Diamond Buying Guide

The 4C's classify the value of diamond's price, rarity and beauty are determined by the combination of cut, color, clarity and carat weight.

Cut

Cut describes the proportions and angles of a diamond. Many people confuse cut with the shape of a diamond. Although nature determines the other three characteristics, it takes a master diamond cutter to reveal a diamond’s true beauty. Diamonds are available in various shapes including round, square, pear, heart, marquise and oval but cut refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond.

A well cut diamond reflects light from one mirrorlike facet to another and projects the light through the top of the stone. The result is a fiery and brilliant display. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow leak light through the side or bottom, resulting in a lackluster appearance and diminish value.

Color

White-colored diamonds remain the most popular, even though diamonds are found in a kaleidoscope of colors. Diamonds are graded on a color scale implemented by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which ranges from D, which is colorless, to Z. Color differences can be so subtle that diamond colors are graded under controlled lighting conditions and are compared to a master set for accuracy. While truly colorless diamonds, graded D, are treasured for their rarity, diamond color is ultimately a very personal taste. Ask us, your IJO Master Jeweler, to show you an array of color grades next to each other to help you determine your color preference.

Clarity

Nature ensures that each diamond is as individual as the person who wears it. Naturally occurring inclusions such as minerals or fractures are identifying characteristics created while diamonds are formed in the earth. IJO Master Jewelers use magnification to view diamonds at 10x their actual size so these tiny inclusions are more easily seen. Inclusions are measured on a scale of perfection, known as clarity, which was established by GIA. The greater a diamond’s clarity, the more rare and valuable it is. A diamond with an inclusion in the middle or top could impact the dispersion of light, making the diamond less brilliant.

Carat Weight

Carat is a diamond’s measure of weight, not size. One full carat is equal to 100 points. A 3/4 carat diamond is the same as 75 points. Since larger diamonds are found less frequently in nature, a 1 carat diamond will cost more than twice a 1/2 carat diamond (assuming all other characteristics remain constant). The cut and the mounting can make a diamond appear larger than its actual weight. Your IJO Master Jeweler will help you find the right diamond and mounting to optimize its beauty.