The 4Cs
Carat
The unit of mass used in jewellery is the carat.
This term is derived from the name of an oriental tree, the carob, whose seeds were commonly used to weigh gemstones and pearls.
1 carat is equivalent to 0.2 gram.
Colour
There are two ways of assessing the colour of a diamond.
The first scale concerns white diamonds and is based on the absence of colour, since a pure and structurally perfect diamond is colourless. Thus, the colour of white diamonds is classified according to a very strict scale: D (Exceptional White +),
E (Exceptional White), and F (Extra White).
As a rule, diamonds tend to have a slight yellow tint due to a minute concentration of nitrogen atoms within the crystal. The scale thus extends from G (Extra White –) to Z (Light Yellow). These colour distinctions are subtle to the untrained eye; however, they greatly influence the final price of the gemstone.
Diamonds may also have other colours: green, blue, pink, etc.; these are called Fancy colours.
Clarity
Amongst the 4Cs, clarity is the criterion the customer knows best. It is tangible and visual, making it, along with the carat, the easiest criterion to observe. Most diamonds have inclusions that occur during the crystallisation process.
The evaluation of a diamond’s purity consists of determining the number, size, nature and location of these inclusions as well as their impact on the overall appearance of the gem.
The diamond clarity grading scale:
– FL (Flawless) and IF (Internally Flawless): no inclusions visible at x10 magnification.
– VVS1 and VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly included): very small inclusions, very difficult to see at x10 magnification.
– VS1 and VS2 (Very Slightly included): minor inclusions, difficult to see at x10 magnification.
– SI1 and SI2 (Slightly Included): small inclusions visible at x10 magnification but very difficult to see with the naked eye.
– I1, I2 and I3 (Included): inclusions visible to the naked eye and likely to alter the brilliance and transparency of the gemstone.
Cut
The cut is influenced by the cutter’s hand.
Whether it is a classic cut (brilliant, oval, pear, emerald, cushion, princess, radiant, Asscher, baguette, rose-cut…) or a personalised one, Diam Concept assists you in all your projects.
Our diamonds are only handled by highly qualified diamond cutters to obtain the perfect balance between brilliance, scattering and sparkle; because the symmetry, proportion and polishing of a diamond are the final crucial steps to reveal the brilliance and beauty of your gemstone.