The 4 C’s Diamonds
The 4-C’s determine the value of a diamond. The combination of cut, carat, color, and clarity together make every diamond unique.
Our exclusive 4-C’s Tour guides you through the 4-C’s, providing the full story on each characteristic. You’ll understand what makes diamonds rare and valuable, and know how to select a diamond that is right for you.
Diamond Cut
Cut is not the same as shape, but rather refers to the way the facets, or flat surfaces, are angled. The cut reveals the life and the beauty of the diamond, unlocking the light reflected from within the stone. Exceptional brilliance results from an exceptional cut.
Cut a stone too deep or too shallow, and light is reflected out the sides and is lost through the bottom, resulting in a dull look. Cut a stone perfectly, and light reflects back out the top, making it sparkle.
Related to cut is shape. Classic diamond shapes have evolved to provide the most beautiful finished stones from a variety of differently shaped “rough” rocks. The skill of the cutter is revealed in how he (yes, they are almost all men) picks a shape to flatter the inner soul of the stone.
Of all the four “C’s”, cut is the most difficult to quantify, to assess. Only years of experience can teach you whether the cut of a stone truly maximizes the inner potential of the diamond. Sophil’s many years of experience in the diamond trade lets us pick only those stones with exceptional cuts. The most sought after ,
”APPEAL FACTOR ”
Sophil has access to all shapes of diamonds. Please call us with any requests.
Diamond Carats
Carat refers to weight. Each carat weighs only 0.2 grams. The larger the diamond, the more difficult to find in its natural state.
Price reflects rarity value, not just carat weight. Price increases faster than size; doubling the carat weight more than doubles the price. To find a top quality, one carat diamond, one might have to move 100,000 tons of ore!
The table above illustrates carat weight as related to diamond sizes.
Diamond Color
All diamonds are rated on a color scale established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), ranging from colorless to light yellow. Diamonds are compared to reference or “master” stones. The whiter the diamond, the rarer and more expensive.
D – is colorless, extremely rare, extremely valuable.
E – F are extremely high quality and very clear.
G – H – I represent the midrange of colors and typically represent good value.
J – K have a light yellow tint.
L – M have a beautiful light yellow color.
Ask for one of five colors:
D – F – H – J – L
This gives you a wide range of colors to choose from. If your desires include a diamond with a different color rating, please call for information. We can certainly help you find one.
In addition to traditional “white” or “colorless” diamonds, “fancy” color diamonds come in a variety of colors: yellow, orange, pink, blue, green, and even red! Red is the rarest fancy color of all. Intensely colored fancy diamonds can be much more valuable than the whitest diamond. They are rated light, fancy, intense, and vivid. We at Sophil have considerable experience with fancy diamonds, and would love to help you learn more about them.
Diamond Clarity
All diamonds are rated on a very strict clarity scale established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Ratings range from flawless (FL) to imperfect (I). Diamonds are examined and rated at 10X magnification.
All but the rarest diamonds reveal inclusions. These natural marks give the diamond personality and uniqueness. The fewer natural marks, the more expensive the stone.
As a rule of thumb, if you can see an inclusion with your unaided eye, it is probably I1 or lower. If not, it can be SI2 or better.
FL Flawless
IF Internally Flawless
VVS1 – VVS2 Very Very Small Inclusions
VS1 – VS2 Very Small Inclusions
SI1 – SI2 – SI3 Small Inclusions
I1 – I2 – I3 Inclusions
We provide pricing for IF, VS1, SI2, and I1 rated diamonds. These represent commonly available grades in a range of prices. We have access to diamonds of all clarity ratings. Please call us with any additional requests.