A diamond is a valuable keepsake that can be treasured for a lifetime. Whether it's an engagement ring or a piece of anniversary jewelry, it’s important to know what to look for when shopping for this precious stone. The four C's refer to the defining characteristics of carat, cut, clarity, and color. Find out what these terms mean and how they impact the look of a stone below.

How to Determine the 4 C’s of a Diamond

1. Carat

Carat is likely the best-known of these characteristics and refers to a diamond's weight. The metric carat is equal to 0.200 grams or 200 milligrams but can be further broken down into 100 points to allow for more precise measurement.

In some instances, larger stones are more expensive because they are rarer than smaller ones. However, an increase in carat size does not always correspond to an increase in price. Two gems of equal weight may vary in value and price, depending on the other three factors.

2. Cut

While many may think cut refers to shape, it actually refers to how the stone transmits light. A properly proportioned stone will factor into how brilliantly it sparkles.

There are several factors that go into determining the grade of a stone’s cut. Brightness shows how white light is reflected in a diamond’s surface, while fire denotes how that white light is scattered into the colors of the rainbow. Scintillation is used when discussing a stone’s sparkle and how it’s caused by a reflection within it’s pattern of light and dark areas.

Cut quality is graded by the Gemological Institute of America as excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor. The American Gem Society uses the same scale, but also includes a grade of “ideal.”

3. Clarity

Because diamonds are naturally occurring stones, they aren't perfect. They can have external characteristics known as blemishes or internal ones called inclusions. The presence, absence, and severity of these flaws will determine clarity and grade. Diamonds are graded at 10x magnification.

4. Color

These gems are often thought of as being clear. However, they can range from colorless to having a yellowish tint. The color of a diamond is determined by its lack of color. A purer one will have no hue and is consequently more expensive.

The color quality is often invisible to the naked eye and is determined by comparing a stone to a master set with an established color value. Some diamonds can naturally occur in vibrant blues, reds, and pinks, but their grading scale differs from colorless stones.

Schwartz Jewelers in Cincinnati, OH, can answer any questions you have regarding the four C's of diamonds. These professionals have over 73 years of experience providing knowledgeable guidance on jewelry sales ranging from engagement rings to watches. Get a preview of their selection online. For questions about their comprehensive inventory, call (513) 541-5627.