1. MEASURING A DIAMOND’S VALUE

A diamond’s 4 C’s is a framework to help you compare diamonds. While all diamonds are precious, those closest to the top of the pyramid-possessing the best combination of cut, clarity, carat weight and color-are the earth’s rarest, most valuable and very beautiful to the eye.

2. CARAT

The Larger a Diamond, the More Rare

Larger diamonds are found relatively infrequently in nature, which places them at the rarest level of the Diamond Quality Pyramid. What also makes a bigger diamond very desirable is that it shows off a stone’s fine color and cut, and therefore its brilliance.

A diamond’s size is measured in carat weight, and each carat is equal to 100 points. A 0.75-carat diamond is the same as a 75-point diamond or a ¾ carat stone. A carat is equal to 1/5 of a gram or 0.007 of an ounce.

While larger diamonds are highly prized, diamonds of equal size may vary widely in value and brilliance, depending on their qualities of clarity, cut, and color.

3. CLARITY

The Purer a Diamond, the More Brilliant

Virtually all-natural diamonds contain identifying characteristics, yet many are invisible to the naked eye. Under the scrutiny of a jeweler’s 10x-magnifying loupe or microscope, natural phenomena-called inclusions-may be seen. These are nature’s birthmarks, and they may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers.

Diamonds categorized as internally flawless reveal no such inclusions. Flawless stones are at the peak of the Diamond Quality and are treasured for their rarity and beauty. Diamonds with very, very small inclusions are graded as VVS1 or VVS2. The larger the inclusion, the lower the grade and the less rare the diamond. Inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye are graded I1 or I3.

The number, color, type, size and position of surface and internal birthmarks affect a diamond’s value. Major inclusions can interfere with the path of light that travels through a diamond, diminishing its brilliance and sparkle and therefore its value. The greater a diamond’s clarity, the more brilliant, valuable and rare it is.

4. COLOR

The More Pure the Color in a Diamond, the More Rare

Diamonds are graded by color, starting at D and continuing through the alphabet. Truly colorless stones, graded D, treasured for their rarity and value.

While many diamonds appear colorless, they may actually have subtle yellow or brown tones and these color grades include P and Q. Although still beautiful, they will be less rare and therefore less valuable. To appreciate the simple beauty of each individual stone, you should compare diamonds side by side with a jeweler.

“Fancy” diamonds, in well-defined colors that include red, pink, blue, green and canary yellow, are highly prized and particularly rare.

5. CUT

The Better Cut a Diamond has, the More Brilliant

A well cut or faceted diamond, regardless of its shape, sparkles with fire and light, offering the greatest brilliance and value.

While nature determines a diamond’s clarity, carat weight and color, the hand of a master craftsman is necessary to release its fire, sparkle and beauty. When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light will reflect from one mirror-like facet to another and disperse through the top of the stone, resulting in a display of brilliance and fire.

Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow lose light that spills through the side or bottom. As a result, poorly cut stones will be less brilliant and beautiful-and certainly less valuable-than well cut diamonds higher on the Diamond Quality Pyramid.

6. WHAT A DIAMOND MEANS

The Enduring Gift of Love

For centuries, people have found that the sparkle and brilliance of a quality diamond expresses their deepest emotions and symbolizes their enduring love. Yet with many beautiful diamonds to choose from-and no two alike-how do you choose the right diamond while spending wisely? The 4C’s, along with the guidance of a Diamond Design professional, will lead you to the answer.

7. THE 4 C’s

Key to the Diamond Quality Pyramid

To establish a diamond’s quality, jewelers examine each of the 4 C’s-cut, clarity, carat weight and color. The combination of the 4 C’s determines the value of a particular diamond. For example, a colorless diamond is very rare, but if it lacks clarity, is small, or not well cut, it will be of a lower value. The finest stones possess the rarest quality in each of the 4C’s and are the most valuable.

Strive for a stone that offers the best combination of the 4 C’s. Ultimately, you’ll discover the unique combination of the 4 C’s that makes a particular diamond the right choice for you. Its beauty and brilliance will capture the true sentiment of the occasion.

8. WHAT TO SPEND

Diamond Buyer’s Guide When you start to think about buying a diamond-and the love it will symbolize-you naturally want the best you can afford and a beautiful stone you will treasure forever.

Diamonds can be found in a range of prices - and you’re certain to find one with quality that suits your taste and what you plan to spend.

If you’re about to buy a Diamond Engagement Ring, you may want to consider spending the commonly accepted guideline of two month’s salary. But it’s up to you to settle on a diamond that will truly represent your deepest emotions and the promise for the future you will share.

How can you be sure to choose the perfect diamond for her? She may already have dropped hints by admiring a photograph or someone else’s diamond. Share your knowledge of the 4 C’s. Later, surprise her with a diamond beyond all her expectations.

When it comes to other types of diamond jewelry, such as a Diamond Solitaire Necklace and Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings, purchase the diamond that captures the brilliance of the moment. Choosing a quality diamond to celebrate life’s most intimate occasions is a truly rewarding experience for the one who gives as well as for the one who receives.

9. HOW DIAMOND DESIGN CAN HELP

Confidence: The 5th C that Diamond Design is proud of having

Diamond Design employs diamond professionals who can help you select the right stone. We take pride in establishing long-standing relationships with customers and we take pride in finding quality diamonds for them. Our consultants are knowledgeable and accessible and they’re able to explain the 4 C’s, as well as show you a selection of diamonds in a range of prices.

While all diamonds are beautiful, only by comparing stones will you be able to appreciate what makes one more rate and valuable than another. When you view stones side by side with our state-of-the-art technology, you’ll understand why diamonds that look similar at a casual glance are priced differently. Keep in mind that there are no “bargain” diamonds, there are only diamonds of different value, weight and brilliance.

Diamond Design can help you choose a diamond shape that suits your personal taste. The classic Round Brilliant, Oval, Pearl, Marquise, Princess, Heart and Emerald shapes are among the most beautiful and popular.

10. WHEN YOU FIND THE RIGHT DIAMOND

An Occasion Worth Celebrating

Now that you understand why some diamonds are more rare than others you can make an informed decision. Choose a beautiful stone that combines the qualities of the 4 C’s you most value. Then you’re ready to give the most enduring gift of love. Born of the earth, reborn on the woman you love, this diamond is more than a precious gem and all that it symbolizes-it’s truly a piece forever.

To display and print a text only version of this document, Click Here!