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11 October, 2007

The 4Cs of diamonds

Hey ladies, this post is dedicated to you who adore diamonds and if you don't, it's still good knowledge here! Diamonds are graded based on these four criteria: color, cut, clarity and carat. So take a brief look at what they mean:

1) Color is the result of the composition of a diamond and it does not change. When a jeweler is describing the color of a diamond they are referring to the presence or absence of color in white diamonds.

2) The Cut is probably the most important of the Four C's. Let's see why.

Cut refers to a diamonds reflective quality. Most diamonds are cut with 58 facets. The brilliance of diamonds is heavily dependent on the cut. The different angles and the finish of a diamond determine its ability to reflect light and cause its brilliance and fire.

Remember that the cut of a diamond can have an impact on its durability as well as its beauty. Some cutting faults can make a diamond prone to breakage. A diamond that is cut too thin can also cause light to leak out of the back and the diamond will lose some of the sparkle.

3) During the formation process, inner flaws, or inclusions occur in most diamonds. The number and size of these inclusions determine what is referred to as the clarity of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance and therefore are rarer and highly priced. To be considered flawless, a diamond must have no surface or internal imperfections.

4) Carat is the unit of weight by which diamonds are measured.

When you go to the store to make a diamond purchase, do not be shy! Ask questions, get the answers you need to make an informed purchase. Shopping for certified diamonds enables you to make an informed selection. Knowing the four Cs allows you to shop, compare and purchase the best diamond at a fair price. But, before making a purchase, shop around and decide what shapes and styles really appeal to you.

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