Diamond Guide - The 4Cs

COLOUR Refers to the degree to which a diamond is colourless.

Diamonds are found in almost every color of the rainbow, but white-colored diamonds remain most popular.

Diamonds are graded on a color scale established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) which ranges from D (colorless) to Z. Warmer colored diamonds (K–Z) are particularly desirable when set in yellow gold. Icy winter whites (D–J) look stunning set in white gold or platinum.

Past "Z", a diamond's colour is considered "fancy." Fancy coloured diamonds are very valuable and, correspondingly, are graded by very different parameters.

Color differences are very subtle and it is very difficult to see the difference between, say, an E and an F. Therefore, colors are graded under controlled lighting conditions and are compared to a master set for accuracy.

Truly colorless stones, graded D, treasured for their rarity, are highest on the Diamond Quality Pyramid. Color, however, ultimately comes down to personal taste. Ask a jeweler to show you a variety of color grades next to one another to help you determine your color preference.

Nature has also created diamonds in intense shades of blue, green, yellow, orange, pink or – rarest of all – red. These diamonds are called ‘colored fancies’ and are extremely rare and highly treasured.

CARAT Refers to the weight of a diamond.

Carat is often confused with size even though it is actually a measure of weight. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. One carat can also be divided into 100 “points.” A .75 carat diamond is the same as a 75-points or 3/4 carat diamond.

A 1-carat diamond costs exactly twice the price of a half-carat diamond, right? Wrong. Since larger diamonds are found less frequently in nature, which places them at the rarest level of the Diamond Quality Pyramid, a 1-carat diamond will cost more than twice a 1/2-carat diamond (assuming color, clarity and cut remain constant).

Cut and mounting can make a diamond appear larger (or smaller) than its actual weight. So shop around and talk to your jeweler to find the right diamond and setting to optimize the beauty of your stone.

Note: Two diamonds having the same carat weight could have different millimeter sizes because a diamond is three dimensional meaning length, width, and depth.

CLARITY Refers to the presence of inclusions in a diamond.

Every diamond is unique. Nature ensures that each diamond is as individual as the person who wears it. Naturally-occurring features—know as inclusions—provide a special fingerprint within the stone. Inclusions are natural identifying characteristics such as minerals or fractures, appearing while diamonds are formed in the earth. They may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers.

To view inclusions, jewelers use a magnifying loupe. This tool allows jewelers to see a diamond at 10x its actual size so that inclusions are easier to see. The position of inclusions can affect the value of a diamond. There are very few flawless diamonds found in nature, thus these diamonds are much more valuable.

Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection, known as clarity, which was established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The clarity scale, ranging from F (Flawless) to Included (I), is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x.

Some inclusions can be hidden by a mounting, thus having little effect on the beauty of a diamond. An inclusion in the middle or top of a diamond could impact the dispersion of light, sometimes making the diamond less brilliant.

The greater a diamond's clarity, the more brilliant, valuable and rare it is—and the higher it is on the Diamond Quality Pyramid.

CUT Refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond.

Nature determines so much about a diamond, but it takes a master cutter to reveal the stone’s true brilliance, fire and ultimate beauty.

Based on scientific formulas, a well-cut diamond will internally reflect light from one mirror-like facet to another and disperse and reflect it through the top of the stone. This results in a display of brilliance and fire, thereby placing well-cut diamonds higher on the Diamond Quality Pyramid than deep or shallow-cut diamonds. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow lose or leak light through the side or bottom, resulting in less brilliance and ultimately, value.

Cut also refers to shape—round, square, pear, or heart for example. Since a round diamond is symmetrical and capable of reflecting nearly all the light that enters, it is the most brilliant of all diamond shapes and follows specific proportional guidelines. Ask a jeweler to find out more about these guidelines.

Non-round shapes, also known as “fancy shapes,” will have their own guidelines to be considered well-cut.

The 5th C: Confidence Finding a Quality Jeweler

A good jeweler is the first step to a smart diamond purchase. To find a jeweler you can trust, ask your family and friends for recommendations.

Whether we are your first choice or your source for a second opinion, Mischava Jewellery is always here to answer any of your diamond related questions. We are knowledgeable about diamonds and can help you feel comfortable making this important purchase.

Call Jacqueline at 8188 0028 or drop us an email to know more about anything related, or simply just to chat. We would love to hear from you!

While diamonds are the hardest minerals, they still require some care to keep them looking their best and to protect them from loss or damage. The brilliance of any diamond depends on the amount of light that can enter the stone and reflect back to the human eye. However, the smallest deposit of grease on the surface of a stone can dull its reflection. Even a touch from a finger will leave a smudge of natural oil.

You are welcome to bring your diamond jewelry back to Mischava Jewellery for a complimentary professional cleaning. We recommend you do this four times a year. We will also see that the stones are secure in their settings and we can make any necessary repairs during the cleaning process. However, if you are unable to bring it to us, seek a professional in your area. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners if your diamond has a serious crack or inclusion. The vibrations of these cleaners can enlarge such flaws.

To keep your diamonds clean between visits, mix some mild liquid detergent with water and apply with a soft, natural bristle brush. Rinse with fresh water and dry with a lint free cleaning cloth.

A few words of warning: avoid cleaning your jewelry in or near the sink. If you do, make sure the plug is in. If you are using a brush, be gentle: diamonds can work loose from their settings if treated roughly. If you use hand lotion, wait for at least 10-15 minutes before putting your rings back on.

What could possibly scratch a diamond? Another diamond. To prevent such scratches, separate diamond jewelry in your jewelry box. Diamonds also can scratch other gems or jewelry, especially soft items like pearls. And even though diamonds are hard, they can be brittle, especially along thin edges. Try not to wear your diamond when it might be struck sharply, and if you have an especially thin cut, keep it protected. If you are traveling, use a secure travel pouch, which will keep individual pieces safely apart.