The staff at johnson's jewelers of cary wants you to be educated about your jewelry purchases.  Many consumers are unsure of what to look for when choosing a diamond.  Here is some information to help you decide what kind of diamond is best for you.


Diamonds and the 4 C's

  • Color

One factor that determines the value of a diamond is its color. With the exception of fancy-colored diamonds, the most valuable diamonds are those with the least color. The diamond color scale ranged from "D" (colorless) to "Z" (light yellow to brown). 

  • Clarity

A diamond's clarity is measured by the existence or absence of visible flaws. Tiny surface blemished or internal inclusions, even those seen only under magnification, can alter the brilliance of a diamond and thus affect its value. 

  • Cut

While cut does include shape, in terms of the 4 Cs, it refers to the proportions of the cut. A diamond's cut grade is an objective measure of a diamond's light performance, or the amount of sparkle a diamond has.  Studies has been conducted to find the optimum proportions of a diamond's cut so that is has the greatest amount of sparkle. It its cut falls within these parameters, it is considered an ideal cut. Diamonds with find proportions, symmetry and polish optimize their interaction with light and have increased brilliance.  

  • Carat

Carat refers to the diamond's weight. One carat, the traditional unit of measurement for diamonds, is approximately 0.2 grams. Because they are rarer, larger diamonds have greater value per carat, so the price of a diamond rises exponentially to its size.