UNDERSTANDING THE 4C'S OF DIAMONDS
coin
U.S. Coins
Diamonds

UNDERSTANDING THE 4C'S OF DIAMONDS


Diamonds

UNDERSTANDING THE 4C'S OF DIAMONDS


The Four C’s of Diamonds – Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut

The value of a diamond is determined using four main factors often referred to as the Four C’s of Diamonds. They are Carat (or size), Color (the tint of the crystal), Clarity (the number of inclusions or flaws) and Cut (the treatment after mining). Defined below, each are considered when determining the price of a raw diamond.

CARAT

A diamond’s weight is determined in units called carats. Carats are measure in point. One carat is the equivalent of 100 points. The carat is easily determined using a diamond scale. This fixed physical attribute is the easiest of the four C’s to identify. A diamond’s value is a loose algorithm of the four C’s interacting. Thus, two stones of equal carat weight may not have the same final value determination.

COLOR

As you would deduce, color refers to the overall color the gemstone shows. This is often determined by placing the stone on a white card. The top color for a diamond (specialty colors aside) is no color or colorless.

There is a standard scale for measuring diamond color established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This scale used alpha characters to represent colors along a scale from D (colorless) to Z (yellow). Specialty colors are graded Z and higher.

The human eye can detect color starting around the J grade, so jewelry items are set with J grade stones and better.  The finest D grade stones are usually held as investment stones.

CLARITY

The crystalline structure of a diamond is unique among gemstones, as diamonds are the only one made completely of a single element – carbon. However, the stone may have that influence the color and shape of the natural crystal. Clarity is a rating of the degree to which light passes through an individual the diamond. It is a determination of the diamonds internal flaws.

Inclusions and natural impressions on the stone are often referred to as “pedigree markers” or “birthmarks.” These are naturally formed and part of the diamond’s character. They are part of the value determination. Some impressions are results from the cutting and also are factored into clarity.

GIA has 11 established grades of clarity, from Included (with visible inclusions and/or impressions) to Flawless (devoid of inclusions or internal blemishes).

CUT

The cut of a diamond has one of the biggest influences on the visual appeal. The term “cut” not only refers to the diamonds shape, but refers to the proportion of the table and how the facets affect the light as it passes through the stone. The symmetry and presentation will affect the stones presentation.

It is the cut that has the most influence on a diamonds visual appeal. The sparkle, brilliance and scintillation are all determined by the cut.

A quality cut has to be predetermined by a master. The raw stone is presumable cut into the best shape to maximize the stones natural characteristics. Some older stones are recut to maximize the brilliance for jewelry or other cosmetic uses.

At U.S. Coins and Jewelry we have GIA trained staff members to evaluate items coming into the storefront. Most of the jewelry items we sell come with certification and everything has our unconditional guarantee of authenticity.




SELL US something from your collection

SELL TO US

WE'RE MEMBERS OF

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Absolutely phenomenal communication and service!! Kenny and the team are absolute rock stars!! Many more purchases to come in the future!!! Highly recommend.
- Gus Aslanidis
U.S. Coins and Jewelry has been my go to for buying and selling coins, silver and gold for years. My most recent experience was quick and easy. The staff are friendly and helpful. They really take the fear and uncertainty out of investing in precious metals and coins, and their exchange fees are very reasonable.
- Stephen Peterson
They are the best at helping you build a rare coin collection, bullion sales, & jewelry. I always recommend my friends & family go there. I'm a long time customer from 2011 to date. They have access to some of the finest rare coins out there.
- Robert Dean
Came in just to browse walked out with an engagement ring and got a solid deal! Highly recommend place for all your needs. Have been coming for years Anthony was a great help thanks again!
- Daniel Nino
I walked into this place for the first time and was wonderfully greeted by some very friendly associates. This shop is a treat and seeing all the great things it had to offer was amazing. From comic books to coins to even art and watches this shop has it all. I will most definitely be coming back and they offer great deals on buy backs. What a time to be invested in precious metals!
- Muhammad Hamdan
They were very professional, personable and efficient. They trusted - without seeing the actual paper - the quote I received elsewhere for a Rolex watch. They didn't meet it - THEY BEAT IT! Very nice, safe place to do business.
- Monica W
Before going to U.S. Coins, I went to another location much closer to me and the price they gave me did not seem right. So I went to U.S. Coins and they more than double the buy. After speaking to the person I dealt with I decided to only sell my deceased wife's necklace and they still gave me much more than I would have gotten from the other dealer. U.S. Coins were polite and very easy to deal with.
- Tommy Clements
Great bunch of guys, very knowledgeable and honest and always ready to help and make a deal. Always great prices on coins and bullion. Leave smiling every time knowing I got a great deal. Thanks guys y'all are great!
- Larry Brooks