The Four C's of Diamonds

The Four C’s are commonly known qualities that determine the value of a diamond. A larger stone with high clarity, bright color, and large carat has greater value than a smaller, cloudy counterpart. Primarily though, a diamond’s beauty depends on its cut. Cutting the diamond reveals its lustrous sparkle, known in the trade as brilliance. Universal grading systems for carat, clarity and color have been established in the diamond industry for years, but only recently have efforts been made to officially rate a diamond’s cut. In order to reveal the brilliance of a diamond, the stone must be cut in such a way that light enters through the top facet, reflects off of the side facets, and escapes out the top again. Seven individual shapes are the most popular ways in which to cut a diamond.

The round brilliant is the most commonly purchased diamond.
The oval is an adaptation of the round brilliant diamond. Its elongated shape causes the oval to appear larger than a round stone of the same carat weight.
The marquise has the same curves as an oval diamond, but its top and bottom end in narrow points.
The heart shape is a familiar example of the class of cuts known as fancy shapes. Each heart-shaped diamond is a pear with a divot cut into its wide top. Although the heart may seem simple to create, such cuts are deceptively difficult.
The emerald cut diamond is rectangular. Rather than sharp corners, the emerald has small oblong facets that connect its sides.
The pear shape is wide at its bottom and sharply angular at its top. In French, the pear shape is called "pendaloque," a term related to the English “pendant.”
The Princess or Radiant shapes are modifications based on the traditional emerald diamond, but their sides have been cut to generate even greater brilliance.

Different diamonds have distinctive characteristics that may make one stone more desirable as opposed to another. Elongated shapes, such as the oval, marquise or pear, create the illusion of longer fingers. The quality of a heart cut diamond depends on the skill of its diamond cutter. Be certain that the cleft at the top of the stone has an even shape and a well-defined outline. Hands with long, elegant fingers best suit the princess cut, a square with many sparkling facets that has become a popular choice for solitaire engagement rings. Carefully selecting the correct diamond will enhance the value of your investment.