Selecting a diamond is the experience of a lifetime. Your decision is a lasting one, so it is important to know what to look for when you make this important purchase. Of course, we are here to walk you through the process and provide all of the valuable information to help with that decision! Here’s some basic information you should know about the 4Cs.
SHAPE makes a difference.
The shape you choose for your center diamond will have an impact on how your ring looks and feels. And, let’s face it, the diamond is the most important part! Here’s an interesting fact: Any shape other than round is referred to as a fancy cut. Here are some things to consider when looking at various diamonds:
Out of the 4 C’s the cut of the diamond is by far the most important. It is the cut that provides the brilliance. Cut, or the proportions of a diamond, is the only aspect of the diamond process controlled by man and it has the biggest impact on your diamonds appearance and quality. At Fredric H. Rubel, we suggest you consider an exceptional cut, first and foremost. It is not to say that Color, Clarity, and Carat are not important. However, sacrificing what you may consider the “sparkle” of a diamond for the size of the diamond may not be the best strategy. There is nothing like the brilliance, scintillation, and fire of an exceptionally cut diamond.
Diamonds range from colorless—the rarest and most valuable—to various degrees of yellow, with a spectrum of shadings in between. Diamond color actually means lack of color. When purchasing a diamond and looking at the color, less is actually more. The amount of color in a diamond is signified with a special lettering system from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and ranges from D to Z. D is awarded to only the rarest of diamonds which are totally colorless. The more colorless a white diamond is, the greater its beauty and value. Color is second to Cut in the importance of the 4Cs.
Clarity is the degree to which identifying characteristics known as inclusions are present in a diamond. A “flawless” diamond has no inclusions which are visible under a 10-power magnification. Diamonds are formed by tremendous heat and pressure deep within the earth. This process can result in internal inclusions and external blemishes.They are what make up the diamond’s “fingerprint.” It’s important to note that no two diamonds are alike and almost no diamond is perfect. A diamond’s clarity is determined by the number, size, and position of the inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions won’t affect a diamond’s beauty, but it can affect the price.
Carat weight is the measure of a diamond’s weight, and a reflection of its size. So, two diamonds of slightly different dimensions may have the same carat weight. Size also depends on how evenly weight is distributed and the quality of the cut. So, two diamonds with the same carat weight can vary greatly in value, depending on the color, clarity and most importantly, the cut. What matters most to you? At Fredric H. Rubel, we believe cut is of utmost importance. However, there is no right or wrong answer. Ultimately, it comes down to what’s right for you.
Natural color diamonds come in almost any color you can imagine and are in a very different category than white diamonds. Red, green, purple, and orange are generally the most rare, followed by pink and blue. Yellows and browns are the most common fancy colors, but they’re generally less valuable than the rarer colors. There are 27 continuous hues of natural colored diamonds. The more intense the color, the rarer the diamond. With natural colored diamonds, the color is celebrated, valued and highly desired. Why consider a natural color diamond? They are an expression of you.They can complement your skin tone or a favorite color. One thing we know is that they are unique, striking, and increasing in popularity. There is an entire rainbow of possibilities and an exciting alternative for engagement rings, a special anniversary, and they make a powerful statement.
