4C of Diamonds Guide

The 4Cs - Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat - form the universal standard for assessing diamond quality. Used by the Institute Geomological institute, this system provides a consistent way to evaluate and compare diamonds. Let's explore each in depth:

Cut is often considered the most important of the 4Cs because it has the greatest influence on a diamond's sparkle, fire, and brilliance.

What it Measures:

Not just the shape, but how well the diamond has been cut and faceted

Proportions, symmetry, and polish of the diamond

Key Aspects:

Brilliance: The total light reflected from a diamond

Fire: The dispersion of light into the colors of the spectrum

Scintillation: The sparkle produced when a diamond moves

Grading Scale:

Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor

Impact:

A well-cut diamond can appear larger and more brilliant than a poorly cut diamond of the same carat weight

Can significantly affect the diamond's value, sometimes more than color or clarity

n white diamonds, color actually refers to the absence of color. The less color a diamond has, the higher its value.

What it Measures:

The presence or absence of color in white diamonds

Grading Scale:

D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown)

D, E, F: Colorless

G, H, I, J: Near Colorless

K, L, M: Faint Yellow

N - Z: Very Light to Light Yellow

Key Points:

Color differences are often subtle and difficult to see by the untrained eye

Colors are graded under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions

Even slight differences in color can significantly affect the value

Clarity refers to the absence of inclusions and blemishes in a diamond.

What it Measures:

Internal characteristics (inclusions)

External characteristics (blemishes)

Grading Scale:

Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2), Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2), Slightly Included (SI1, SI2), Included (I1, I2, I3)

Key Points:

Most inclusions are microscopic and don't affect the diamond's beauty to the naked eye

Location of inclusions can affect the clarity grade

Flawless diamonds are extremely rare

Carat refers to the diamond's weight, not its size.

What it Measures:

1 carat = 0.2 grams = 200 milligrams

Can be precisely measured to the hundredth decimal place

Key Points:

Larger diamonds are rarer, so they often cost more per carat

Two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different values depending on the other three Cs

Visual size of a diamond depends on both its carat weight and its cut

Price Considerations:

Prices jump at whole and half-carat weights

Slight differences in carat weight can significantly affect cost

While each C is important, it's the interplay between them that determines a diamond's overall quality and value. For example:

A larger diamond with poor cut may appear smaller than a well-cut diamond of less carat weight

A slightly included (SI) diamond with excellent cut might be more valuable than a very slightly included (VS) diamond with a poor cut

Understanding the 4Cs allows you to make informed decisions, balancing these factors to find the best diamond for your preferences and budget. Remember, while these technical aspects are important, the emotional value and personal appeal of a diamond are equally significant in making your choice.

IGI certification provides a comprehensive assessment of a diamond's 4Cs, offering consumers valuable information for making informed purchasing decisions. While it may be perceived differently from other major labs in some markets, IGI certificates are widely recognized and accepted in the diamond industry.

IGI's Approach to the 4Cs

1. Cut

IGI grades cut on a scale from Excellent to Poor:

Excellent

Very Good

Good

Fair

Poor

Factors considered:

Proportions

Symmetry

Polish

Light performance

2. Color

IGI uses the standard diamond color scale from D to Z:

D-F: Colorless

G-J: Near Colorless

K-M: Faint Yellow

N-R: Very Light Yellow

S-Z: Light Yellow

Grading method:

Controlled lighting conditions

Comparison to master stones

3. Clarity

IGI uses the standard clarity scale:

FL (Flawless)

IF (Internally Flawless)

VVS1, VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included)

VS1, VS2 (Very Slightly Included)

SI1, SI2 (Slightly Included)

I1, I2, I3 (Included)

Grading process:

10x magnification

Considers size, nature, position, color, and quantity of inclusions

4. Carat Weight

Measured to the nearest 0.01 carat

Uses highly accurate electronic scales

Additional Information on IGI Certificates

Plot diagram showing inclusions and blemishes

Fluorescence intensity and color

Proportions and measurements

Comments on any treatments or special characteristics

IGI and Lab-Grown Diamonds

IGI is a leading certifier of lab-grown diamonds

Uses the same grading standards as for natural diamonds

Clearly indicates "Laboratory Grown" on certificates for synthetic diamonds

Market Perception of IGI Certificates

Strengths:

Widely accepted in many markets

Known for efficient service and quick turnaround

Competitive pricing for certification services

Considerations:

Some perceive IGI as slightly less strict than GIA in grading

May be valued differently in certain markets compared to GIA or AGS certificates

To ensure the best quality for the money you are spending, the 4Cs for all our diamonds are chosen from the very best:

Cut: Excellent, Ideal
Clarity: VS2, VS1, VVS2, VVS1, IF
Color: D, E, F, G, H
Carat: Smallest is 0.5 carat