Kristian Alfonso Smokey Quartz & Blue Topaz Sterling Silver Cross Pendant & Chain

The Four Cs of Diamonds

There are four main factors that affect the value of a diamond, commonly referred to as “the 4 Cs.” The cut, colour, clarity and carat weight all contribute to the rarity, and therefore price, of a diamond.

CUT:
The cut is a diamond's most important characteristic. The way a diamond is cut affects how it handles light and has great influence on the diamond's overall sparkle. The closer to ideal proportions that a diamond is cut, the more light will reflect back to the eye, resulting in the fire and brilliance that make diamonds so beautiful and so popular. Shallow or deep cuts allow light to seep out of the bottom or escape out of the side.

COLOUR:
Diamonds with absolutely no colour are extremely rare. Colour actually refers to a diamond's lack of colour with D being perfectly colourless. The subtle differences in colour among most gem-quality diamonds are due to traces of other elements that were present during the diamond’s formation millions of years ago. Diamonds are rated on a letter scale indicating the degree of yellowish tinge from D all the way to Z, which is markedly yellowy. E and F are colourless to the naked eye, and G, H and I will appear very nearly colourless, particularly in a gold setting. After cut, colour is generally considered the second most important characteristic when selecting a diamond.

While the fire of perfectly colourless diamonds will never go out of style, modern jewellers and jewellery lovers have discovered the incredible beauty of coloured diamonds in gorgeous shades of blue, green, pink, chocolate and even black, and may people prize yellow (or "canary") diamonds for their luminous colour.

CLARITY:
Diamonds usually contain "inclusions", which are small markers of how the diamond formed deep within the earth. Very few diamonds are without inclusions, and such stones are termed "flawless." Inclusions do not necessarily affect beauty, but they do affect value. Many imperfections are microscopic and those with the least and smallest imperfections receive the highest clarity grades.

Diamond Clarity

FL, IF	Flawless, Internally Flawless: No internal or external inclusions visible under 10X magnification to a trained eye. The most expensive grade. Very rare.
VVS1, VVS2	Very, Very Slightly Included: Inclusions visible only to a trained eye under 10X magnification. Excellent quality.
VS1, VS2	Very Slightly Included: Small inclusions visible with 10X magnification. Not typically visible to the unaided eye.
SI1, SI2	Slightly Included: Varying degrees of small inclusions visible with 10X magnification. A good value.
I1, I2, I3	Included: Flaws may be visible to the naked eye in larger stones.

CARAT WEIGHT:
Carat weight is the term that people are most familiar with. Carat is a measure of the diamond's weight and may not reflect its size. To understand its size, you need to consider the distance across the top of the diamond measured in millimetres and the cut grade. One carat equals 1/5 of a gram, or 1/142 of an ounce. Each carat is divided into 100 points, so a 3/4 carat diamond can also be said to weigh 75 points or .75 carat. As the weight increases, the rarity increases dramatically… and so does its value.

Choker: 12 to 13 inches in length Choker necklaces are made up of one to three or more strands and lie snugly in the middle of your neck. This luxurious look is very Victorian and goes best with off-the-shoulder or elegant V-neck fashions. Collar: 14 to 16 inches in length A classic length that accents virtually any outfit and compliments all necklines. This is the most versatile of all single strand lengths. Princess: 17 to 19 inches in length The princess length necklace is best suited for crew and high necklines. It also compliments low plunging necklines. It's perfect support for a pendant or enhancer. Matinee: 20 to 24 inches in length Longer than the princess, and just a bit shorter than an opera length, the matinee necklace is the right choice for casual or business dressing. Opera: 28 to 34 inches in length The opera necklace is the queen of all lengths. When worn as a single strand, it is refined and perfect for high or crew necklines. When doubled upon itself, it serves as a versatile two strand collar. Rope: 40 inches and over in length Dripping with elegance the rope necklace was a favourite of Coco Chanel. Wrap it to create multi-strand necklaces and bracelets or double it around your waist for a slimming effect.