The 4 C's

Every diamond is unique, and the best way to appreciate the difference is by understanding the 4Cs. Within each of the 4Cs, diamonds are graded according to quality or size. The most rare diamonds, and therefore the most valuable, are those of exceptional size that were formed without any trace of color or impurity. Before you shop, and certainly before you buy, learn the 4C's: Carat, Clarity, Color and Cut.

CARAT

A carat is the universal measure of weight for a diamond. It's the easiest of the 4C's to determine, but two diamonds of equal size can have very different values, because the quality is still determined by the color, clarity and cut. Larger diamonds are not easily found, therefore they are rare. Fewer than one percent of men and women will ever own a diamond weighing one or more carats.

CLARITY

Clarity is an indication of a diamond's purity. In all diamonds, except the most rare, tiny traces of minerals, gasses, or other elements become trapped inside during the crystallization process. These are called inclusions, but are more like birthmarks. They may look like tiny crystals or clouds and they're what make each diamond different and unique. The clarity of a diamond is graded by the number of inclusions it may have, and how large and how visible the inclusions. The fewer and smaller the inclusions, the more rare and valuable the diamond. Less than 1% of all diamonds found have no inclusions and can be termed flawless (FL) or internally flawless (IF). The larger, more visible and frequently occurring an inclusion, the lower the grade and less rare the diamond. Diamonds with inclusions visible to the naked eye are graded I1 to I3.

COLOR

While many diamonds appear colorless, or white, they may actually have subtle yellow or brown tones that can be detected when comparing diamonds side by side. Diamonds are formed under intense heat and pressure, and traces of other elements may have been incorporated into their atomic structure which accounts for variances in color. Diamond color grades start at D and continue through the alphabet. Truly colorless stones, graded D, are extremely rare and very valuable. The closer a diamond to being colorless, the rarer and more valuable it is. A single change in color grade can significantly affect a diamond's value. Although the presence of color makes a diamond less rare and valuable, some diamonds come out of the ground in vivid "fancy" colors such as well-defined reds, blues, pinks, greens and bright yellows. These are highly prized and extremely rare.

COLOR GRADING SCALE	CLARITY GRADING SCALE

CUT

Cut gives a diamond its unique sparkle and brilliance by allowing the maximum amount of light to enter and reflect back out of the diamond. While nature determines the previous 3 C's, only a master craftsman can release a diamond's fire and beauty in its cut. If the cut is too deep or too shallow, light will spill through the side or bottom and be lost, resulting in a less brilliant display and therefore, a less valuable diamond. Cut plays a big part in determining the value of a diamond. A well-cut diamond will be considerably more beautiful and valuable than a poorly cut stone of the same size, clarity and color. Each "C" is important in contributing to a diamond's quality, but it is the combination of all four that determines its value. Strive for a stone that offers the best combination of the 4C's.

It is best to educate yourself when shopping for a diamond. We at Fuller's Jewelry can show you the differences in side-by-side comparisons. Let us help guide you to a diamond that you will be proud of and that will only gain in value.