The Four C’s of Diamond Jewelry

Since diamonds are such prized possessions of value, it is necessary for diamond industry professionals to have a universal grading system when they are comparing diamond quality. The Gemological Institute of America developed the International Diamond Grading System^TM. The Four C’s are a standard to help compare and to evaluate diamonds with better objectivity.

The Four C’s of diamond quality are: Carat, Color, Cut, and Clarity. They are a standard of a diamond’s characteristics and value and are rather self explanatory. When buying diamond earrings the carat is the size of the diamond set in the earrings. The color can range from nearly colorless with yellow or brown tints but most often they are a light yellow. The cut of a diamond is based on the light reflection and the shape of the diamond. Finally, the clarity of a diamond is based on the degree of inclusions and blemishes found on or in the diamond itself.

The wedding ring trends in the last few years have gone into white gold diamond rings and colored diamonds, the bigger the better. Diamonds have always been admired and cherished and knowing the value of diamonds before purchasing a wedding ring or even a diamond pendant can help get the most out of your money.