May 21, 2024
I know what you're thinking...
What are the 4 C's and why should you care?
(Plus a secret, life-changing 5th C)
1. Color
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is considered the standard for diamond grading, and GIA developed a scale from D to Z to rate the color or absence of color in diamonds. D represents completely colorless stones and Z indicates diamonds with noticeable color, usually a yellow or brown tint. Completely colorless diamonds are rare and highly sought after.
Working with Carter's allows you to get the best value in your diamond's color. We typically recommend G, H, or I color graded diamonds that are not considered perfect, but are beautiful to the naked eye.
Fun Fact: There are diamonds sought after BECAUSE of their colors, yellow, green, blue... also known as fancy color diamonds. The grading process for colored diamonds assesses their hue, tone, and saturation.
2. Clarity
Diamonds are examined under 10x magnification to identify internal and external imperfections. The GIA clarity scale ranges from Flawless, no inclusions or blemishes visible under magnification, to Included, where inclusions and blemishes are likely obvious to the naked eye. The fewer and less visible imperfections are, the higher the diamond's clarity grade, and generally, the more valuable the diamond.
Internal imperfections, known as inclusions, are very common and to be expected, but the expert diamond concierges at Carter's have an eye for finding diamonds with minimal inclusions or where the inclusions have minimal affect on the overall look of your diamond.
3. Cut
At Carter's, we might consider cut the most important part of diamond shopping! GIA examines how well a diamond's facets interact with light, which is what makes your diamond sparkle! Cut grades range from Excellent to Poor, taking into account: brightness, fire, scintillation, weight ratio, durability, polish, and symmetry.
A well-cut diamond reflects light internally and disperses it through the top of the diamond, creating maximum sparkle. The precision of the cut (NOT shape) determines the diamond's cut grade.
Fun Fact: The only diamond shape that can have a "perfect" cut is round!
4. Carat
Carat measures the size of your diamond. It is a key factor in determining a diamond's value, meaning beautiful, large diamonds are more rare.
However! Diamonds with the same carat weight can have different dimensions, meaning some appear larger than others because of their cut. Your diamond concierge at Carter's will help you navigate searching for the diamond with the most ideal cut, making your diamond appear as large as possible for its overall carat weight.
The Secret 5th c...
5. Carter's
By now, you've probably caught on. Choosing the perfect diamond for your engagement ring or upgrade is a BIG decision, one that requires guidance by a trusted, local concierge: Carter's Collective Fine Jewelry located in Petal, Mississippi.
Just 15 minutes outside of Hattiesburg, Carter's Collective is known for exceptional craftsmanship and ensuring that each ring is both beautiful and durable for everyday wear. Carter's is the premiere diamond jeweler in Mississippi and also has their very own engagement ring designs.
The Bloom Collection by Carter's features a wide variety of unique and customizable designs, allowing couples to create a ring that perfectly reflects their personal style and love story. Carter's concierge service guides clients through every step of the process, to ensure a seamless and enjoyable fine jewelry shopping experience. Ready to make your appointment?
