Diamond Four C's from Schmeg.com

   

When searching for that perfect diamond, it is necessary to be mindful of what to look for. The following is a brief description of "The Four C's" --cut, color, clarity, and carat wieght. These are the characteristics of a diamond that determine its beauty, value, and ultimately whether it is right for you.

To view explanation, select:      Cut      Color      Clarity      Carat Weight

Cut determines the fire and brilliance of a diamond.

In order to maximize this fire and brilliance, the diamond cutter must place the angles and uniformity of facets in exact geometric relation to one another. This determines the diamond's ability to handle light, which leads to brilliance

Color

The most important thing to know about the color grading of diamonds is that the whiter the stone, the greater its value. The more colorless a diamond is, the more light can pass through it--which results in further brilliance and fire. The fewer traces of color in a diamond, the more brilliant the fire and the better the color grade.

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and AGS (American Gemological Society) only grade diamonds that are unmounted because the metal which the diamond is set in can alter the color of the diamond.

Clarity

Many diamonds have inclusions which are trace minerals or small characteristics that can detract from diamond brilliance and beauty. Most of these inclusions are irregularities in the crystal structure as the diamond grows. The overall effect of characteristics on a clarity grade are determined by the size, number, position and nature of the inclusions.

Fl: Flawless: No inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification.

IF: Internally Flawless: No internal inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification.

VVS1, VVS2: Very, Very Slightly Included: Minute inclusions that are very difficult to see under 10x magnification.

VS1, VS2: Very Slightly Included. Small or minor inclusions that are still difficult to see under 10x magnification.

SI1, SI2: Slightly Included. Contains inclusions that are noticeable to an experienced grader under 10x magnification.

I1, I2, I3: Included.

Carat Weight

The carat weight for your ring.

Because pure gold (24k) is much too soft to hold intricate details in fine jewelry and abrasions from daily wear. 18 and 14-karat gold is comprised of 24-karat gold and metal alloys to give it strength. Because of its softness, it is easy to polish and smooth out scratches, and it never tarnishes. As the most malleable metal, gold settings can be damaged if knocked very hard, but can easily be repaired.

The exceptional beauty of platinum is due to its extraordinary purity. Look for platinum that is certified 95 percent pure, and 5 percent iridium or palladium alloy. For guaranteed quality in platinum, look for the marks 900Pt, 950 Plat, or Plat. The most appealing characteristic of platinum is its durability and resilience.It is the strongest precious metal used in jewelry and also the most rare. It does not tarnish nor does it corrode. Being the strongest jewelry metal, platinum is very resistant to damage, but this also makes it difficult to repair.