1st C: Carat
Carat is the weight of a diamond. We use carat actually to express the weight of all gemstones. Carat comes from the French word Carob. Carobs are the seeds of the fruit of the carob tree. These seeds are distributed very evenly and universal weight. On seed weighs on average 0.2 grams. Carat indicates the weight of a diamond. But to make it easier for customers and dealers, the carats are divided into points. One carat is 0.2 grams and 100 points. Half a carat is 50 points and weighs 0.1 grams. A quarter carat is 0.05 grams and thus consists of 25 points, and so on. This point system makes it easier and clearer for both the seller and the buyer. The density of a diamond – the specific weight – is 3.2 gram per square centimeter.
2nd C: Colour
The color of a diamond is determined by using verification stones. These are diamonds in all different colors and gradations. Usually goes: the less color, the more valuable the diamond is. However, it is not like yellow(ish) colors are worthless. An example is a yellow stone that was recently sold at an auction for 8 million euros. Quite something for a polluted stone don’t you think? Below is a scale with the current and old names, that explains how a diamond is graded based on color and the absence of it. The closer to the start of the alphabet, the purer the stone.
3rd C: Clarity
A natural diamond is rarely without imperfections. It is a hallmark of Mother Nature to show that nothing is perfect. To evaluate a diamond’s clarity, we use a 10x magnifying glass. This is the tool everyone uses to have unity in the outcome. Under a microscope, you will always see impurities.
4th C: Cut
The Cut, or shape of a diamond is important to determine the quality of the polished diamond. The shape a diamond will become depends on the diamond quality and the amount of material loss in the process from rough to polished. A good diamond worker can cut a diamond in almost every shape imaginable. However, it is important that the cutter keeps the way the light reflects in mind. There are several preferred cuts: the brilliant, emerald, princess, marquise, pear, heart, oval, cushion, Asscher and baguette.