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Diamond Story 5 – 4Cs: Understanding Diamond Clarity

At VIEWZEN, we emphasize the importance of the 4Cs—Carat, Clarity, Color, and Cut—to help you understand diamonds better. In this article, we focus on Clarity, which is crucial for evaluating a diamond’s purity and brilliance.

Clarity
Clarity measures the presence of internal and external imperfections in a diamond when viewed under 10x magnification. A higher clarity grade means fewer inclusions and blemishes, enhancing the diamond’s beauty.

Clarity Grades:

FL: Flawless – No internal or external imperfections
IF: Internally Flawless – Few external imperfections
VVS1, VVS2: Very Very Slight Inclusions – Minor inclusions visible under magnification
VS1, VS2: Very Slight Inclusions – Small inclusions visible only under magnification
SI1, SI2: Slight Inclusions – Inclusions noticeable at a glance
I1, I2, I3: Included – More apparent inclusions
Inclusions such as feathers, needles, and clouds affect clarity and sparkle. Higher clarity ensures better brilliance, while larger diamonds require thorough evaluation of inclusions.

Diamond Story 4 – Unique Characteristics for Every Gem

Just as every person has a unique fingerprint, each diamond possesses its own distinctive characteristics. The most globally recognized standard for evaluating diamond quality is the 4Cs: Carat, Clarity, Color, and Cut. These elements play a crucial role in determining the value of a diamond.

Carat (Weight)

The Carat weight of a diamond is measured in units called Carats. One Carat equals 0.2 grams, originally derived from the Carob tree seeds used for weighing gemstones. A 1 Carat diamond typically has a diameter of about 6.5mm, while a 4 Carat diamond has a diameter close to 10mm. Carat weight can vary depending on the diamond shape, such as Round Brilliant, Princess, Pear, Oval, Cushion, Marquise, Emerald, Radiant, or Heart, and does not always reflect the actual size. Cutting proportions and depth impact how a diamond appears, even at the same Carat weight.

Cut (Shape and Polish)

The Cut of a diamond refers to how the stone is shaped and polished, playing a significant role in its brilliance and sparkle. Historically, diamonds were cut to maximize their beauty, and modern technology has refined these processes. Today, ideal cuts, like the Round Brilliant Cut, are mathematically calculated for optimal proportions, polish, and symmetry.

A well-cut diamond reflects light internally and externally, creating the best brilliance. A “heart and arrow” effect indicates the highest level of precision. Diamond grading is based on these aspects, with the top grade being ‘Excellent.’ The highest quality diamond, known as a ‘3EX’ (Triple Excellent) cut, demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship and is one of the most sought-after cuts in the world.

Diamond Story 3 – Which Diamond Shape Suits You Best?

Diamond Cut is the only aspect of a diamond where human involvement plays a crucial role, significantly impacting the 4Cs: Cut, Clarity, Carat, and Color.

Round (Round Brilliant)
The Round Brilliant Cut is the most common and ideal shape for maximizing a diamond’s brilliance. With over 56 facets, this cut reflects light precisely, creating stunning sparkle and contrast. However, the cutting process results in significant material loss, making this one of the more expensive shapes per carat.

Oval
Oval cuts offer a similar brilliance to Round cuts but with a softer, more elegant look. Frequently used in wedding rings, this shape elongates fingers, drawing attention from above rather than from the sides. It is ideal for those seeking a balanced, flattering shape.

Pear (Tear Drop)
Pear-shaped diamonds, also known as “Tear Drop” diamonds, combine multiple intricate cutting techniques. Famous for its 58 facets, the Pear Cut creates a unique combination of modern craftsmanship and classic beauty, resulting in a highly sought-after and valuable shape.

Princess
Princess cuts are popular for engagement rings, featuring a unique square shape with a slightly rounded top. With over 50 facets, the cut produces excellent brilliance, especially when viewing from the corners, where distinct reflections create a dynamic play of colors and light.

Emerald / Asscher / Radiant
Emerald Cut, with its rectangular shape and trimmed corners, showcases a more subtle brilliance, highlighting inclusions if present. The Asscher Cut, a square variation of Emerald, offers a vintage yet modern appeal. Radiant Cut combines the clarity of Asscher with rounded edges for a balanced, elegant shape.

Cushion
Cushion Cut features rounded corners with a square or rectangular shape, blending the best of both Round and Square cuts. It offers a romantic and classic feel, making diamonds appear larger for the same carat weight. However, overly bright cuts may lead to grading errors, so professional certification is recommended when purchasing.

Marquise
Marquise diamonds, named after the legend of Louis XV’s desire for a gem in the shape of Madame de Pompadour’s lips, are elongated and pointed at both ends. Often called “Boat Diamonds,” they are ideal for creating the illusion of longer, slender fingers. The elongated shape enhances size while maintaining brilliant sparkle.

Diamond Story 2 – The 4Cs: Natural Diamonds vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Moissanite