Every moment of every step should be just like you dreamed it would be. This bridal guide is the perfect first step in learning the 4 C's of diamonds, their various shapes, and setting options for your perfect ring.
Beautiful. Rare. Cherished. Each diamond is unique and is a miracle of time, place and change, holding specific qualities that establish its value. Today, the 4Cs of Diamond Quality is the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world. The 4C’s stand for carat weight, clarity, colour and cut. The creation of the Diamond 4Cs meant two very important things: diamond quality could be communicated in a universal language and diamond customers would know exactly what they were about to purchase. Every diamond, like a human fingerprint, has certain distinguishing characteristics. The first step in choosing a diamond is by looking at the soul of the stone and the personality of the wearer. At Royal de Versailles, our associates will walk you through each step and ensure your stone is as distinctive as your fingerprint.
Grading colour involves deciding how much the colour of a stone varies from “colourless”. A colourless diamond – the rarest and most sought after – is graced with a glorious display of light and prismatic colour for which diamonds are so highly prized. The presence of colour then goes from barely discernible near colourless to light yellow or brown. Most diamonds have a trace of yellow, brown, or grey body colour. Beyond a certain point, or with such colours as red, pink, violet, orange, blue and green etc., a diamond is considered a fancy colour. The G.I.A colour grading system. Diamonds are colour graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow), with fancies following. The differences between one grade and another are very subtle, and within each grade is a range.
Cut refers to the proportions and finish of a fashioned diamond; (it sometimes also means “shape” as in emerald cut, standard round brilliant cut, marquise cut etc.). Of all the 4Cs, cut is the one most directly influenced by man – it is the only value factor that can be controlled by human hands. The other three are dictated by nature. The cut or make of a diamond will dramatically influence its fire and sparkle, for it is the polisher’s skill that releases its beauty. It is the goal of the expert diamond cutter to fashion a diamond that produces the most satisfying return of light to the eye within a pleasing symmetrical shape. A well-cut diamond can often offset any compromises in the other 3 C’s. It is the goal of the expert diamond cutter to fashion a diamond that produces the most satisfying return of light to the eye within a pleasing symmetrical shape. A well-cut diamond can often offset any compromises in the other 3 C’s.
Clarity is the relative position of a diamond on a flawless-to-imperfect scale. Almost all diamonds contain minute traces of non-crystalized carbon or small non-diamond crystals. Most are not discernible to the untrained naked eye and require magnification to become apparent. Called inclusions, they are nature’s fingerprints and make every diamond quite unique. The size, number, position, colour, and nature of a diamond’s clarity characteristics determine the clarity grade. A diamond that is virtually free of interior and exterior inclusions/flaws will be of the highest quality. The fewer inclusions there are, the rarer the stone will be, and therefore the more expensive the stone will be.
As with all precious stones, the weight of a diamond is expressed in carats. The word carat originated in a natural unit of weight: the seeds of the carob tree. One carat is divided into 100 “points”. A diamond of 25 points is described as a quarter of a carat or 0.25ct, which is equal to 0.2 grams. Carat weight is the easiest of the 4Cs to determine. Size is the most obvious factor in determining the value of a diamond, however, two diamonds of equal weight can have very unequal values. This depends on the other C’s: clarity, colour and cut. If other factors are equal, the larger the stone, the greater the cost.
First impressions are everything. Make sure you’re unforgettable with a diamond shape that’s perfectly suited to you.
Round Cut
Emerald Cut
Radiant Cut
Cushion Cut
Oval Cut
Pear Cut
Heart Cut
18KT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND RING
PLATINUM DIAMOND RING
Once you’ve chosen your stone, we’ll consult with you to select your setting. We take pride in creating a memorable experience as we help you choose a timeless setting that matches your unique style.
Halo Setting
Pave setting
Solitaire Setting
Three Stone Setting
18KT YELLOW GOLD DIAMOND RING
Which C is most important?
What if the ring does not fit?
How can I understand the value of a diamond?
How do I choose the right precious metal?
How do I care for my diamonds?
How to determine her ring size discreetly?
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