With more than seven billion people in the world, it's crazy to think that no two are alike. Each person has their own distinct laugh, rich memories and vivid life experiences. We all have our own hopes, dreams and passions that propel us forward. These are things that make us unique, one-of-a-kind treasures.
No two people are alike and the same goes for diamonds. Each diamond has its own distinctive characteristics. These particular attributes are based on what jewelers and gemologists refer to as the 4 C's. The 4 C's are the way every diamond in the world is evaluated by cut, color, clarity and carat.
The 4 C's were established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in the 1940's. Since then, they've reigned as the worldwide standard by which diamonds are evaluated.
Choosing a diamond is a significant experience, whether it's for an engagement ring, an anniversary, birthday, graduation or just because. That's why you'll want to select a diamond that fits the person who will wear it. At Beré, we want you to feel confident about your diamond purchase. Exploring the 4 C's will help you unlock the exceptional and shimmering facets of each diamond, so you can find the finest stone for your budget.
Cut
Cut is the most important of the 4 C's because it has the most impact on the stone's appearance. Occasionally, cut is confused with the gem's shape, such as round or pear. In reality, cut refers to how a diamond is proportioned and faceted to make the light flow through the stone. A superior cut creates the maximum amount of sparkle. The GIA grading system for cut is Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor. The difference between an Excellent and a Poor diamond is astonishing. An Excellent diamond glows brightly, the light passing through lustrous and well-balanced with no large dark spots. A diamond that is graded as Poor is dull, containing dark spots which flatten its shine. We recommend you stick with an Excellent to Very Good cut to unlock the full radiance of your stone.
Color
Diamonds are actually rated by their lack of color. While they come in a range of natural colors, such as gray, white, yellow, green, brown and pink, the rarest and highest quality diamonds are as colorless as a drop of water. The GIA rates diamond color on a scale of D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Most diamonds in the world have a faint splash of color but the rarest ones are graded D, E and F. While a K graded diamond may not be as high in quality, the delicate color might pair beautifully with the ring setting you have your eye on. So don't worry if your potential diamond isn't perfectly colorless.
Clarity
Most natural diamonds have tiny imperfections called blemishes and inclusions. Blemishes appear on the outside of the stone while inclusions occur on the inside. If a diamond has too many blemishes and inclusions, they can interfere with how light flows through the stone, making it appear cloudy. Using 10X magnification, jewelers grade diamond clarity on a scale from "Flawless" to "Imperfect". Flawless diamonds with no visible inclusions or blemishes under 10X magnification are extremely rare. In fact, they account for less than 1% of all diamonds. Most diamonds have a few imperfections which don't take away from the wonderful shine of the stone.
Carat
Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, rather than the overall size. The word "carat" comes from "carob" seed, the original unit of weight used by diamond traders. Today a carat weighs about as much as a paperclip.
Two diamonds of the same carat weight can have a completely different value and therefore cost, depending on the other 3 C's. For instance, a 1-carat diamond with an Excellent cut might cost more than a 1-carat diamond with a Poor cut. Color and clarity will also impact the price of these diamonds.
Find Your One-of-a-Kind Diamond at Beré
Since opening our doors in 1985, we've had the pleasure of meeting so many extraordinary, one-of-a-kind people. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is always happy to guide you through our stunning selection of loose diamonds or our other collections, including bridal jewelry. A diamond is as singular as the person who wears it and purchasing one is a special experience. At Beré we want you to know what to look for and choose the perfect diamond. So, come on down to 5033 N. 12th Avenue and find the diamond of your dreams today.