Every diamond is unique. Each reflects the story of its arduous journey from deep inside the earth to a cherished object of adornment. Yet all diamonds share certain features that allow us to compare and evaluate them. These features are called the 4Cs.

Color

The GIA Color Scale extends from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Although many people think of gem quality diamonds as colorless, truly colorless diamonds are actually very rare. Most diamonds used in jewelry are nearly colorless with tints of yellow or brown. Each letter grade represents a range of color and is a measure of how noticeable a color is.

Clarity

The GIA Clarity Scale includes eleven clarity grades ranging from Flawless to I3. Because diamonds form under tremendous heat and pressure, it is extremely rare to find a diamond that lacks any internal and external characteristics. These characteristics are a by-product of its formation and help gemologists seperate natural diamonds from synthetics and simulants, and identify individual stones.

Cut

The GIA Cut Scale ranges from Excellent to Poor. GIA provides a cut quality grade for standard round brilliant diamonds that fall in the GIA D to Z color range. The result is a magnificent display of three attributes. Brightness is the combination of all white light reflecting from the surface and interior of a diamond. Fire describes the "flares" of the color emitted from a diamond. Scintillation describes the flashes of light you see when the diamond, the light, or the observer moves. A polished diamond's proportions affect its light performance, which in turn affects its beuty and overall appeal. Diamonds with fine proportions, symmetry, and polish optimize their interaction with light, and have increased brightness, fire, and scintillation.

Carat Weight

One carat equals 200 milligrams in weight. For diamonds under one carat, each carat is divided into 100 points - similar to pennies in a dollar. 0.75 ct. = 75 points, 1/2 ct. = 50 points.

The 4Cs provide a way to objectively compare and evaluate diamonds, but numbers alone can't describe a diamond's mysterious and captivating beauty - for that, you'll have to visit Haynes Jewelers to see one for yourself.