In order to differentiate one diamond from another, all reputable diamond jewelers grade their diamonds according to 4 standard terms: carat weight, color, clarity, and cut – also known as the “4 C’s.” The 4C’s will determine the value, or price, of a diamond.
Carat Weight
A diamond’s size is measured by “carats” (ct.) and is the major factor in determining price. Diamonds are also sometimes described in “points.” 100 pts = 1 carat; so for example, when referring to a ½ ct diamond (0.50 ct.), it would be called a “50 pointer.” Princess cut diamonds may appear as much as 15% larger than other diamonds, such as rounds, of the same carat weight.
Clarity
The clarity of a diamond refers to the number, location, and severity of “inclusions” (imperfections) in a diamond. Almost all diamonds have inclusions, although they may not be visible to the naked eye. The clarity scale (pictured below), ranges from F (Flawless) to I (Included) based on the visibility of inclusions at a 10X magnification.
Sometimes, a diamond is treated to make its clarity appear closer to flawless. This unnatural process devalues the diamond and is generally considered undesirable. PrincessPlus gives you the assurance that our diamonds are completely natural and untreated.
Color
Diamonds come in all colors, though most are white with faint tinges of yellow or brown. The rarest and most valuable diamonds are completely colorless (known as “Blue-White” diamonds). Additionally, fancy colors such as pink, red, canary, yellow, blue, and black are rare and valuable.
Cut
When talking about diamonds, the word “cut” can have two meanings.
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“Cut” is sometimes used when referring to the shape of the diamond. There are many different diamond shapes with round and princess cut diamonds being the most popular. Below are some other common shapes you will find.
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In addition to describing the shape of a diamond, the word “cut” also refers to the quality of its craftsmanship. The cut is the single most important factor when determining the amount of fire, brilliance and life each diamond possesses.
When a diamond is well-cut, it interacts better with light, and more of the diamond’s natural beauty is visible. Well cut diamonds will reflect an enormous amount of light, while poorly cut diamonds will not.
The diagram below illustrates the way light travels through poorly cut diamonds (shallow/deep), as opposed to a well cut diamond (ideal - pictured in the center). In poorly cut diamonds, light leaks out from the bottom. However, in well cut diamonds, the light is refracted off the facets in such a way that it returns back through the top of the diamond – where you’ll see it.
