What are the 4Cs of Diamonds?
We often hear that "Diamonds are determined by the 4Cs!", but many people may wonder, "What exactly are the 4Cs?" The 4Cs are the four standards that determine the grade of a diamond, and they are called "4Cs" because the first letters of all the standards are Cs.
Carat
The first one is carat.
Generally it refers to size, but strictly speaking it refers to weight.
1ct = approx. 0.2g
0.5ct = approx. 0.1g
At first I thought it was a size thing too.
The heavier the diamond, the rarer and more expensive it is, and many people choose around 0.3 carats for wedding rings and engagement rings.
Color
The second is color.
The more colorless a diamond is, the rarer it is, and it is graded on a 23-point scale from D to Z, starting with the letter "D" for diamond.
DEF……colorless and transparent
GHIJ...colorless
KLM...slight yellow
N-Z: Light yellow - yellow
Since the color starts to turn yellowish from the "H" mark onwards, it is said that G or above is recommended, but some people choose colored diamonds based on their preference.
Clarity
The third is clarity.
The condition of the diamond's surface and inclusions are evaluated comprehensively under a 10x microscope. The diamond is categorized into five categories on an 11-point scale.
FL, IF...Undamaged
VVS1, VVS2...The smallest defects are difficult to detect even at 10x magnification.
VS1, VS2... Minor defects, somewhat difficult to detect even at 10x magnification.
SI1, SI2... Small defects, easily detected at 10x magnification.
I1, I2, I3...major defects, visible to the naked eye.
We recommend VS2 or above, where turbidity is not noticeable under a microscope.
Cut
The fourth is cutting.
It is the only one of the four that evaluates human technology.
The ratios of the lengths of all the faces of a diamond are mathematically calculated, and the closer they are to the ideal shape, the more brilliant the diamond will be.
Many people pay particular attention to this grade when choosing a bridal ring, and the cut is evaluated on a comprehensive five-point scale based on the diamond's proportions and finish (symmetry and polishing).
Excellent... the highest grade
Very Good...Ideal
Good...Good
Fair...slightly inferior
Poor...inferior
Good or better is recommended.
Especially with clarity VS2 and above, the quality of the cut has a significant impact on the brilliance.
We have talked about the 4Cs so far, but it is not enough for a diamond to simply have a high grade rating. It is important to choose the diamond that best suits the design of the ring, the wearer's lifestyle, and the budget.
At KARAFURU, we select the best diamond for you two, taking into consideration the ring design and the color of the metal.
Your excitement will grow as you think, "I want to choose a diamond that is particular about this!"
There is fun in carefully selecting a precious diamond. Please try to find the one that is destined for you.
We will send you the BRIDAL BOOK
We will send you a free catalogue introducing KARAFURU engagement and wedding rings.
▶︎Click here to request a catalogue
Reservations and inquiries
Please feel free to visit KARAFURU.
We will take the time to listen to you and give you a consultation and try on the items.
We have also had many customers from far away, including overseas, contact us via our online shop or website. Our staff will respond to you promptly, so please place your order with peace of mind.
Upon request, we will exchange images, send sample rings, and size gauges.
Please feel free to contact us first
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KARAFURU Daikanyama
03-6452-5427
info@karafuru.jp
1F, 2-20-14 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
OPEN: 12:00-19:00 / CLOSE: Mon. & Tue.
Right outside the north exit of Daikanyama Station/ 7 minutes walk from Ebisu Station
*If you would like to visit us regarding engagement or wedding rings, please make a reservation by email or phone.
You can view the samples without making a reservation, but please note that customers with reservations are given priority, so you may have to wait or the sample you want may not be available in store.
▶︎For reservations and consultations, click here
▶︎Click here for more information on KARAFURU engagement/wedding rings