When it comes to buying a diamond, understanding its true value is paramount. As a customer, you may not have the necessary tools to assess a diamond's quality. To address this, a universal grading system based on four essential characteristics has been established: Carat Weight, Color, Clarity, and Cut. Together, these 4Cs provide a comprehensive evaluation of a diamond's worth and ensure transparency in the market.
Lab-Grown Diamonds and the 4Cs
You might wonder if labgrown diamonds are evaluated differently, given their distinct origin. However, labgrown diamonds have the same physical and chemical structure as mined diamonds, which means their quality is determined using the same 4Cs process. The rigorous evaluation applies equally to lab-grown diamonds, allowing customers to make informed choices with confidence.
The Interplay of the 4Cs
The true value of a diamond is not derived from excelling in just one category; instead, it lies in the delicate balance of all four characteristics in a specific diamond. The perfect combination of Carat Weight, Color, Clarity, and Cut is what makes a diamond truly precious and captivating.
Carat weight
Carat weight refers to the size of the diamond and is one of the most apparent indicators of a diamond's value. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. Larger diamonds are generally rarer and more highly valued, but it's crucial to understand that carat weight alone does not determine a diamond's value. It must be considered in conjunction with the other 4Cs for an accurate assessment.
Color
While diamonds come in various colors, the white diamond, ranging from colorless to yellowish shades, is the most popular. Colorless diamonds are particularly rare and highly sought after. The difference in shades is subtle and indicated by a letter of the alphabet on a scale of 23 shades within the grading system.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the presence of impurities or inclusions within the diamond, such as traces of minerals, caused by chemical reactions during its formation. More inclusions reduce the amount of light a diamond reflects, affecting its shine. Due to the controlled production process of labgrown diamonds, they tend to have fewer impurities. The clarity of a diamond ranges from very many small inclusions to visible ones.
Cut
A diamond can have different shapes and facets, influencing how the diamond projects incoming light. A well-cut diamond reflects light optimally, enhancing its visual appeal.
The brilliant cut (round) is the most chosen diamond cut, enabling the most sparkling effect as the light is efficiently mirrored on the facets of the diamond. With equal properties (in weight, color and clarity), round diamonds are the most valuable.
However, a diamond cut not only refers to the diamond’s shape but also its proportions, shine and symmetry. The more symmetrical and perfect the diamond cut, the more light will be reflected on the different facets of the diamond and the more the diamond will shine.
Different diamond cuts have their own charm and mesmerizing effect, certainly when combined together. Odrie loves to play with the different diamond cuts, from the popular brilliant and classic pear and oval cuts to the marquise and emerald cuts, unlocking the diamonds’ potential to shine.
Quality diamonds Odrie
At Odrie, we believe in crafting jewelry that is undeniably shimmering and durable, which is why we handpick labgrown diamonds of the highest quality standards, namely color classes D-E-F and clarity VS. When you purchase from us, you receive a Certificate of Authenticity, detailing the jewelry, including the diamond's color and clarity range, as well as its carat weight. Additionally, our lab-grown diamonds of a certain size come with a diamond report from the esteemed International Gemological Institute, complete with a laser-engraved certificate number.