Diamond Classification: The 4 C's
Diamonds are classified into the four categories. Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat.
Cut:
This is the single most important factor of the four C’s. Quality of cut can affect a diamonds value by up to 50%. A precisely cut diamond will exhibit maximum brilliance and dispersion.
When a diamond is cut too deep or too shallow, light is lost as it travels though the diamond. The loss of brilliance and dispersion results in a less valuable jewel. Diamonds cut to AGS Ideal, and GIA Excellent standards, allow optimum light refraction and reflection.
Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds:
The precise proportions of the Canadian Ideal Cut is the standard by which all other diamonds are measured. Ideal Cut diamonds display maximum brilliance and scintillation.
Our Canadian diamonds are cut to exacting standards to allow maximum light refraction and reflection.
When a diamond is cut too deep light leaks out the bottom, brilliance is lost, and the center of the diamond appears dark.
When a diamond is cut too shallow light leaks out the bottom brilliance is lost and the center of the diamond appears watery, glassy and dark.
Canadian diamonds are finished using the optimum proportions of table size, crown height, girdle thickness and pavilion depth, providing the most dramatic fire and brilliance.
Color:
Diamonds are graded based on the amount of color present, according to the GIA D-Z Color Grading Scale. Based upon this industry standard color scale, most diamonds commonly available are actually not colorless at all; in fact, they are varying degrees of yellow or brown. In the normal color range colorless diamonds are the most valuable, with value decreasing according to the amount of color present.
Clarity:
Diamonds are graded based on the inclusions/clarity characteristics present, according to the GIA International Diamond Grading System. Based upon this industry standard clarity scale, diamonds are categorized according into five clarity grading factors: Size, nature, position, number, and relief.
Carat:
Diamonds are bought and sold by carat weight; One carat equals 100 points, or 0.2 grams. However weight is a poor indication of a diamonds face up size or 'spread'. A poorly cut diamond can often be as much as 20% smaller visually than a well cut diamond of the same weight. We believe that diamond weight and diamond beauty are not always linked.
Diamond Shapes:
