The 4 C’s

Every diamond is unique, with specific characteristics that determine the value of the stone. To determine the value of a diamond, we use various value factors, also known as the “4 Cs” – Carat Weight, Clarity, Color and Cut.

Carat

What does carat mean?

The weight of gemstones and thus diamonds is expressed in carats. A carat is divided into 100 ‘points’. The weight of stones above a carat is usually given in carats, while stones below a carat are usually given in ‘points’. The value of a diamond increases with carat weight because a larger diamond is rarer than a smaller diamond. This is why a diamond of one carat is generally more valuable than four diamonds of 0.25 carat of the same quality.

Color

The colour of the diamond

Diamonds come in all shades, but most diamonds in jewelry range from colorless to almost colorless. For a long time, the perfect diamond was considered to be completely colorless. A colorless diamond is rarer than a light yellowish diamond and is also the most sought-after color for engagement rings and jewelry. Therefore, a colorless diamond is usually more expensive than a yellowish diamond.

Keep in mind that a diamond with a slight shade of color (E and lower) can also have hints of brown or green undertones. This is not desirable and is not indicated on the certificate. Always ask your jeweler about this before making a purchase to ensure you are getting a high-quality diamond.

Clarity

What is diamond clarity?

Diamonds usually contain internal or external inclusions, or both. Common inclusions in diamonds are uncrystallized carbon (graphite), crystals, or cleavages in the crystal. Inclusions can usually be divided into two groups: white inclusions and black inclusions. Black inclusions are typically easier to spot with the naked eye, while white inclusions can affect the strength and durability of the diamond. The certificate usually provides information about what inclusions your diamond has and where they are located.

When assessing clarity, four factors are considered: size of the enclosure, position, contrast and number of reflections. A diamond with many inclusions is naturally more delicate than a flawless diamond. The more inclusions a diamond has, the more difficult it will be for the light to bounce through the stone and reflect the desired brilliance.

Cut

How important is the cut of diamonds?

The color and clarity of the diamond refer to the characteristics of the natural and raw diamond. In contrast, when it comes to judging the cut, it is the craftsmanship of the diamond cutter that is evaluated. Only a combination of perfect proportions, symmetry and polish achieves maximum refraction and brilliance in gemstones. The cut is often referred to as the most important “C” because this is what gives brilliance – the most sought-after quality when buying a diamond.

The cut is therefore more important for the appearance of the diamond than the other C’s. A diamond of top quality (D/Flawless) – but with poor proportions – will be less attractive than a diamond with poorer color and clarity, but with a perfect cut. The standard rating for a diamond from A.P. Shaps is Excellent in terms of cut, polish and symmetry, which is the highest and most sought-after rating.

Grading system:
Excellent – Very Good – Good – Fair – Poor

Frequently asked questions

A.P. Shaps believes that the Cut is the most important factor when it comes to the brilliance of a diamond. The cut ensures that the light can be optimally refracted, providing maximum brilliance from your diamond. However, it is important to find a good balance between the 4 C’s in order to get a truly beautiful and high-quality diamond.

To get a more accurate valuation of diamonds, there are other factors to consider, in addition to the 4 C’s. These factors provide more detailed information about the visual appearance of the diamond and significantly affect the price. Factors such as polish, symmetry, fluorescence, luster, BGM, and bowtie effect play an important role in the overall quality and appearance of a diamond, and can therefore make a big difference in price, even if two diamonds have the same 4 C’s.

A diamond with poor clarity has several inclusions, which affect both the diamond’s general appearance and the light’s chance of refraction. Even if the diamond is “eye-clean” (i.e., the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye), these internal defects can still affect the diamond’s overall light reflection and appearance.

Our standard quality for jewelry is D-E/F-G in color and VS in clarity. This high quality ensures that our jewelry is of exceptional brilliance and durability. For jewelry where the customer can choose a diamond, we offer diamonds in color D-H and clarity FL-SI1.

Yes, we allow our customers to choose the quality of diamonds they prefer, if they so wish, but with certain standards. Our diamonds are always graded as Excellent in cut, polish, symmetry and luster.

You can choose the color (D-H), clarity (FL-SI1), and fluorescence (None-Medium).

Yes, it is important because different diamond institutes may assess their diamonds differently. The GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) is known for having the strictest standards, which is why all diamonds sold by A.P. Shaps that weigh over 0.30 carats have a diamond certificate issued by the GIA.

Beyond the 4 C’s

HIGH QUALITY DIAMONDS

To gain a more accurate value of diamonds, there are other factors to keep in mind in addition to the 4 C:s. These factors provide more detailed information about the diamond’s visual appearance and significantly affect the price. Remember that if two diamonds with the same parameters differ in price it is always for a reason. There is no such thing as a cheap, high quality diamond.

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