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The Four C's of Diamond
There are many characteristics that control a diamond's
appearance and durability. Four important factors are often
lumped together and called the Four Cs: diamond
color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Each of those topics
is important on its own, but it's up to you to combine them
in different ways to find a diamond that suits your style,
your needs and your budget.
Diamond Color
A diamond's color can be natural or it can be altered by
treatments. Diamond color can be affected by fluorescence--a
characteristic that makes diamonds shift color in different
lights. There are several topics to explore to begin
understanding diamond color.
Diamond Clarity
A perfect diamond with perfect clarity--or clearness--is
rare.
Most flaws that exist in jewelry grade diamonds cannot be
seen without looking at gemstones through a jeweler's
magnifying loupe. Become familiar with diamond clarity and
the terms associated with it so that you can ask the right
questions--and understand the answers--when you shop for a
diamond.
Diamond Cut
Did you know that a diamond's cut does not refer to its
shape? When gemologists say "cut," they are talking about a
gemstone's proportions--its depth and width and the
uniformity of its facets--all characteristics that control
brilliance, durability and other qualities we look for in a
diamond.
Diamond Carat Weight
Carat weight affects a diamond's appearance and its price,
making it a characteristic you should definitely understand
before you buy a diamond.
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