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| Rahl Jewelers THE FOUR C'S |
Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight together are
known as the Four C's. The information here allows the discerning
buyer the opportunity to study the aspects of a diamonds qualities
and how these qualities relate to is beauty and value.
A clear understanding will add to ones's enjoyment and confidence
in the purchase of a finely cut diamond. |
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| CUT |
Ideal Cut
 When
a round brilliant diamond has been cut to "Ideal"
proportions by a master cutter, it is a splendor to behold.
The Ideal Cut Diamond describes a round brilliant diamond
that has been cut to exact and mathematically proven proportions.
It's symmetry, with 58 exactly placed facets, produces the
ultimate in lustre and beauty.
When a diamond is cut to the ideal proportions, all of the
light entering from any direction is totally reflected through
the top and is dispersed into a display of sparkling flashes
and rainbow colors. |
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 Premium
Cut
A Premium Cut diamond demonstrates subtle variations from the
Ideal Cut. Although dimensional differences affect a diamond's
reflection of light, a Premium Cut still achieves a harmonious
balance between it's proportions and the display of brilliance. |
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Inferior Cut
Most diamonds are "spread" in their cutting
to retain maximum weight from the original rough. A heavier
diamond will result, but at a dramatic sacrifice of potential
fire and brilliance.
 TOO
DEEP
When a diamond is cut too deep, light leaks out of the bottom,
brilliance is lost and the center of the diamond will appear
to be dark
 TOO
SHALLOW
When a diamond is cut too shallow, light leaks out of the
bottom, brilliance is lost and the diamond appears watery,
glassy and dark.
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| COLOR |
Most diamonds, although appearing colorless, actually have
slight tones of yellow or brown. As these tones become more
easily apparent, the rarity and the cost decrease. |
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D |
G |
I |
L |
Z |
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| Ideal cutting dramatizes the rare splendor of a diamond because
it produces such dazzling brilliance. |
| GIA |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
I |
J |
K |
L |
M |
N |
O |
P |
Q |
R |
S |
T |
U |
V |
W |
X |
Y |
Z |
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Colorless |
Near
Colorles |
Faint
Yellow |
Very
Light Yellow |
Light
Yellow |
| AGS |
0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
1.5 |
2.0 |
2.5 |
3.0 |
3.5 |
4.0 |
4.5 |
5.0 |
5.5 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
7.0 |
7.5 |
8.0 |
8.5 |
9.0 |
9.5 |
10 |
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| CLARITY |
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| CARAT WEIGHT |
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat
is divided into 100 parts called "points", 1 ct.
= 1.00; 1/2 ct. = 0.50. The value of two diamonds of the same
weight can vary greatly depending on the color, clarity and
especially the cut. Below are two identical pieces of rough,
(uncut diamonds) each of the same quality and value.
Example 1. From one piece of rough a diamond has been cut
to ideal proportions, retaining a weight of one carat. The
light is totally reflected through the top.
Example 2. The second piece has been "spread" in
its cutting, resulting in a diamond weighing approximately
1.40 ct. Note: The girdle is thicker, the table is much larger,
the angles are exaggerated, all at the expense of that diamond's
ability to reflect light.
Therefore, one can see that the value of a diamond can vary
as much as 40% in the cutting alone. |
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| Example 1 |
Example 2 |
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