Diamonds are among the most popular precious stones due to their elegance and timeless beauty. The four Cs refer to the carat, color, cut, and clarity of a gem, which may have a significant impact on its appearance, quality, and value. The following guide outlines more about these categories so you can feel confident about selecting the perfect piece of jewelry. 

Carat

A metric carat is a unit of measurement that refers to the weight of diamonds. One carat is equivalent to one-fifth of a gram and amounts to 100 points. However, the weight of a gem is not necessarily proportionate to its value. For instance, a one-half carat stone might cost more than a 1-carat piece if the color, cut, and clarity of the former are superior. Since larger diamonds are rare, their values typically increase in proportion to carat weight.

Color

When it comes to color, white diamonds may range from colorless to light yellow. The categories are classified as colorless, near colorless, faint, very light, and light and are graded using the alphabet, starting with the letter D and running through Z. Generally, stones that are icy white with no color have the highest value, while those with more yellow tones sell for the lowest amounts.

Some diamonds have natural pink, red, or blue hues. However, this does not make them less valuable than their white counterparts, as they are subject to separate color grading systems.

Cut

The cut of a stone refers to its angles, facets, and symmetry. Contrary to popular belief, cut is not the same as shape, as the latter refers to the look of the outer edges of the stone. For instance, common shapes include round, oval, and rectangular. Though shape can have an impact on cut, the depth and proportions of the angles and facets have a greater influence on quality and value.

According to the standard cut grade system, stones with a cut rated very good or excellent may allow an optimal amount of light through the crown, which can produce superior sparkle, fire, and brilliance. Sparkle refers to the flashes of light emitted by the stone. Fire is the term for its dispersion of colorful light, while brilliance is the overall amount of light the stone reflects. 

Clarity

Jewelers and appraisers judge clarity according to the number of internal inclusions and external blemishes. Inclusions are natural flaws in the stone, while blemishes are markings produced during the cutting and manufacturing process. Generally, a diamond with few or no inclusions and blemishes, or one that is practically clear to the naked eye, is more valuable than those with visible flaws on the interior or exterior.

When you need beautiful diamond jewelry, turn to Schwartz Jewelers. They provide clients throughout Greater Cincinnati, OH, with wedding and engagement rings, earrings, and necklaces made with precious stones and metals. Call (513) 514-5627 to ask about their inventory, and visit the website to learn more about their designer pieces.