear dull. A great cut is thus what makes a diamond sparkle as light exits the top of the stone. This is affected by dimensional variables like depth, table size, girdle thickness, and crown height and angle.
Clarity
A perfectly clear diamond is extremely rare. Most stones have inclusions within their carbon lattice, and blemishes on their surface, although magnification is usually required to see them. These imperfections get trapped within the carbon as it’s heated during diamond formation. Inclusions are evaluated based on their size, color, and location on a scale from Flawless to Internally Flawless, to different levels of Included.
Carat
Is a measure of the physical weight of the diamond. One carat is divided into 100 points, so you can have, for example, a .10, .50, or .75 carat diamond and so on (one carat is equal to 1/5 of a gram). An engagement ring from Jeweler’s Touch can fit an up to 5.00 carat diamond, although the carat-count constraints vary from one ring to another depending on size and setting type. As the carat weight increases, so does the price of the diamond, but the value difference isn’t proportionate (color, cut, and clarity being equal, a 1-carat stone will cost more than double what a ½ carat diamond would).*Two diamonds of equal weight can therefore have different values, while added weight can reduce brilliance if a diamond is poorly cut.
Certification
Although not a characteristic of the diamond itself, a diamond certificate is proof of the stone’s evaluation by a certified gemologist at an independent diamond laboratory. This certificate lists the first 4 Cs, provides details on measurements and shape, and includes a diagram of the stone’s inclusions. To ensure the most reliable certification, have the diamond graded at the Gemological Institute of America or other reputable grading laboratory.
Visit Jeweler’s Touch Today
We educate our clients on diamonds and provide the highest quality engagement and wedding rings at reasonable prices. Browse our amazing collections or have our gemologists custom design your jewelry. We also repair, modify, appraise, and finance jewelry including our rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, charms, and bracelets. To learn more, browse our educational resources or schedule an in-store, virtual, or curbside appointment. Call 714-579-1616 for more information.
- Tags: All Diamonds Diamond Bands