The Four Cs of Diamonds Grading

Mike Levine

Finding the perfect diamond engagement ring to suit your taste and budget can seem like an overwhelming task. Want to make your experience more pleasurable? Find an expert gemologist who can guide you effortlessly through the “4Cs” of diamond grading.

Cut: The more precise the cut, the more beautiful the diamond. Cut shouldn’t be confused with shape (round, princess, brilliant, etc.). The Gemological Institute of America offers an interesting video on the subject. 

Carat: This is the weight of the diamond. Brides’ magazine reports that the average diamond engagement ring size is one carat, although we often sell larger (and smaller) stones. They contrast their factoid to Kim Kardashian’s emerald-cut diamond (stolen in 2016) weighing in at 20 carats, with an estimated worth of $4.5 million. Yowza!

Clarity: All diamonds have imperfections. The smaller and fewer the imperfections, or “inclusions,” the higher the price you can expect to pay in most circumstances.

Color:  Diamonds actually range from colorless to light brown, with “fancy” varieties available in pink, blue and yellow, for instance.

Expert Advice… From the Experts
David Craig prides himself on a high level of knowledge and ethical standards that his customers won’t find with most online retailers. He’s received the equivalent of the Academy of Awards lifetime of achievement award when named an Emeritus Certified Gemologist Appraiser from the American Gem Society. Together with our team of trustworthy, experienced gem experts, we make diamond engagement ring shopping an easy and enjoyable experience.

We’ll help you find the perfect diamond and setting within your budget. If your dream ring isn’t here, we will work with you to design a unique masterpiece. We know diamonds!  Call us at 215-968-8900 if you’d like to set up an appointment in advance.

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