Selecting & Choosing a Diamond Ring

We have all heard of the 4C’s when it comes to diamonds right? Carat, Color, Cut, and Clarity? Here is a brief refresher along with some food for thought in weighing which of the 4c’s are most important to you.

First of all, carat refers to the weight of the diamond. This alone does not necessary determine the size of the stone. The diameter across the top of the stone along with the cut of the stone should be considered when evaluating your stone’s carat weight. Another thing to consider when determining diamond size is that diamond prices jump at the full- and half-carat weights. Stones just below these weights cost less, and, because carat weight is distributed across the entirety of the diamond. A.90ct stone would save you a significant amount of money while looking similar in size to a 1ct stone.

Color doesn’t really need much of an explanation. The Color Scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (yellow). The most common colors are F – J. Diamonds that are H-J do tend to look yellow when set in a white gold or platinum setting, but they are a decent choice for yellow gold mountings as the yellow gold doesn’t offer as much contrast in color as the white metals do. So if you are looking at yellow gold, you can save a little money by going with an H, I , or J colored stone. F and G stones are near colorless and look great in the white metals. They will be more economical than the D and E’s.

Clarity refers to the number and size of inclusions in the stone. A stone with SI1 and higher typically have no visible inclusions to the naked eye.

Clarity Grading Chart:

And last but not least, we have cut. This is one area where I would not cut corners. A stone with a high cut grade will sparkle the most. The cut has the most influence on a diamond’s beauty.

Ideal cut: Represents roughly the top 3% of diamond quality based on cut. Reflects nearly all light that enters the diamond. An exquisite and rare cut.

Very good cut: Represents roughly the top 15% of diamond quality based on cut. Reflects nearly as much light as the ideal cut, but for a lower price.

Good cut: Represents roughly the top 25% of diamond quality based on cut. Reflects most light that enters. Much less expensive than a very good cut.

Fair cut: Represents roughly the top 35% of diamond quality based on cut. Still a quality diamond, but a fair cut will not be as brilliant as a good cut.

Poor cut: Diamonds that are generally so deep and narrow or shallow and wide that they lose most of the light out the sides and bottom.

The stone I most commonly recommend is the round diamond, G-H in color, SI1 in clarity, excellent cut. They look beautiful in any setting, really sparkle, and don’t break the bank!