How Do the 4Cs Influence a Diamond’s Grading and Value?

Diamonds are assessed based on four major characteristics: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. Each factor plays a role in how the diamond is evaluated and how much it costs.

Let us look into each of these factors in detail and understand how they affect a diamond’s quality and value.

Cut and Light Reflection

Cut refers to the way a diamond is shaped and faceted. It affects how well light reflects inside the diamond and how much it sparkles. The better the cut, the more light returns through the top, making it appear brighter.

The cut is graded as follows:

• Excellent


• Very Good


• Good


• Fair


• Poor

Diamonds with a higher cut grade appear more brilliant. If a diamond is cut too deep or too shallow, light escapes from the sides and the diamond looks dull. Among all 鑽石4c, the cut has the biggest impact on appearance.

Color and Transparency

Color refers to the presence of yellow or brown tint in a diamond. The grading scale starts from D (completely colorless) and ends at Z (noticeable color).

Here is a breakdown:

• D–F: Colorless


• G–J: Near Colorless


• K–M: Faint Yellow


• N–Z: Noticeable Tint

Colorless diamonds are usually valued higher. Even a small change in color grade can affect the price. A better cut can sometimes make a slightly tinted diamond appear whiter. Therefore, both color and cut should be considered together.

Clarity and Visual Flaws

Clarity measures how clean a diamond is from inside and outside. Internal marks are called inclusions, and surface marks are blemishes. These marks occur naturally when diamonds form.

Clarity grades include:

• Flawless (FL)


• Internally Flawless (IF)


• Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2)


• Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2)


• Slightly Included (SI1, SI2)


• Included (I1, I2, I3)

Most inclusions are not visible without magnification. Grades like VS1 or VS2 offer good value without visible flaws. If a diamond has many inclusions, it can affect how light travels through it and make it look cloudy. Within 鑽石4c, clarity is important for those who want a clean appearance.

Carat and Weight

Carat is the unit of weight for diamonds. One carat equals 200 milligrams. Higher carat diamonds cost more, but weight alone does not determine how good the diamond looks.

Two diamonds with the same carat weight can look different depending on cut and proportions. A shallow-cut diamond may appear larger but reflect less light. A well-cut diamond with slightly less weight may look brighter.

Price increases are not always proportional. For example, a 1.00-carat diamond may cost much more than a 0.90-carat diamond even if both look nearly the same in size.

Conclusion

The 鑽石4c—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat—form the standard for evaluating diamonds. Each factor contributes to both how the diamond looks and how much it is worth. Choosing a diamond involves checking all four factors, not just one. A diamond with balanced features often offers better value than one that focuses only on weight or size.