Many people are confused about how diamonds are priced. The best explanation is that asking for the price of a diamond is like asking for the price of a house. A real estate agent can't quote you a price for a house without knowing its size, condition, location, etc. This process is the same one used when buying a diamond. A diamond's beauty, rarity, and price depend on the interplay of the 4Cs...Cut, Clarity, Carat and Colour.

Note: For a graphical demonstration of the 4Cs, click on this link and you will open a new browser window link to another site ... you won't be leaving this site! You'll need the "Flash" plugin for this demo.

CARAT...Refers to the weight of a diamond. Carat is often confused with the size of a diamond although it is actually a measure of weight. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. One carat can also be divided in 100 points. A .75 carat diamond is the same as 75 points or 3/4 carat diamond.

Because larger diamonds are found less frequently in nature, they are more valuable. Therefore, a 1 carat diamond will cost more than twice a 1/2 carat diamond, assuming other characteristics are similar.

For more detailed information on the carat of a diamond, please click here.

CLARITY...Refers to the presence of inclusions in a diamond. Inclusions are natural identifying characteristics such as minerals or fractures, appearing while diamonds are being formed. They may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. Inclusions are usually viewed at 10x magnification. The position of inclusions can affect the value of a diamond. Some inclusions can be hidden by a mounting, thus having little effect on the beauty of a diamond. An inclusion in the middle or top of a diamond could impact the dispersion of light, sometimes making the diamond less brilliant. Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection known as the clarity scale. The scale ranges from F(Flawless) to I(Included) and is based on the visibility of inclusions at 10X magnification.

For more detailed information on the clarity of a diamond, please click here.

COLOUR...Refers to the degree to which a diamond is colorless. Diamonds are graded on a colour scale established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which ranges from D(Colorless) to Z. Warmer colored diamonds K-Z are particularly desirable when set in yellow gold. Icy winter whites (D-J) look stunning in white gold or platinum. Colour differences can be very subtle and grading is done under controlled lighting and compared against a "master" for accuracy.

For more detailed information on the colour of a diamond, please click here.

CUT..Refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond. While nature determines a diamond's clarity, carat weight and colour, the hand of a master craftsman is necessary to release the diamonds fire and sparkle. When a diamond is cut to ideal proportions, light will reflect from one mirror-like facet to another and disperse through the top of the stone, resulting in a display of brilliance and fire.

Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow, lose or leak light through the side or bottom, resulting in less brilliance and ultimately, value. Non round shapes, also known as fancy shapes will have their own guidelines to be considered well cut.

For more detailed information on the cut of a diamond, please click here.

Drop in and our knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to demonstrate the 4Cs!