A History of Jewelry

The 4C's of Diamonds

The value of a diamond is determined by its Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat, also known as the classic "Four C's". Understanding such criteria as diamond grading reports, and the factors effecting a diamond's cost will help the buyer make a confident and sound decision when making a purchase. Cut - Color - Clarity - Carat

  COLOR
The color scale is used to evaluate a diamond's internal tint, as well as playing a significant role in determining its price, colorless diamonds being the most desirable of course. Color is best evaluated in natural light, as high intensity artificial lighting can make the diamond appear to be of a better color grade than it actually is. Diamonds should also be examined for fluorescence, as blue photoluminescence will also make the diamond appear to be of a better color grade.

  GIA Color Grades:

(D-F) Colorless - tint nearly undetectable to unaided, trained eye even when compared to white standard.

(G-H) Near Colorless - tint almost undetectable to the trained eye, but apparent when compared to white standard.

(I-J) Near Colorless - trace of tint just detectable to the trained eye, but noticeably apparent when compared to white standard.

(K-M) Faint Yellow to Faint Brown - tint apparent to the trained eye and readily apparent when compared to white standard.

(N-R) Very Light Yellow to Very Light Brown - tint is easily apparent to the unaided, trained eye.

(S-Z) Light Yellow to Light Brown - tint is obvious to the unaided, trained eye.

Diamond prices increase significantly as the color scale ascends towards colorless. While "J" color or better diamonds are well presented in either white gold or yellow gold settings, the surfaces of some yellow gold settings may be spot-plated with rhodium (a silver or "white" colored metal six times more costly than gold) to enhance the stone's sparkling appearance. The near colorless grades, "G-J," are generally accepted as providing the best compromise between cost and appearance. Stones rated "N" (very light yellow or brown) or lower are frequently set in yellow gold settings and referred to as "Champagne" diamonds.

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COLOR The color scale is used to evaluate a diamond's internal tint, as well as playing a significant role in determining its price, colorless diamonds being the most desirable of course. Color is best evaluated in natural light, as high intensity artificial lighting can make the diamond appear to be of a better color grade than it actually is. Diamonds should also be examined for fluorescence, as blue photoluminescence will also make the diamond appear to be of a better color grade.

GIA Color Grades: (D-F) Colorless - tint nearly undetectable to unaided, trained eye even when compared to white standard. (G-H) Near Colorless - tint almost undetectable to the trained eye, but apparent when compared to white standard. (I-J) Near Colorless - trace of tint just detectable to the trained eye, but noticeably apparent when compared to white standard. (K-M) Faint Yellow to Faint Brown - tint apparent to the trained eye and readily apparent when compared to white standard. (N-R) Very Light Yellow to Very Light Brown - tint is easily apparent to the unaided, trained eye. (S-Z) Light Yellow to Light Brown - tint is obvious to the unaided, trained eye. Diamond prices increase significantly as the color scale ascends towards colorless. While "J" color or better diamonds are well presented in either white gold or yellow gold settings, the surfaces of some yellow gold settings may be spot-plated with rhodium (a silver or "white" colored metal six times more costly than gold) to enhance the stone's sparkling appearance. The near colorless grades, "G-J," are generally accepted as providing the best compromise between cost and appearance. Stones rated "N" (very light yellow or brown) or lower are frequently set in yellow gold settings and referred to as "Champagne" diamonds.