The 4Cs of Diamond (Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat)

• Cut

  The cut is undeniably one of the most important aspects of a diamond quality that is not affected by nature. It refers to the quality of symmetrical facets, angles, and proportions in a diamond. Further, a diamond’s sparkle, brilliance, fire, and scintillation depend heavily on the diamond’s cut. 

  Also, a diamond’s cut determines its appearance and beauty. 

• Colour

  The colour of a diamond refers to the slight shade present inside a diamond. Haven’t you heard about fancy coloured diamonds such as red, green, pink, blue, or yellow? 

  Sometimes, some diamonds gain their colour during the process of refinement. For instance: the ‘lab-treated black diamonds’.

  Moreover, the more colourless a diamond is, the higher is its demand as so is its market value. 

• Clarity

  In simple words, clarity refers to how free a diamond is from internal inclusions and blemishes. 

  As a diamond is formed deep within the earth in response to extreme heat and pressure, it develops inclusions. These inclusions might be in the form of fractures, slight traces of minerals, or even uncrystallized carbon. Also, inclusions affect the way light refract and reflect on a diamond.  

  Thus, scrutinizing the clarity of a diamond is necessary while purchasing it. 

• Carat 

  Carat is the weight of a diamond (not the size of the diamond). In general, a one-carat diamond weighs 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. Also, some diamonds lower in carats might look bigger due to their shape and cut. Thus, while buying a diamond, greater importance needs to be put on shape, colour, cut, and clarity than the carat.