Diamond Rings - Value, Grading and the 4 C's

Purchasing a diamond ring for your special someone is an exciting and important task. Having the proper knowledge, will help ensure that you get the most value from the diamond ring you are about to purchase.

The four C's are 4 categories used for grading, starting with the letter C. These are: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat. Gemologists use these scales when grading your diamonds, ensure your stones are evaluated by a certified appraiser.

The Cut refers to its reflective qualities. An ideal cut reflects the most light back to your eyes, giving it that fiery brilliance desired in diamonds. A poor cut will seem dull or dark. Grading the stones cut is done within these names: ideal,premium,very good,good,fair and poor.

Color, of course refers to it's unique color. The most desired and valuable ones are clear or colorless. The color grade is done alphabetically from D(colorless)to X(yellow). They're also various fancy colors available like blue, black and many more.

Clarity is used to account for the stones flaws on the inside or outside. Usually in the form or inclusions, scratches, carbon spots, blemishes... Clarity is graded in decreasing order from FL/IF for internally flawless(no flaws at all), to VVS1,VVS2,VS1,VS2,SI1,SI2,I1,I2,I3 imperfect. In many cases a smaller stone with a better clarity can be a better choice than a heavily flawed larger stone.

The Last C stands for Carat, or simply put the stones weight. A carat equates to 200 milligrams, the greater the carat the rarer and more expensive its price. A diamonds weight is often rated in "points". A hundred points being one carat and one point 0.01 of a carat. The term TDW is often used to announce the total weight of multiple stones used in one ring.

Now that you are familiar with the four C's of grading diamonds you will be able to make an informed decision on your purchase ensuring that the diamonds you purchase for you or your loved ones ring is of the greatest value and quality. Enjoy! For more information, visit Diamond Rings.

About The Author:

Guillaume Lafond is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.quality-diamond-engagement-rings.com.