When buying a diamond, it is vitally important to know about the 4 C's. They are cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Together, the 4 C's determine a diamond's value. It is essential to learn about each of the 4 C's before purchasing a diamond because each C speaks differently to each individual.

CUT        

To many, cut is the most important of the 4 C's. Each diamond is cut using an exact mathematical formula that unleashes its brilliance and fire. Cut also refers to the number of facets that the diamond has.

The most common cut is the round brilliant. The round brilliant has 58 flat, polished facets that reflect the maximum amount of light. This mathematical formula also takes into account the depth of the cut. If a diamond is cut too shallow or too deep, it will lose some of its fire. A well-cut diamond will reflect the light and refract it back out to your eye.

Cut is not to be confused with shape. The American Gem Society is the only Industry trade group to qualify cutting as defined grade. For more information, visit the AGS website at: www.ags.org.

COLOR

While diamonds come in every color of the spectrum, the most valuable diamond color is colorless. Truly colorless diamonds are extremely rare and as a result are expensive.

Diamonds are graded on a color scale established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and also the American Gem Society. Diamonds range from D (colorless) to Z. The further down in the alphabet the diamond is, the more yellow it appears. Color can best be determined by looking at a loose diamond on a pure white surface and noting any contrast.

Gemological Institute Diamond Color Grading Scale

CLARITY

Internal characteristics and external irregularities affect the clarity of a diamond by interfering with the passage of light throughout the stone. Characteristics such as spots, lines or bubbles are known as inclusions. A diamond is more valuable when it has fewer Internal characteristics.

According to the GIA's quality analysis system, clarity is graded on a scale ranging from flawless (FL or IF) to imperfect (I). The system is based on the visibility of Internal characteristics at a magnification of 10x.

Gemological Institute Diamond Clarity Grading Scale

CARAT

Some people believe that carat refers to the size of a diamond. But actuality; carat is the term used to measure a diamond's weight. A carat is equal to 200 milligrams, and there are 142 carats to an ounce. One carat is made up of one hundred points. The larger the diamond, the greater its rarity. Because larger diamonds are more rare, they generally have a greater value per carat.

• Each type of gemstone is characterized by a unique combination of hardness and durability.
• Gold is relatively soft and can be scratched and abraded by rubbing against other gold and most other jewelry.
• Platinum is harder and denser than other precious metals and can actually impose damage on softer gold and silver.
• Diamonds, although the hardest substance known, can and will scratch other diamonds; they can also chip and break if struck hard in just the right direction.
• Organic materials, like pearl, shell and coral, can be attacked by many chemicals, including some found in common household cleaning solutions.

• If you are active and busy with your hands, be careful with gemstones that are set high or with exposed surfaces that can be scratched or chipped.
• Wearing rings against each other – either on the same finger or different fingers - will abrade the rings and eventually wear them thin.
• Thin fragile chains should be reserved for special occasions. Sturdier chains should be selected for everyday or active wear and for dangling pendants.
• Hollow jewelry, like earrings and bracelets, can be dented by a hard blow, by dropping onto a hard surface, or by knocking against other hard objects. Some hollow earrings can be dented by a telephone receiver.
• Most body lotions will cling to gems and jewelry making them greasy and dull and attractive to dust and dirt. Perfume and hair spray can affect organic materials. Apply cosmetics before putting on your jewelry.
• Some gemstones will change colors in suntan booths; remove jewelry before tanning.
• Have your jewelry checked frequently for loose gems, worn prongs or weak areas.

• Separate jewelry pieces from each other when you are not wearing them, like in different compartments, soft pouches or cloths.
• Don't wrap jewelry in tissues that may easily be discarded.
• Some jewelry will cloud or tarnish if stored in plastic bags.
• Avoid places of extreme temperatures like freezers, in-floor storage and some wall safes.
• Avoid leaving jewelry for prolonged periods of time in moisture-deprived places like safety deposit boxes.

• Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia or abrasive cleansers.
• Mild household detergent – clear rather than cloudy – mixed with warm water, is generally the best cleaning agent for fine jewelry.
• Avoid bar soaps because they usually contain oils or lotions that will adhere to jewelry and make it cloudy.
• Use a soft brush and try to clean off the back of gems as well as the tops. Most grease and dirt is trapped underneath.
• Do not immerse a strand of pearls in liquid; the string can rot and possibly discolor the pearl from inside. Clean pearls with a damp, soft cloth, being careful not to tug on the string.
• Visit your jeweler on a regular basis (usually at least every 3-6 months) to have your settings checked and cleaned. It is better to discover a problem with your precious jewelry before something serious happens.