When you are shopping for diamonds at Kay Jewelry you will want to understand how diamonds are graded so you will know what you are buying. The way diamonds are graded is on a scale of four Cs. This is very common and no matter where you buy a diamond you will need to know this information. Studying this up front, though, will help you when you shop online or in a Kay’s store for diamonds. The four Cs will be discussed to help you better understand what they mean.
Clarity
The first C stands for clarity. This means how pure or clear the diamond is. The way clarity is graded is based on the number of external blemishes and internal inclusions that are found in the stone. There size, the number, and where they are located within the stone after the clarity grade. Clarity is ranked from IF, internally flawless, all the way down to I2, which is obvious inclusions that are easy to locate. If stones are rare and very expensive while I2 stones are less expensive and more common. Most people prefer a diamond engagement ring with a minimum grade of SI2, which means that are inclusions that can be found quite easily with 10x magnification but very difficult to see with the unaided eye. Earrings, bracelets, and side stone diamonds are often the I1 variety because they are more affordable.
Color
The second C stands for color. This simply refers to the actual color of the diamond. You might think of all diamonds as being white, but that is not exactly the case. There are many diamonds that have a yellowish hue or that are without color. Other colored diamonds may be pink, yellow, blue, green, brown, black, and even red. Colored diamonds are very rare and are more expensive.
Cut
The cut of a diamond is the third C. This includes the symmetry, proportion, polish, and finish of the diamond. The way a diamond is cut directly affects the brilliance and fire of the diamond. Diamonds, like Kay’s Leo diamond, that are well cut are more attractive and more expensive. Poorly cut diamonds are cheaper.
Carat
The fourth and final C is carat. This means how much the diamond weighs. There are 100 points in a carat and generally diamonds are discussed in fractions such as ¾ of a carat, which would be 75 points. A one carat diamond weighs .20 grams. The larger the diamond is naturally the more expensive it is. That is why it is cheaper to buy two ¼ carat diamonds than it is to buy one half carat diamond.
These are the 4 Cs that apply to all diamonds. Of course, many jewelers like to include a fifth C of “care”. That is because the way a diamond is cared for will affect how good it looks. Kay Jewelers instructs buyers on how to care for their new diamond jewelry.