The 4 C's

The four characteristics that determine the quality and value of a diamond are
Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight.
    Two diamonds that look alike at first may in fact be very different. And two diamonds of equal size can have very unequal values. The difference between them is subtle indeed. To understand these differences is to understand the 4C's. It is the different combinations of all these characteristics that determine the quality and value of a diamond. While it takes training to distinguish each diamonds cut, color, clarity and carat, knowing what each means will help you make an informed choice in your selection.


CUT: The way a diamond is cut and polished is vital. It is the precision and the delicacy of the cut that dictates the maximum amount of light the diamond will refract and reflect. The better its cut, the greater will be its brilliance, sparkle and fire. GAL appraisers evaluate your diamonds cut by determining its Diameter, Table, Crown, Girdle, Pavilion, Culet and Depth. It is important to know a diamonds cut because a diamond with a perfect color and clarity having a poor cut may make the diamond lack brilliance and fire.

COLOR: Most diamonds look colorless, but there are many subtle shade differences and the closer a diamond is to having no color the more valuable it becomes. Diamonds with no hint of color at all are very rare, but also rare are diamonds with strong color. These are called 'fancies'. The subtle differences in hue make it difficult for the untrained eye to notice any color difference. Our experienced professionals will be able to assess the color of your diamond.

CLARITY: Thanks to nature, every diamond is unique. Each one possesses its own individuality. This could be due to minute traces of other minerals trapped during the crystallization process. It is common for diamonds to have slight imperfections. These natural characteristics or imperfections, called 'inclusions' are better described as nature's fingerprints and help gemologists determine the quality of a diamond. Clarity is a very important factor in determining a diamonds value. The diamonds clarity is based on the type and location of the inclusions and blemishes. Greater clarity gives greater brilliance.

CARAT (weight): A diamond's weight is the simplest of its characteristics to measure, and from the earliest times has been used to calculate on aspect of the value of a diamond. Each carat is divided into 100 points. For example a quarter of a carat is 25, written as 0.25 carats. It is easy to weigh an un-mounted diamond, but once it is in a setting, it is only possible to estimate it's weight by using special gauges and formulas.

It is important to remember bigger does not always mean better. A diamonds ultimate value is based on a balance between the 4C's: cut, color, clarity and carat. The characteristics together determine the value of a diamond.



Care for your diamonds

    Once you have made that very special purchase, give a thought to care. Diamonds are forever, but they must be kept clean to assure their most brilliant performance. Put them away carefully in between wearing, and pack them well when traveling.
    Keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined jewel case or a box with compartments or dividers. If you use ordinary boxes, wrap each piece individually in tissue paper. Don't clutter your diamond pieces in a drawer or jewelry case because diamonds can scratch other jewelry as well as each other.
    While traveling with diamonds pack them and other jewelry items with care. Many types of carry-alls, specially designed for jewelry travel are available in all price ranges. They come in all sizes, shapes and patterns. Most have velvet pads inside to attach pins and earrings, and special compartments for bracelets and necklaces.

Care for your Ring

    Don't wear your ring while you are doing rough work. Although diamonds are durable they can be chipped by a hard blow.
    Avoid contact with chlorine bleach when you are doing household chores.
    See your jeweler at least once a year and have him or her check you ring and other for loose prongs and wear of mountings.

Cleaning your diamond jewelry
    Diamonds get smudged, soiled and dusty. Lotions, powders, soaps, even the natural skin oils, put film on diamonds and cut down their brilliance. Diamonds should be cleaned so that the maximum amount of light can then enter and return in a fiery brilliance. It just takes a little care to keep them that way. Here are four ways to clean diamonds.

1. The Detergent Bath
    Prepare a small bowl of warm suds with any of the mild liquid detergents used in the home. Brush the pieces with a soft toothbrush while they are in the suds. Then transfer them to a wire tea strainer and rinse under warm running water. Pat dry with a soft, lint-less cloth.

2. The Toothpaste Wash
    With a soft toothbrush, gently scrub your jewelry using mild toothpaste, such as regular crest. Then transfer them to a wire tea strainer and rinse under warm running water. Pat dry with a soft, lint-less cloth.

3. The Quick-Dip Method
    Buy one of the brand-name liquid jewelry cleaners, with its kit, choosing the kind most useful to you. Read the label and follow its instructions. Don't touch your clean diamonds with your fingers. Handle your jewelry by its edges.

4. The Ultrasonic Cleaner
    There are many types of these small machines on the market that will clean any piece of jewelry that can be dipped in a liquid in a matter of minutes. They consist of a metal cup that you fill with water and detergent. When the machine is turned on, a high-frequency motion creates the cleaning action. Since each machine is slightly different, read the instructions very carefully before use.