There are an endless number of sources that say the four most
important aspects of buying a diamond engagement ring are the carat,
colour, clarity and cut. For a couple at this stage in their lives,
there are hundreds of things to take into consideration, and in many
cases, all of these elements can become completely overwhelming.
Sometimes, it can help to focus on one aspect at a time in order slow
down and enjoy the experience just a little bit more. Each element of
the 'Four C's' has its own importance in the end product, but arguably
the most important is the engagement ring cut, as it is the only factor
that is not determined by natural causes.
The Four C's
Carat is one of the first factors to consider when looking for a diamond engagement ring. Carat refers to the weight of a stone, and larger carats are more rare and valuable than smaller carats. The word carat dates to ancient times when the weight of a stone was compared to that of a carob seed, but nowadays 1.0 carats is about equal to one-fifth of a gram. Many people believe that carat and size are the same thing, but this is false, as carat only refers to the weight. So it is important to choose the best engagement ring cut in order to optimize the gem's size, beauty and brilliance.
Diamonds may appear colourless, but, in fact, most have traces of either yellow or brown. The scale of colour is measured by giving each diamond a letter D-Z, where D, E, and F are considered colourless and therefore the most valuable. H-J ratings are considered near colourless and S-Z are considered light yellow diamonds. There are also diamonds that are known as 'fancy colours' which include yellow, pink, blue and brown. The chances of these colours occurring naturally are quite small.
Clarity affects the way light enters a diamond; how it reflects around the stone and then exits. This is what gives a diamond its well-known sparkle, but this flow of light can be affected by small inclusions or marks within the stone. Inclusions are ranked on a scale of clarity, and although hardly any diamonds are considered to be perfectly clear, the fewer inclusions in the stone, the more valuable it becomes. The number, size, and position of inclusions alter the flow of light, which lessens the brilliance of the diamond's sparkle. Usually impossible to see via the naked eye, these naturally-occurring flaws in a diamond are caused by minerals or tiny fractures.
The most important aspect of the 'Four C's' is the engagement ring cut, for it is the only one of the four that is man-made. A diamond's carat, colour, and clarity are all determined while it is still in the earth. Once mined, the stone is called a rough diamond, and must be cut to give it its shape and brilliance. The engagement ring cut is so important because the diamond's angles and facets determine its shine, thereby becoming one of the most important factors in the ring's value. If a diamond is cut too deeply, then light will escape from the sides of the stone, making it seem less bright than it should. On the other hand, if cut too shallow, then light will escape through the side or underneath the stone and create the same darkening effect as when cut too deeply. When the engagement ring cut is in good proportion, it will maximise the light travelling through the stone and allow it to be reflected from one facet to another and then exit, creating the diamond's brilliant sparkle for which it is famous.
The Four C's
Carat is one of the first factors to consider when looking for a diamond engagement ring. Carat refers to the weight of a stone, and larger carats are more rare and valuable than smaller carats. The word carat dates to ancient times when the weight of a stone was compared to that of a carob seed, but nowadays 1.0 carats is about equal to one-fifth of a gram. Many people believe that carat and size are the same thing, but this is false, as carat only refers to the weight. So it is important to choose the best engagement ring cut in order to optimize the gem's size, beauty and brilliance.
Diamonds may appear colourless, but, in fact, most have traces of either yellow or brown. The scale of colour is measured by giving each diamond a letter D-Z, where D, E, and F are considered colourless and therefore the most valuable. H-J ratings are considered near colourless and S-Z are considered light yellow diamonds. There are also diamonds that are known as 'fancy colours' which include yellow, pink, blue and brown. The chances of these colours occurring naturally are quite small.
Clarity affects the way light enters a diamond; how it reflects around the stone and then exits. This is what gives a diamond its well-known sparkle, but this flow of light can be affected by small inclusions or marks within the stone. Inclusions are ranked on a scale of clarity, and although hardly any diamonds are considered to be perfectly clear, the fewer inclusions in the stone, the more valuable it becomes. The number, size, and position of inclusions alter the flow of light, which lessens the brilliance of the diamond's sparkle. Usually impossible to see via the naked eye, these naturally-occurring flaws in a diamond are caused by minerals or tiny fractures.
The most important aspect of the 'Four C's' is the engagement ring cut, for it is the only one of the four that is man-made. A diamond's carat, colour, and clarity are all determined while it is still in the earth. Once mined, the stone is called a rough diamond, and must be cut to give it its shape and brilliance. The engagement ring cut is so important because the diamond's angles and facets determine its shine, thereby becoming one of the most important factors in the ring's value. If a diamond is cut too deeply, then light will escape from the sides of the stone, making it seem less bright than it should. On the other hand, if cut too shallow, then light will escape through the side or underneath the stone and create the same darkening effect as when cut too deeply. When the engagement ring cut is in good proportion, it will maximise the light travelling through the stone and allow it to be reflected from one facet to another and then exit, creating the diamond's brilliant sparkle for which it is famous.
Frederick Holm is staff writer for of the F&L Designer
Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique
engagement ring design. From the best engagement ring cut
to precious metals and coloured stones, we have ideas and opinions
covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how
to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage
of your search to find the right designer.
