The Basics of Diamond Quality – The 4Cs
The diamond industry sets prices based on the Rapaport Diamond Report ® price list. The Rapaport list is based on a perfect brilliant cut. It can be observed that the price increases exponentially with weight and clarity.
Apart from the weight, an important factor is the color and inclusion class of the diamond.
Diamond quality classification: carat, clarity and other factors affecting price
Did you know that diamonds are graded using a unique, precise terminology? Not only is this because diamonds are extremely valuable, but also because each stone is as unique as a human fingerprint. That’s why it’s essential to rank diamonds in an accurate and comparable way. But what does this mean in practice, and how can it help buyers make their decisions? Let’s take a closer look!
The basics of diamond grading
The basis of modern diamond grading is a system developed by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) in the 1950s. This method is known as the "4Cs", which classifies diamonds based on the following characteristics: cut, color, carat weight and clarity . Together, these factors determine the price and value of a diamond. Let's see how!
Grinding (“Cut”)
The cut of a diamond is not just about its shape, but also how it interacts with light. Precisely crafted facets allow the diamond to fully reveal its beauty and sparkle. The right cut enhances the stone's natural brilliance and sometimes hides minor imperfections.
Depending on the placement of the facets, different shapes are created, such as brilliant, princess, oval or even heart shape. The choice of shape can be not only aesthetic, but also a value-determining factor.
Color
Diamonds range in color from completely colorless (marked D) to yellowish-brownish (marked Z). The more colorless a stone is, the more valuable it is. However, rare colored diamonds—such as pink or blue—can fetch a higher price than even colorless stones.
When determining color, diamonds are compared to so-called master stones, which serve as an accurate reference value. When choosing the right color, it is also worth considering the color of the jewelry setting, as a white gold setting, for example, will better highlight the beauty of a colorless diamond.
Carat
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats, where 1 carat = 0.2 grams . The weight of smaller stones is given in points, for example, a diamond weighing 0.75 ct may be referred to as "75 points".
Although weight plays a significant role in determining price, it is not a decisive factor in itself. Stones of the same weight but different cut, color, or clarity can have significantly different values.
Clarity
The clarity of diamonds indicates how free they are from internal inclusions and surface flaws. Flawless diamonds are extremely rare and therefore extremely valuable. Clarity is graded on a scale established by the GIA, which ranges from microscopic inclusions to flaws visible to the naked eye.
