Learn About Diamonds
The Four Cs of Diamonds
Carat Weight
Cut
Color
Clarity
The Carat Weight
The word carat derives from the word carob, a Mediterranean seed, which has an extremely consistent weight for measuring. The greater the carat weight, the rarer, and more valuable the diamond becomes. Five metric carats weighs exactly 1 gram.
Some people want the largest diamond possible. If size is a priority, we at Himalaya Jewelers can help you classify the proper cut, color and clarity to fit your budget economically, and fit your jewelry beautifully. Many of our engagement rings can fit diamonds up to 5.00 carats, but each ring has different size constraints based on its size and the type of setting. Prong settings can be manipulated to fit virtually any size diamond, but tension-set diamonds and bezel set diamonds have more limitations on size.
![](http://lakhani-jewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Carats-weight.png)
The Cut
The true definition of cut is the quality of the proportions and symmetry of the diamond. Your diamond’s proportions make a vast difference on how brightly your diamond shines. An ‘ideal cut’ diamond is one that allows the maximum amount of light to return through the top of the diamond, which takes into consideration the depth, table size, crown height and angle, girdle thickness and more. Our diamond professionals will be happy to assist you in selecting the best diamond cut
After a rough diamond is mined, it is evaluated to determine its best possible cut, in order to maintain the maximum clarity, color, and carat weight. The term ‘cut’ is often confused with diamond ‘shape’, such as round brilliant or princess cut.
The Color
Color is one of the more noticeable attributes of a diamond and has a heavy impact on the price of the stone. Diamonds range from colorless to yellow or light brown, and are sometimes found in a spectrum of fancy colors, including yellow, blue, and even red diamonds. The less color, the rarer the diamond. After ‘Z’ on the color scale, diamonds become fancy yellow, which cost more because of their rarity.
![](http://lakhani-jewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Diamond-Color.jpg)
The Clarity
Diamonds are composed of mostly carbon. During the heating process, other elements become trapped inside, giving each diamond its own unique fingerprint. These inclusions help identify the clarity of your diamond. All diamonds are viewed through a 10x magnification lens by diamond graders
IF
Internally Flawless:
No inclusions, only blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.
VVS1 - VVS2
Very, Very Slightly Included:
Inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification.
VS1 - VS2
Very Slightly Included:
Inclusions are clearly visible under 10x magnification but can be characterized as minor.
Sl1 - Sl2
Slightly Included:
Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.
I1 - I2
Included:
Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance.