The 4 C's

Learn about Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat

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Introduction

The 4 C's are going to be your guiding light into the world of diamonds. These factors directly impact the value, brilliance, and beauty of the diamond. Additionally, there's a silent 5th "C", which is "Certification," but rest assured, all of our diamonds are certified by the International Gemological Institute, which is the world's largest independent laboratory for testing and grading diamonds.

Cut

What is diamond cut?

Cut refers to the dimensions of a diamond and how they are proportioned, made up by facets (also called surfaces). These facets are arranged in a way that can invoke brilliance and make the diamond sparkle. The brilliance of a diamond is dependent on the cut, so the poorer quality cut, the duller the sparkle. Many people believe that diamond cut is synonymous with diamond shape, but shape is more related to the outline of the stone. The cut is so critically important because it affects the diamond's overall beauty and value.

Nearly everything about the appearance of the diamond is considered when determining the quality of the cut (and more importantly, the price), including:

Brilliance - the white light reflecting capabilities

Proportions - physical measurements of the diamond

Fire - how light from the diamond projects into the spectrum of colors on the rainbow

Symmetrical facets - the surfaces known as steps, windows, and mirrors

Scintillation - a fancy word for "sparkle"

Finishing details - the outer polishing and treatment

IGI Cut Measurements

The IGI (International Gemological Institute) ranks diamond cuts based on the figures below:

Measurements of a Diamond

As seen above, the measurements when determining diamond cuts are:

Table Width

Crown Angle and Crown Height

Girdle Diameter

Girdle

Pavilion Angle and Pavilion Depth

Culet

Total Depth

These factors affect the way the light returns from the diamond, which denotes cut quality. If the cut is too shallow or too deep, this will affect the sparkle, thus denoting the cut as a lower quality.

Cut Grades at Connuit/Which cut should I buy?

We specialize in Excellent and Ideal cut diamonds, although if there is another grade you're looking for, please let us know! Although the details of the cut are sometimes better left to a trained professional eye to differentiate, we believe that your ring deserves only the best, most eye-catching cut to maximize brilliance and fire.

Color

What is diamond color?

Color refers to the color seen in the diamond itself. It is important to note that color does not refer to the reflected colors, but the color of the body of the diamond. While cut determines the sparkle and radiance of the diamond, color is typically something most people will notice.

Ironically enough, when grading a diamond's color, what is rated is actually the lack of color. This is because diamonds that are technically, structurally, and chemically "perfect" actually have no color whatsoever.

IGI Color Scale

According to the IGI color ranking scale, by using the letters of the alphabet, diamonds are ranked from D-Z, using "D" to denote completely colorless, while Z is generally visible, yellow color. Below are all of the color grades outlined in detail.

D-F: Colorless with very small differences and can only be differentiated by expert examination and comparison in an observable, controlled environment.

G-J: Almost colorless and graded by experts comparing them to other stones. When these grade of stones are mounted, they appear colorless and most people cannot determine the difference between them.

K-M: Known for being a bit tinted with a very slight yellow color visible to the naked eye.

N-R: Have a light overall yellow tint that is visible to the naked eye.

S-Z: Characterized by a warmer hue that is apparently visible, and usually not carried by most fine jewelry retailers.

Color Grades at Connuit

Here at Connuit, we only carry diamonds that are in the D-F category as our expertise is focused on truly colorless diamonds. If you would like another color option, please do reach out to our team and we will be able to find the right stone for you!

Which color grade should I buy?

When considering which diamond color is "the best" or which you should consider buying, this is totally subjective. The most expensive diamonds start at the D rating, with the price decreasing the lower the grade goes. Which color grade you choose largely depends on budget and size of diamond.

The visibility of color in a diamond increases the larger the diamond gets. This is a good rule of thumb to follow when deciding on color grade and how it relates to diamond cut and diamond size/shape. Budget-conscious shoppers can tier down on the color grade scale to focus on attaining the cut they want and still get a near colorless diamond. It is important to assess your wants, needs, and budget when deciding on which color grade to choose.

Clarity

What is diamond clarity?

Diamond clarity is about how well you can see the sparkle and glimmer of the diamond. This is done by assessing the cosmetic blemishes (outside imperfections) and cosmetic inclusions (inside imperfections) of the stone.
Even though diamonds are rated by these "imperfections," these really aren't flaws. Each diamond is unique, just like every snowflake during a winter snowfall.

IGI Clarity Scale

According to the IGI clarity ranking scale, diamonds are ranked from I.F.-I3. Each grade takes into account the blemishes and inclusions present in the diamond that are visible to the skilled and trained eye under 10x magnification. The IGI uses red and green marks to signify external and internal characteristics, respectively, on grading reports.
I.F. (Internally Flawless): No visible inclusions or blemishes, even to an expert with 10x magnification technology.
VVS1-VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included): Some inclusions, largely faint and near impossible to detect even under 10x magnification technology.
VS1-VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Extremely slight inclusions that can be visible under 10x magnification with great deal of knowledge from skilled observer.
SI1-SI2 (Slightly Included): Inclusions that are apparent under 10x magnification.
I1-I3 (Included): Extremely easy to observe under 10x magnification, affects quality of luster and transparency.

Clarity Grades at Connuit

Connuit currently carries only the I.F. to VS2 range of diamonds. The combination of these paired with our Color ranges allows us to make your ring-shopping process hopefully a bit simpler to allow for more informed decisions, especially when it's a lab grown diamond. However, if you are looking for a diamond at the SI1 and below range, please do connect with us and we will be able to fit your needs.

Which clarity grade should I buy?

Here at Connuit, we only carry diamonds that are I.F, VVS1, VV2, VS1, and VS2. If there is a different clarity you'd like, please reach out to us and we will source the right stone for you! While clarity is another large factor in the value and overall beauty of a diamond, choosing which clarity grade to purchase greatly depends on the individual.
Customers should take into consideration their priorities, budget, and overall desires when determining clarity grade.

Carat

What is a diamond carat?

To put it simply, the "carat" is a unit of measurement to determine how heavy a diamond is. "Ct." is used as the abbreviated form of carat. According to IGI, "One carat weighs 1/5 of a gram and is divided into 100 points, so a diamond weighing 1.07 ct. is referred to as 'one carat and seven points.'" The IGI scale is extremely precise at 1/100,000 of a carat accuracy.

IGI Carat Measurement

While diamonds may be the same size in carats, that does not mean they are the same size in looks or shape. Just as the other points of the 4 C's work together, carat is no exception. The cut can greatly affect the look of a diamond even with a large carat size. They can appear smaller than they actually are as well as dull and lacking luster.
The chart below is a visual representation when determining brilliance and roundness in conjunction with one another.

Which size carat should I buy?

When considering personal preference, budget, and priority, choosing the carat size one opts for varies greatly from individual to individual.
As with the other of the 4 C's, this is totally dependent on your personal preference and how big you want your diamond to be! As always, we are able to source a specific carat for you if what you find in our repository doesn't meet your needs.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for the biggest or the brightest, we at Connuit are determined to find you your perfect ring. Don't be afraid to ask for a custom combination of the 4 C's with our Diamond Specialist as our team can source your stone within 48 hours for your approval. We love challenges and your journey is our top priority.

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