The Difference in Diamonds- The 4C’s of Diamond Grading

Our experience with diamonds – Our commitment to you!

 

Its important to remember, like your special lady, no two diamonds are the same! 

The diamond industry is diverse and very complex. When exploring diamond options, it is important to get industry advice from real experts. Our approach to diamond grading is completely different than most.

At The Golden Tulip, every diamond is hand selected with you in mind. Our goldsmiths possess a highly trained eye and each stone in our inventory is cherry picked to ensure our customers are getting the absolute best value for each stone.

Drop in today to learn more, and let us show you how to get the "4C's" working together for you!

 

Clarity

A diamond’s clarity is measured by the existence and amount of natural flaws or “internal inclusions” it may have. These flaws may be seen as black carbon marks, easily visible with the naked eye, or white “whisps” known as feathers or tiny “bubble” marks that can only be detected under magnification with a 10X jeweller's loupe. The amount, severity, and placement of these flaws can affect the brilliance of a diamond, thus affecting its value. Clarity levels begin at flawless, FL, the rarest of diamonds, and go all the way down to 1-2, where flaws are clearly visible with the naked eye.

 

Carat Weight

Diamonds are not measured in dimensions, but rather by weight- in carats. One carat is equal to 100 points. Therefore 0.50 point’s equals ½ carat and .75 points would equal ¾ of one carat. Naturally, the larger the diamond, the more rare and valuable it will be. Any diamond of one carat or over is considered to be large.

 

Colour

The most valuable diamonds are those with the least amount of colour or “colourless” diamonds. These diamonds take on the greatest “fire” and brilliance. The colour scale for diamonds starts at “D,” being colourless, and goes on down the scale from there. Diamonds can also come in many different colours such as yellow, blue, green, brown, and black. Coloured diamonds are usually referred to as “fancy” diamonds, with the most expensive fancy coloured diamonds being pink.

 

Cut

The placement of a diamond’s facets plays a large part in how a diamond captures and reflects light. Diamonds are all about perfect measurements, and this is where the cut comes into play. A well-cut diamond will have more brilliance, while a poorly cut diamond that is too shallow or deeply cut can appear dull and lifeless. Cut, like color, is a very important element that gives a diamond its internal “fire”. Cut can also refer to a diamond’s shape, whether it is round (brilliant cut), princess (square cut), oval, cushion cut, and so on…