All Diamonds Are Not Created Equal
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When it comes to determining a diamond’s quality and value, there is a universally accepted standard known as the “Four C’s”: Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color. These “Four C’s” must all be considered when purchasing the right diamond. Two diamonds of equal carat weight may vary substantially in price due to their Cut, Clarity, and Color. But keep this in mind: bigger isn’t necessarily better. A two-carat diamond that is cut poorly is not nearly as beautiful as a smaller diamond cut by a skilled diamond artisan. Or, it may be cut well, but have poor color and clarity.
To be exceptionally beautiful, a diamond must be of high quality in all Four C’s. Within seconds you will know whether a diamond is right for you. We believe that your perfect ring should reflect who you are or who she is. We feel strongly that your initial emotional response to the brilliance and style of a diamond is of the utmost importance in choosing your diamond.
Browse our wide array of elegant styles and select a diamond ring that represents your love and commitment. We are here to help you every step of the way.
The Four C’s: Carat, Cut, Clarity, Color
Carat
A diamond’s weight is determined by carat weight. One carat is divided into 100 “points” so that a diamond of 25 points is described as a quarter of a carat, or 0.25 carats. Size is only one factor in determining the value of a diamond. Of The Four C’s, carat weight is the easiest to measure. Carat weight measures the weight of a diamond.
1.00 carat = 100 points
0.75 carat = 75 points
0.50 carat = 50 points
0.25 carat = 25 points
Cut
People commonly refer to the shape of a diamond as the cut (round diamonds, princess cut diamonds, marquise cut diamonds, oval diamonds, pear-shaped diamonds, emerald cut diamonds, radiant cut diamonds, heart-shaped and Asscher cut diamonds). But cut really is the craftsmanship applied in cutting the facets of the stone. The artisan attempts to cut a diamond to make the best use of light. When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light is refracted from one facet to another, then dispersed through the top of the diamond. When a diamond is cut too deep, some light escapes through the opposite side of the diamond. Suppose the diamond is cut too shallow; light escapes through the bottom of the stone before it can be reflected. In addition, the facets must be placed with precise symmetry for maximum brilliance. The cut is perhaps the most important of The Four C’s to consider. A well-cut diamond – regardless of its shape, sparkles, has more fire and offers the greatest brilliance.
Clarity
Clarity is an indication of a diamond’s purity. When a rough stone is extracted from the carbon deep beneath the earth, tiny traces of natural elements are almost always trapped inside. These elements are called inclusions, though sometimes referred to as birthmarks because they are naturally formed and unique to each stone. Because most inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, a jeweler will use a magnifier known as a loupe to reveal a diamond’s inclusions.
Color
Color is the natural body color visible in a diamond and is determined completely by nature, not man. As a rule, the closer a diamond is to colorless, the more valuable and beautiful it is. Diamond colors appear in a range. Color grades D, E, and F, are considered colorless, making them rare. However, even rarer than the colorless are the fancy colored diamonds. These diamonds are beyond the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) color scale. There are well-defined colors: pink, canary yellow, blue and green…highly-priced, scarce, and major showpieces!
Fluorescence
What is fluorescence?
Fluorescence is the visible light some gemstones emit when exposed to invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays. In natural diamonds, blue is the most common color of fluorescence, but other colors may be visible. On a GIA Diamond Grading Report, fluorescence refers to the strength or intensity of the diamond’s reaction to long-wave UV, an essential component of daylight. To learn more about diamond fluorescence, visit GIA.
Is fluorescence common?
Yes. Approximately 25% to 35% exhibit some degree of fluorescence of the diamonds submitted to GIA over the past decade. However, only 10% of those show strengths of fluorescence that may impact appearance (i.e., strengths noted on laboratory reports as a medium, strong, or very strong). In more than 95% of the diamonds that exhibit fluorescence, the color seen is blue. In rare instances, the reaction is yellow, white, or another color.
What impact does fluorescence have on the appearance of a diamond?
GIA studies show that for the overwhelming majority of diamonds, the strength of fluorescence has no widely noticeable effect on appearance. In many instances, observers prefer the appearance of diamonds that have medium to strong fluorescence. In rare cases, some diamonds with powerful fluorescence may appear hazy or oily; fewer than 0.2% of the fluorescent diamonds submitted to GIA exhibit this effect.
Does fluorescence compromise the structural integrity of the diamond?
No. A diamond that fluoresces has the same integrity as one with no reaction to UV. Submicroscopic substitutions and/or shifts in the diamond structure can cause fluorescence as well as prevent it. Nothing in either instance inherently weakens or is bad for the diamond.