THE FOUR C'S OF DIAMONDS:
Each diamond is held to a set of four standards: cut, color, clarity, and carat which determine the overall rating, aesthetic, and diamond quality which are explained below. Jacqueline hand selects each stone for her clients, working collaboratively to find the perfect balance of quality and size.
1. Cut
The Cut is several measurements of a diamond’s proportions, alignment of the facets, and quality of the polish. All of these aspects determine how diamonds interact with light. This is different then the shape (round, pear, radiant, etc).
2. Color
Color refers to the natural color or lack of color in a diamond, based on the GIA grade scale. GIA grades diamonds on their absence of color, on a scale from D to Z. D is completely colorless, and Z being light yellow or brown in color. Colorless diamonds are very rare, resulting in a higher price point.
3. Clarity
As diamonds are forming they can develop inclusions within the stone. Clarity is based on the number, size, and location of these inclusions. GIA grades for clarity under 10x magnification and this grade is based on the number, size, type, color and texture of the inclusions. Diamonds with little to no inclusions are considered particularly rare and highly valued.
4. Carat
Carat refers to the unit of measurement describing how much a diamond weighs. Two diamonds shapes with the same carat weight could look very different.