The 4Cs of diamond grading
Two diamonds of the same size may appear identical to the naked eye. However, they each could have a very different value upon closer examination.
The globally accepted standards for a diamond's evaluation were developed by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) in 1953 in an effort to create a uniform language in which anyone around the world could communicate when describing the quality and properties of a diamond.
These standards are known as the 4Cs: Colour, Clarity, Cut and Carat.
The GIA colour grading scale ranges from D to Z, with D grade diamonds being fully colourless and Z grade diamonds having a yellow hue. A diamond with a D colour grade is the most valuable.
The range of standard colourless investment diamonds goes from D to G.
Eleven clarity grades make up the GIA grading system, ranging from flawless to included. While flawless diamonds are extremely rare, the majority of diamonds have varying degrees of natural inclusions and blemishes. These characteristics also help identify each individual stone.
GIA assigns 5 cut grades to polished round brilliant cut diamonds, which are: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor. Only round brilliant cut diamonds receive a Cut grade from GIA, due to their symmetry and specific cut ratio formula, to unlock the most amount of fire and light dispersion.
Diamond weights are expressed in metric measurements called carats (ct.) and are expressed as decimal numbers, such as 1.00 ct, 5.23 ct and 10.45 ct.
No other precious stone can match the diamond. It is found in the most remote regions of the earth and the fact that it is formed at all is a small miracle.
Get to know more about the origin of diamondsGold is an important part of a diversified portfolio. In order to fully understand its value, one must look back to the start of the gold market.
Dive into the history of goldTwo diamonds of the same size may appear identical to the naked eye. However, they each could have a very different value upon closer examination.
Discover all 4Cs and become an expertView the historical gold prices via our price history chart and stay informed with the current gold spot prices.
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