The Four C's and Diamond Sizes
The 4 C's are four variables that are used to calculate the value of a diamond - Clarity, Colour, Cut and Carat.
Clarity describes the clearness or purity of a diamond. This is determined by the number, size, nature, and location of the internal (inclusions) and external imperfections.
The clarity scale is broken down into the following grades:
Symbol |
Meaning |
Definition |
F |
Flawless |
Free from all inclusions or blemishes. |
IF |
Internally Flawless |
No inclusions visible at 10x magnification. |
VVS1 |
Very Very Slightly Included #1 |
Inclusions that are extremely difficult to locate at 10x. |
VVS2 |
Very Very Slightly Included #2 |
Inclusions that are very difficult to locate at 10x. |
VS1 |
Very Slightly Included #1 |
Minor inclusions that are difficult to locate at 10x. |
VS2 |
Very Slightly Included #2 |
Minor inclusions that are somewhat difficult to locate at 10x. |
SI1 |
Slightly Included #1 |
Noticeable inclusions that are easy to locate at 10x. |
Sl2 |
Slightly Included #2 |
Noticeable inclusion that are very easy to locate at 10x. |
I1 |
Included #1 |
Obvious inclusions. Somewhat easy to locate with the unaided eye. |
I2 |
Included #2 |
Obvious inclusions. Easy to locate with the unaided eye. |
I3 |
Included #3 |
Obvious inclusions. Very easy to locate with the unaided eye. |
COLOUR
Colour describes the amount of color the diamond contains. This can range from colourless to yellow with slight tints of yellow, gray or brown. Colours can also range from intense yellow to brown, blue, green, pink and red. These fancy colours are rare and therefore more valuable.
GIA |
COLOUR - COMMERCIAL GRADING |
D E F G H I |
Colourless (White) |
J K L |
Near Colourless (White) |
M |
Faint Yellow |
N O P Q R |
Very Light Yellow |
S T U V W X Y Z |
Light Yellow |
CUT
Cut refers to the proportions, finish, symmetry, and polish of the diamond.
CARAT
Carat is the unit of weight for the diamond. A One Carat Diamond is made up of 100 points.
1 Pt. = 1/100ct. or 100 x 1 point diamonds = 1 carat |
1.5 Pt. = 1/70ct. or 70 x 1.5 point diamonds = 1 carat |
2 Pt. = 1/50ct. or 50 x 2 point diamonds = 1 carat |
2.5 Pt. = 1/40ct. or 40 x 2.5 point diamonds = 1 carat |
3 Pt. = 1/30ct. or 30 x 3 point diamonds = 1 carat |
5 Pt. = 1/20ct. or 20 x 5 point diamonds = 1 carat |
10 Pt. = 1/10ct. or 10 x 10 point diamonds = 1 carat |
15Pt. = 1/15ct. or 6.66 x 15 point diamonds = 1 carat |
20 Pt. = 1/5ct. or 5x 20 point diamonds = 1 carat |
25 Pt. = 1/4ct. or 4 x 25 point diamonds = 1 carat |