Guidance to the 4C’s of Diamonds with Sunrise Jewelry

Embark on a captivating journey into the world of diamonds with Sunrise Jewelry as your guide. We will walk you through the 4Cs of diamonds, a universally recognized method for assessing diamond quality, pioneered by Robert M. Shipley, the founder of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The 4Cs encompass Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat.

Cut plays a significant role in determining a diamond’s ability to reflect light and create breathtaking brilliance.

According to the GIA, a diamond’s cut refers to the interaction of its facets with light. The cut grade is determined by evaluating the proportions of the diamond’s facets that influence its face-up appearance.

And this evaluation considers three essential factors: brightness (reflection of white light), fire (dispersion of light into colors), and scintillation (the diamond’s sparkle, including patterns of light and dark caused by internal reflections).

Diamond color is assessed using the GIA’s D-to-Z diamond color-grading system.

The highest-quality diamond is graded as D, denoting absolute colorlessness and purity.

Evaluations compare stones to master stones with established color values under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions. So the degree of colorlessness will significantly affect a diamond’s quality and value.

Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions and blemishes, both internal and external characteristics formed during a diamond’s creation. The GIA’s Diamond Clarity Scale consists of six categories:

Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification.

Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions visible under 10x magnification.

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): Inclusions are extremely difficult to see under 10x magnification.

Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): Inclusions are visible but considered minor under 10x magnification.

Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification.

Included (I1, I2, and I3): Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification and may impact transparency and brilliance.

Carat weight measures the physical weight of a diamond and is expressed in metric carats, with 1 carat equal to 200 milligrams and divided into 100 points. Larger diamonds are rarer and hold greater value.

However, it is important to consider other factors such as cut, color, and clarity when assessing a diamond’s worth.

At Sunrise Jewelry, we source diamonds from transparent suppliers. Our customers can have peace of mind knowing that our diamonds are conflict-free and traceable. With our professional full-range service and sustainable sourcing practices, Sunrise Jewelry is here to help you thrive in the enchanting world of diamonds.