PRACTICAL GUIDE TO DIAMONDS

The 4 C’s

Why Are The 4-C’s Important? Plus … 2 more C’s

So let’s start out first with a little understanding about what makes a diamond valuable.

The “4-Cs” are used throughout the world to classify the rarity of diamonds. Diamonds with the combination of the highest 4C ratings are more rare and, consequently, more expensive.

The 4-C’s + 2 more

1. Cut:  Refers to the angles & proportions of a diamond. (most important)
2. Color:  Refers to the degree to which a diamond is colorless.
3. Clarity:  Refers to the presence of inclusions in a diamond.
4. Carat: Refers to the weight of a diamond.
5. Cost:  Refers to the wholesale pricing as quantified by the Rappaport Pricing Report.
6. Cleanliness:  Maintaining the beauty.

Who Certifies The Quality of Diamonds?

The Certification Laboratories

A diamond certificate is a document containing the characteristics about the diamond that will make up its value. It is the pedigree that goes with the diamond and becomes a valuable document in case of loss because it will ensure that your insurance company will replace your stone with another certified stone of like quality. Certificates are not appraisals since they do not contain any information regarding the value or price of a diamond.

Any owner of a diamond can submit it to a laboratory for certification. The most important service these laboratories provide is an impartial examination and grading of the diamond. They are paid a fee to provide this service but are not biased to grade higher or lower and can therefore be relied on to provide an accurate description of the diamonds vital characteristics.

1. GIA - Gemological Institute of America
2. AGS - The American Gem Society
3. EGL - The European Gemological Laboratory, Inc.

Sample Certification Sheet

As an example of what you can expect to see on a certificate, the following sample GIA certificate is illustrated. Each certificate has a unique identification number that can be linked back to the grading laboratory's database.