What to Know - Overview
Understanding the 5 C's makes it possible to accurately determine a diamond's value.

The 5 C's: Carat weight, Clarity, Color, Cut, and Certificate

Diamonds are extraordinary: rare, natural gems of unmatched beauty. Every diamond purchase is special: sentimental, emotional, creating a memory that lasts forever.

And just because diamonds are so special, they can be costly.

Understanding the 5 C's - Carat weight, Clarity, Color, Cut, and Certificate - makes it possible to accurately determine a diamond's value. It's easy to see why fine diamonds are rarely, if ever, sold to the public by reputable vendors at rock bottom, 'below wholesale' prices.

Carat Weight

Carats are the units of measurement used for the weight of a diamond. One carat equals 0.2 grams or 0.007 ounces. As carat weight increases, diamonds become much more valuable; a result of rarity. For example, a one-carat diamond may cost more than three times as much as a half-carat diamond of similar clarity, color and cut.

Clarity

The ideal diamond is perfectly clear! Flawless, it has no inclusions or surface blemishes to detract from its beauty. Most diamonds however, have imperfections that greatly affect value. Clarity is graded by applying strict rules and standards to summarize the size, type, location and number of inclusions and blemishes. The higher the clarity grade, the more valuable the diamond.

Color

The ideal diamond is actually colorless! Like a prism, a diamond divides light into spectral colors, which are then reflected as colorful flashes called fire. Any natural color in the diamond filters the light, reducing its fire and brilliance. The less natural color, the more desirable and valuable the diamond.

Cut

The perfect diamond is ideally cut! Cut determines the diamond's ability to reflect light, to create its unmatched brilliance and fire. Cut grades, which consider the combined effect of proportions, angles, symmetry and finish, range from Ideal/Excellent to Poor. Cut may be the most important factor in determining the diamond's beauty, desirability and value.

Certificate

A certificate from a respected gemological laboratory provides important information and assurance about the quality of your diamond. The certificate describes the specific characteristics of that diamond, including dimensions, carat weight, clarity and color, plus measurements and/or grades related to cut. The type and position of inclusions are also diagrammed. Taken together, the certificate provides the information needed to establish value.

Plus, the 6th Care

You should have your diamond jewelry professionally inspected at least once a year. It should be checked for loose stones, bent prongs, or other signs of wear. It's a good idea to have your diamond jewelry professionally cleaned whenever it's inspected.