This is the first information you want to have before starting to look for a diamond, as it is the four C's characteristics taken together that determine the value of a diamond. They are actually called value factors and it's maybe interesting to know that these four basic characteristics apply to both diamonds and colored gemstones.
Factors for Describing and Classifying Diamonds
- the cut of a diamond directly affects its brilliance
- color — there are colorless diamonds (the less coloring diamonds have, the more rare, therefore the more valuable) and fancy colored diamonds (these ones are rarer, more valuable).
- clarity — is graded based on the number of inclusions found in a diamond. Diamonds totally free from internal flaws, or inclusions, are extremely rare and very highly valued.
- carat — the weight of a diamond is measured in carats. Larger diamonds are rarer, so the value tends to rise exponentially with carat weight.
Color, Clarity and Carat weight are natural qualities, but the Cut is directly influenced by the diamond cutter. Color can also be artificially induced.
When looking for the best diamond for your budget, the first and most important thing to achieve is understanding diamonds value factors. The final result is based on balancing and “compromising” between grades, to select the ideal combination of diamond carat, color, clarity, and cut.
Certified diamonds take the mystery out of determining the accurate value factor grading. With the diamond certificate it is easy to choose from the combination of these value factor grades.
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