Diamond Characteristics
The 4 C's | Carat Weight, Color, Clarity, & Cut
The Characteristics
The four factors that describe a diamond are called the 4C's: Carat Weight, Color, Clarity, and Cut (proportions & finish).
Every diamond is a unique – just like every person. An unlimited combination of factors determines a diamond's beauty, but fundamentally, its appearance results from how light reflects and refracts inside the diamond and exits out of the top. It’s why some diamonds sparkle and shine while others that appear almost identical on paper look dull and gray in person. So, while understanding the 4C’s will help you guess what a diamond might look like, there's no substitute for seeing a diamond in person.
Carat Weight
Carat weight refers to the size of the diamond. Based on a standard unit of measure, one carat is divided into 100 points. The term originated from carob seeds used to balance scales in ancient times. Carat weight can be deceiving since it is only indirectly associated with how large the diamond looks.
When the weight of a diamond is not distributed properly, it affects the beauty of the stone. This is why 2 one carat stones that look about the same on paper can look dramatically different in person.
Color
The most desirable diamonds are colorless because the absence of color enhances the diamond's ability to reflect a rainbow of colors. Diamonds are graded on a scale of D (almost clear white) to N-Z. The most common diamond colors range from F to I color. In general, the closer the color grade is to D, the more expensive the diamond will be.
Clarity
Except for flawless diamonds (rare), all diamonds contain slight imperfections. Often invisible to the naked eye, these natural birthmarks fall into two categories-inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external). In general, fewer inclusions increase the value of the stone.
Cut
Cut gives the diamond its sparkle and brilliance. Of the four C's, it's the only one dependent on a human touch. Using precise mathematical formulas, the diamond cutter transforms a rough diamond into a beautiful jewel that reflects and refracts light. Diamond cuts are graded on a scale from excellent to poor.
Learn more about the 4 C's and how diamonds are graded on the GIA website.
Diamonds at K. Hollis Jewelers
As with everything at K. Hollis Jewelers - no games or gimmicks. Just great service and value.
We carry a great selection of loose diamonds, but we know we cannot carry the perfect diamond for every customer. So if we don't have the perfect diamond in stock, we'll have it in the store in 48 hours or less for you to see and experience in person - no down payment or obligation to buy.
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