All About the 4C’s of Diamonds
If you’ve been dreaming of having your own diamond, then get ready for Murphy-Pitard Jewelers' Million Dollar Diamond Event. On April 24th and 25th, we'll be showcasing over one million dollars worth of diamonds. Plus, you can enjoy up to 20% OFF engagement ring settings or wedding bands.
All the sparkle and shine of those diamonds will be on dazzling display. But before you come and browse our spectacular selection, let’s get acquainted with the 4C’s. These are the four characteristics by which diamonds are evaluated and include cut, color, clarity and carat weight. When you understand the 4C’s, it can guide you in finding your dream diamond.
Cut
The cut of a diamond is one of the most important indicators of its beauty and quality. A diamond’s cut will determine how much light reflects off its many facets, which will ultimately affect its overall radiance. When shopping for diamonds, look for those with an "Excellent" cut rating. This means it has been cut in such a way as to maximize its brilliance and fire.
Color
Diamond color is graded on an alphabetical scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). While some people opt for a higher-colored grade (D-F) if they're looking for maximum luminance, many find that diamonds in the G-J range provide excellent value without sacrificing too much shimmer.
Clarity
Diamond clarity refers to any internal or external imperfections known as inclusions and blemishes. These may be marks on the surface of the stone (blemishes) or tiny cracks inside it (inclusions). Either way, they will have an impact on both price and appearance. Ideally you should look for stones with no visible inclusions or blemishes when viewing them under 10x magnification.
Carat Weight
Carat weight is simply how much a diamond weighs. The bigger it is, the more expensive it will be per carat. However, two diamonds of equal size won't necessarily have similar prices. Factors such as color and clarity play an important role here too. So, always bear this in mind when shopping around. Sometimes two smaller stones might give better value than a single larger gem.