The 4cs

Posted by Kayla Bray on 26th Sep 2024

The 4cs

The 4's C's of diamond classification are: color, carat weight, clarity, and cut. Together, the 4 C's determine a diamond's cost and value. It's essential to understand the 4 C's because each C speaks differently to your individual preferences and budget. The 4 C's will help you understand the value of your purchase so you can get the most out of your budget. Using our four generations of expertise, we've pared this information down to what you need to know to find the best value.

COLOR

While diamonds come in every color of the spectrum, the most valuable diamonds are colorless. Truly colorless diamonds are extremely rare to find while mining; as a result, they're very expensive. Diamonds are graded on a standard color scale established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Diamonds range from D (colorless) to Z (yellow). The further down in the alphabet the diamond is, the more yellow it appears. Color can best be determined by looking at a loose diamond on a pure white surface, and by noting its contrast to other stones.

AFFORDABILITY FACTOR

All My Trio Rings diamonds are near colorless, in the G, H and I range, and set to optimize light reflection. Though colorless diamonds are held up as the ideal, the truth is that G, H and I diamonds appear colorless to the naked eye. Unless you plan to grade your stones against white paper, you won't be able to notice a distinguishable color for diamonds in the G-I range. Your budget will stretch much further if you shop in the near colorless range (G-I), vs. colorless (D-F).

CARAT

Some people believe that carat refers to the size of a diamond while in actuality; carat is the term used to measure a diamond's physical weight. The larger the diamond of a particular quality, the harder it is to find while mining and the greater its rarity. Because larger diamonds of a particular grade are rarer, they generally have a greater value and cost per carat. How big is a carat? A carat is equal to 200 milligrams, and there are 142 carats to an ounce. 1 carat diamond = 0.200 Grams. Some household items which have a weight in a similar range are a hair bobby pin, Q-Tip, peppercorn, or standard office staple. While carat refers to the physical weight of a stone, you will find that a well cut stone will have a common diameter which can be compared to a standard dime.

AFFORDABILITY FACTOR

By replacing one larger solitaire stone with an elegant multi-stone cluster design, we offer rings with a much bigger look (and often higher carat weight) but without the higher price!

CLARITY

Internal imperfections and external irregularities affect the clarity of the diamond by interfering with the passage of light throughout the stone. Imperfections such as spots, lines, or bubbles are known as inclusions. The diamond is more valuable when it has fewer inclusions. According to the GIA's quality analysis system, clarity is graded on a scale ranging from flawless (FL or IF) to imperfect (I). The system is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x.

AFFORDABILITY FACTOR

My Trio Rings offers diamonds with clarity ranging from SI1-SI2 to I1-I2; they have some inclusions but they're not usually noticeable to the naked eye. There is a huge variation in quality available in these grades; we select diamonds that have the best clarity and sparkle in an affordable price range (for example, those with inclusions located on the side of a stone, where they're much less visible than in the center). You don't need to pay exponentially more on a higher clarity diamond just because it looks better under a magnifying glass.

CUT

Each diamond is cut using an exact mathematical formula to unleash its maximum brilliance and fire. The cut can also refer to the number of facets, or flat faces that the diamond has. The most common cut is the round brilliant which has 58 flat, polished facets that reflect the most possible light. The mathematical formula also takes into account the depth of the cut. If a diamond is cut too shallow or too deep it will lose some of its "fire" or "life." A well-cut diamond will reflect the light and refract it back to your eye. Cut is not to be confused with shape.

AFFORDABILITY FACTOR

A skillful cut emphasizes a diamond's assets, while minimizing flaws. The diamond cutters at My Trio Rings work meticulously to let the most light shine through each stone, and to keep any imperfections imperceptible to the naked eye.