The 4 Cs of Diamonds: A Beginner's Guide
1. Cut:
The cut is the most important element when choosing a diamond. It determines a diamond's proportion, symmetry, and polish. The right cut will bring out the diamond's sparkle and scintillation. The better the cut, the more likely your diamond will sparkle brightly and appear stunning.
Jeweler's Secret:
Invest in the cut. It's the greatest diamond hack (not known by many). A well-cut diamond can make color and clarity appear better than they actually are.
2. Clarity:
Do you know what makes a diamond sparkle? When the light passes through a diamond, it bounces back, making it sparkle. Not every diamond is perfect, some have minor blemishes or spots known as imperfections. A diamond that has a lot of imperfections makes it difficult for the light to pass through, thereby reducing the sparkle. Still don't get it? In simpler words, Lesser imperfection and inclusions = Better clarity
Jeweler's Secret:
If you're buying a diamond under a carat, don't worry about the spots or flaws because they're not noticeable to the untrained eye. It's preferable to invest in the cut and shine!
3. Color:
Interestingly, the perfect color for a diamond is 'colorless'. The colors vary from colorless (D) to light yellow (Z). The color variation between diamonds in the same color family is quite minor to the untrained eye. Nonetheless, they make a difference in the value and the quality of the diamond. The bottom line, colorless diamonds are the most valuable!
Jeweler's Secret:
Something to keep in mind if you're going for a two-carat or larger stone is that the bigger the diamond, the more noticeable its color becomes. If your diamond has a slight yellow color, pairing it with a white gold or platinum band can make it look brighter and more balanced
4. Carat:
The diamond's weight decides its carat. Any two diamonds with the same carat will differ in value based on the other 3 C's you choose. The perfect carat size comes down to two things: the look you're going for and how much you're willing to spend.
Jeweler's Secret:
Picking a 0.90 carat over a 1 carat diamond will save you a lot of money!
Shape
A diamond's shape is simply how it looks from the top, and it also affects the price. Round diamonds are the most expensive because they reflect light beautifully and shine the brightest. While the shape is a personal choice, if you're going for a diamond over 1 carat, we'd suggest a princess, cushion, or heart cut for a stunning look!
Diamond Grading
Halo enhances the center stone, making it look bigger while also offering extra protection. If you're looking for something stylish yet more affordable, cushion and emerald cuts are great options that catch the eye. When choosing a diamond, always go for an 'excellent' or 'ideal' cut to get the best sparkle. While round diamonds are the most expensive, they do an amazing job of hiding imperfections and any yellowish tint.
Certification
Think of certification as your diamond's birth certificate, proving its quality and authenticity. Every solitaire diamond we offer is carefully examined and graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Hoge Raadvoor Diamant (HRD), and the International Gemological Institute (IGI), the world's most renowned and trusted diamond grading laboratories.
Diamond Care Guide
(a.) Clean your diamond jewelry once a week by soaking it in warm, soapy water and gently brushing off any dirt to keep it sparkling.
(b.) Take off your diamonds before swimming or doing chores to prevent buildup that can dull their shine.
(c.) Store each piece separately to avoid scratches and keep your jewelry looking its best.