4 C’S OF A DIAMOND
A diamond’s value is determined by characteristics known as the “4 C’s” (Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color.) Before diving in to find a diamond that is right for you, it would be helpful to understand why two diamonds that look similar can be valued very differently.
Carat is a unit of measure by which diamonds are weighed. One carat is made up of 100 points, therefore, a diamond weighing 1.10ct is referred to as “One carat and ten points.” It’s important to note that diamonds that may have the same carat weight may not always appear to be the same in size. If a diamond is cut more shallow or deep than another diamond (of the same weight), it may appear smaller and/or suffer in brilliance.
The Cut grade is determined by the proportions of a diamond. Unlike the other C’s that are natural occurrences when a diamond is grown, the Cut of a diamond is the only characteristic that is controlled by man. The cut is crucial to a diamond’s final beauty because it affects the brightness and sparkle of a diamond.
A diamond’s Clarity is evaluated based on both internal and external characteristics. Internal characteristics are referred to as “inclusions” while external characteristics are referred to as “blemishes”. The Clarity grade ranges from Flawless to Included. Although most inclusions and blemishes are very tiny and are not noticeable to the naked eye, the overall quality can be very different. We limit our clarity offerings to minimally SI2 to ensure that we are providing our customers with great diamonds.
Most diamonds used in jewelry vary from completely colorless to different shades of yellow or brown. They can also come in a variety of colors (pinks, blues, and bright yellows), however, colored diamonds are very rare and tend to come at a much higher price.
Color grades are assigned using a D-Z color scale. D-F is considered “Colorless,” G-J “Near Colorless,” and K color and below have a more visible yellow or brown tint. We do not offer diamonds beyond a J color grade so that we are consistently offering our customers only great quality diamonds.
What are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds (sometimes referred to as lab created diamonds) are diamonds that are grown under a controlled condition that mimics the Earth’s natural growing conditions as mined diamonds. Lab grown diamonds have been in existence since the 1950’s and have been used for commercial use for optics, water treatment, semiconductors, medical, and technology. It wasn’t until the last 5 to 8 years that gem quality production has been achieved and is now available to customers in the jewelry market.
Lab Grown vs. Mined
There are many misconceptions about Lab Grown diamonds, mined diamonds, and simulants. Simulants are more or less a physical copy of diamonds with entirely different chemical compositions. Whereas, lab grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as mined diamonds.
The Benefits
Affordability and Size
Lab grown diamonds offer the same features as mined diamonds at more affordable prices. Customers can now purchase diamonds with better qualities and/or larger sizes.
Genuine
Our lab grown diamonds are identical to mined diamonds. They share the same optical, physical and chemical properties. The only difference is their origin. “A diamond is a diamond, no matter whether it is grown in a lab or it comes out of the ground”. – Forbes.com
Conflict Free
By purchasing a lab grown diamond you will get the peace of mind of knowing that the origins of our diamonds come from labs and not from diamond mines that may produce conflict diamonds.