Do you know what "4C" means? Many people have heard the term but aren't quite sure what it actually refers to. Simply put, the "4C" refers to the grading criteria for diamonds.
・Carat (Weight)
・Color
・Clarity
・Cut (Proportion)
These four criteria are collectively called the "4C," taking the first letter of each. Let's explain each of the 4Cs in detail.
◆Carat (Weight)
Carat is often mistaken for a unit of size, but it actually measures the weight of a diamond. However, since size changes in proportion to weight, this is the easiest of the 4Cs to distinguish visually. Even diamonds that appear large can vary greatly in price depending on the grades below, so it's not necessarily true that "bigger means more expensive."
※The images are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual size.
◆Color
The closer a diamond is to colorless, the higher its evaluation. The grading scale consists of 23 levels from D to Z, with D being the highest grade, and colors becoming increasingly tinted with yellow as they approach Z. Many people choose a center diamond close to colorless for an engagement ring, befitting a bride in pure white.
◆Clarity
Since natural diamonds are mined from the earth, they inherently contain flaws and inclusions. Based on the extent of these flaws and inclusions, diamonds are broadly classified into five grade levels. The highest Clarity grade is "IF" (Internally Flawless), but even diamonds not graded IF can have inclusions that are nearly impossible to detect with the naked eye, so we recommend viewing the actual stone before choosing.
◆Cut (Proportion)
Cut refers to the shaping of the rough stone into a diamond—the only aspect that is shaped by human hands and greatly influences its brilliance. It's said to be the next easiest characteristic to distinguish visually after Carat. Since a diamond's sparkle depends on how light reflects off it, the grading criteria assess how efficiently the light entering the diamond is optically reflected. Cut grading is broadly divided into five levels, with "Excellent" being the highest grade. The Excellent grade is further subdivided into four categories.
As you can see, natural diamonds vary based on the type of cut and universally recognized grading standards. The criteria for selecting a diamond as fashion jewelry may differ from those for choosing one as an engagement ring. It might be a good idea to focus on the aspects that matter most to you when making your choice. There are stores nationwide where you can compare a wide variety of diamonds, so please find the perfect diamond that's just right for you.