Blog

The first official step in a couple’s life together is often symbolized through the giving of an engagement ring. When it comes to choosing a fitting token of this lifetime’s commitment to one another, diamonds often top the wish-list of suitable gems due to their association with eternal emotions. Knowing the “4Cs” is essential when selecting a diamond engagement ring in order to be fully aware of the unique properties of each ring. The 4Cs refer to four categories of diamond appraisal: cut, color, clarity and carat. The cut plays a prime role in the diamond’s potential to sparkle. The color is important because the less color there is, the higher the diamond is graded. On the scale used by the Gemological Institute of America, a D rating indicates a diamond with the least amount of color. Such colorless diamonds are in fact rare. Clarity is a way of measuring any natural flaws, known as inclusions, in the diamond. Often though these are so tiny as to be invisible to the naked eye, and, with diamonds being a natural phenomenon, perfection in terms of lack of inclusions is extremely rare. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, which is not the same thing as its size. While the carat of a diamond is probably the most pertinent aspect when choosing a ring and determining its value, the cut, color and clarity all also play a role in the latter too. Being aware of the 4Cs will therefore make it easier when the time comes to select “the one”.