4 C' of diamonds

Diamonds are valued for four main characteristics, which are:

CARAT or CARATE: It is the measure of weight of a diamond and is represented in carats or carats. All diamonds are weighed on special scales and the carat is determined. The greater the weight, the greater the size. It can also be said that each 0.01 carat represents 1 point.

COLOR GRADE: According to the chemical composition of a natural diamond, the whiteness or absence of color is graded; the more colorless it is, the higher its value. Each color grade is represented by letters, with "D" being the most colorless and "Z" being the most yellow (scale attached).

CLARITY: Natural diamonds are carbon exposed to extreme temperatures and immense pressure underground. This process leaves inclusions or imperfections within the diamonds. The sum of these inclusions determines the purity or clarity; the cleaner the diamond, the higher its value. Most inclusions are only visible under a magnifying glass. Clarity is represented by the following abbreviations: IF, VVS, VS, SI, I, P.

CUT: This is the shape in which the diamond is cut: Brilliant (round), Princess (square), heart, oval, etc.

Within the Brilliant Cut (round) diamonds there is a very important characteristic which is the Cut Grade, the scale goes from: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Regular and Medium.

There are other important ones, such as polishing and symmetry in the diamond.