Discover the 4 C's

Every diamond is unique, no two diamonds are the same. Therefore, there are universal standards for the identification of a diamond.

The quality and value of a diamond are defined according to 4 C's: cut, color, clarity and carat.

Cut

The cut refers not only to the shape of the diamond, but also to the proportions, symmetry and polish of the diamond.

The diamond cut has 3 primary effects on the appearance of the diamond:

• Brilliance: or brightness of the diamond
• Fire: Or the dispersion of light into colors
• Sparkle: When the diamond is moved

The cut of a diamond is decisive for its beauty. The cut is divided into 5 classes:

• Proportions: Table, width and height of the diamond
• Symmetrical facets: " the windows ", " the mirrors " and " the diamond steps "
• Scintillation: The sparkle of the diamond
• Finishing : Polishing the diamond
• Brilliance: Reflections of light

Each class is rated according to 5 parameters: excellent, very good, good, medium and low.

• Excellent: The best diamond cut. Maximum fire and maximum brilliance. Reflects almost all the light that penetrates the diamond and creates an extraordinary brilliance and life.
• Very good reflects most of the light that enters the diamond, creating superior fire and brilliance. Under normal lighting conditions appears very similar to the excellent cut.
• Good: reflects most of the light that enters the diamond for an above-average appearance. A good value compared to higher cuts.
• Medium: Allows much of the light that enters the diamond to escape from the sides or bottom, reducing the perceived fire and brilliance. More acceptable in diamonds of less than 0.75 carats, as differences in brilliance are more difficult to perceive.
• Low: Most of the light that enters the diamond can escape from the sides or the bottom. The diamond may appear noticeably dull and lifeless, even to an untrained eye.

If the diamond is not cut well, it will not sparkle as it should. A perfect cut equals more sparkle and fire with an even pattern of light and dark facets.

Diamonds can be cut in several shapes, but the most popular cut is the round cut known as "brilliant". The stone then has 57 facets, which reflect the light to maximum effect and create a radiant brilliance.

The diamond cut also refers to the shape of the diamond.

"Cut " means how well the diamond is cut, while " shape " is the form in which it was cut.

Various forms:

Farbe / Color

Diamonds can have different colors. They are classified according to international standards, from the whitest, which are considered " colorless" (d) , to a diamond that is slightly yellow (z) . The whitest stones are between the letters D to G.

A perfect diamond has no color at all(D-color, exceptional white +). Diamonds are also available in unusual colors: from brownish to yellow, pink, purple, red, blue and green.

There is also a grading scale for fluorescence, as some diamonds react to UV light, ranging from zero, light, medium to strong.

 CLARITY / Purity

Diamonds are natural minerals that may have imperfections. Clarity refers to the purity of the diamonds.

The clarity scale reflects the size, number and position of these properties when examined with a 10x loupe. To understand Diamond Clarity, we must first understand how diamonds are created. Natural diamonds are the result of carbon being subjected to tremendous heat and pressure deep within the earth. This process can result in a variety of internal properties known as " inclusions " and external properties known as " blemishes ".

A diamond that has absolutely no flaws is classified as "LC" (flawless) or "FL" (flawless).

Diamonds that have no inclusions visible to the naked eye are of excellent quality. Diamonds with inclusions and difficult to see with a loupe are classified as "VVS" for ("very, very light inclusions") classified. The next classification on the scale is: "VS" ("very small inclusions"). Applies to diamonds that have flaws that can be seen with a magnifying glass, not the naked eye. A diamond is classified as "Si" ("Small Inclusion") when the imperfections are visible to a trained eye. And finally, a diamond is classified as "P" ("Piqué") or "i" (included), when defects are visible to the naked eye.

• Flawless (FL): No inclusions and no blemishes visible at 10x magnification.
• Internally Flawless ( IF): No inclusions visible at 10x magnification.
• Very, very, slightly inclusions ( VVS1 and VVS2): Inclusions so small that they are difficult for an expert to see at 10x magnification.
• Very slight inclusions ( VS1 and VS2): Inclusions are seen at 10x magnification, but can be characterized as minor.
• Slight inclusions (S1 and S2): Inclusions are visible at 10x magnification.
• Clear inclusions (I1, I2 and I3) or pique (P1, P2 and P3) : Inclusions are clearly visible at 10x magnification and can affect transparency and brilliance.

Carat / the weight

The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats.

One carat corresponds to 0.2 grams or 100 points (equivalent to 200 milligrams).

One carat therefore corresponds to the historical weight of a grain of 0.2 grams. There is another degree of measurement for the smallest stones: the point. This corresponds to 0.01 carat.

A diamond is not only valued by carat alone, but two diamonds with the same carat weight can have very different values depending on their cut, clarity and color.

Diamond certification:

• IGI certificate: International Gemological Institute
• HRD certificate: Hoge Raad Voor Diamant Antwerpen
• GIA certificate: Gemological Institute of Americaa