The 4 Cs of Diamonds
When it comes to colourless diamonds, the so called four Cs (Carat, Cut, Clarity, Colour) are the globally accepted standards for assessing the quality of a stone.
The Clarity
One of the basic features of diamonds that is assessed is their purity. Every naturally occurring diamond has inclusions. Some of them are so microscopic that they are impossible to see even under a microscope with magnification of several dozen times. These types of diamonds are the rarest and most valuable among colorless diamonds. The most commonly used cleanliness scale is the scale used by the GIA laboratory.
FL
Flawless
The purest diamond, without internal marks (inclusions) and external marks (blemishes).
IF
Internally Flawless
A diamond that has no inclusions.
VVS1 - VVS2
V. very slightly included
A diamond having very, very little impurities, difficult to see at 10x magnification.
VS1 - VS2
Very slightly included
A diamond with very fine inclusions. From difficult to quite easy to see at 10x magnification.
SI1 - SI2
Slightly included
A diamond with small inclusions. Easy to see at 10x magnification.
I1 - I2
Included
A diamond with noticeable inclusions, usually visible to the naked eye.
The Cut
The cut quality plays a significant role in assessing the value of colorless diamonds. In order to bring out the fire and brilliance from the stone the cut must be incredibly precise. The finish and the proportion of cut are assessed. An 'ideal cut' diamond is one that allows the maximum amount of light to return through the top of the diamond.
Ideal proportions of a brilliant (round) cut diamond.
Ideal cut
Too deep
Too shallow cut
There are also different diamond cut patterns (shapes). The most common and the most valued is the brilliant cut. Other popular shapes are cushion, princess, marquise or heart. In the case of fancy coloured diamonds, the shape does not matter. Due to the fact that these are very rare stones, the shape of the cut is selected so that the mass of the cut diamond is as large as possible.
The Carat (Weight)
The weight of a diamond is one of the most important parameters in judging a diamond's value. Both for colorless diamonds and those in fancy colors. The price for each diamond carat increases exponentially as larger diamonds are rarer and more desirable.
However, it should be remembered that weight is not the main determinant of a diamond's value. Two diamonds of equal weight can have very different values (and prices) depending on other three factors (clarity, cut and colour).
The Colour
The colour of a diamond is one of the most important parameters when evaluating colourless diamonds and undeniably the most important parameter when evaluating coloured diamonds. An international colour scale has been defined for colourless diamonds, starting with the letter D, which denotes colourlessness, and increases with increasing colour presence to the letter Z, which denotes diamonds with a yellow or brown colour. Diamonds are colour graded by comparing them with stones of known color under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions.
Off The Scale
The fewer colours in a diamond, the higher their value. The exception is of course fancy coloured diamonds - they go beyond the standard D-Z colour range. These are very rare stones that present a slim percentage of mined diamonds. And it is the colour that proves their value and the more saturated, the better.
Off The Scale
The fewer colours in a diamond, the higher their value. The exception is of course fancy coloured diamonds - they go beyond the standard D-Z colour range. These are very rare stones that present a very small percent of mined diamonds. And it is the colour that proves their value and the more saturated, the better.
The Fifth C - Certification
Additional thing to consider, crucial when shopping for a diamond. A diamond’s certification is essentially its total grading report and its proof of authenticity. A grading report from an independent laboratory can help confirm all of the characteristics of the diamond, and help verify that you are buying a natural diamond with authentic intrinsic value. Monamica's diamonds are always graded by one of the three most renowned gemology institutes in the world.
Ring Styles and Settings
Learn about different diamond ring settings and discover the silhouette that best captures your imagination. Choose a brave and modern style or go with the timeless classics.
Help of Diamond Experts
We can answer every question you may have regarding diamonds or jewellery. Customer satisfaction is always our number one priority.
Bespoke Jewellery
Create a one-of-a-kind jewellery inspired by your personal style. With our diamonds and the help of our designers, your dream piece can come to life.
