Buying a diamond…the 4 C's

We at the Asian Bridal Directory understand that purchasing an engagement ring is not an everyday purchase, and whether you decide to surprise your intended or buy the ring with her, you need to know what to look for.

The value of a diamond is determined by what are commonly known as the 4 C's, Carat, Colour, Clarity and Cut. Buying a

Carat
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. The larger the weight of the diamond the greater its value. However two diamonds weighing the same will not necessarily be worth the same amount. The value of a diamond is not only determined by its weight but also its cut, colour and clarity.

Cut
The cut is the only one of the 4 C's that is not determined by nature, but the skill of the craftsman, in cutting the diamond. This is what determines the brilliance and sparkle that the stone will radiate.

A well proportioned diamond will allow the optimum reflection of light. In order to achieve this much of the rough stone is sacrificed, thus leaving a smaller stone. It is not uncommon for a cutter to forego proportions, for size and more profit.

Colour
To the majority of people a diamond will seem to be clear or colourless. However, on closer inspection you will notice shades of yellow or brown. The less coloured a diamond the greater its value; the most valuable being clear.

Diamonds are given a colour scale which ranges from D to Z, D being colourless and Z light yellow. It is very difficult to differentiate a colourless diamond, D-F, and near colourless, G-H, when viewing the stone with the naked eye.

Clarity
A diamond is graded by the number of inclusions it has. These are marks made by nature and thus a commonly referred to as its 'fingerprint', appearing in the form of feathers and clouds. The fewer inclusions a diamond has, the greater its value.

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