While most diamond buyers focus on the Four C's to evaluate their diamond purchase, an exclusive focus on the Four C's can easily lead you astray in evaluating a diamond. There are many more factors that determine the quality and value of diamond than simply for the traditionally marketed "Four Cs".

Impact of Other Factors:
Two diamonds with identical color, cut, clarity and carat weight can have over 1,560 different value classifications. If you take into account other important factors, such as florescence and symmetry, there are over 20,000 different diamond value classifications, each with its own market price. Even within these classifications, there may be additional sub-classifications such as borderline colors, position of an inclusion within a diamond, and grading subjectivity.

Florescence
Diamonds with florescence exhibit a bluish glow in many different types of lighting. This characteristic, in the strong blue category, can dramatically reduce the value and appeal of a diamond.

Without Florescence	With Strong Florescence

Bow-Tie Effect
Fancy-shaped diamonds, such as radiant, marquise, pear or oval-shaped diamonds, may exhibit a dark, bow-tie shaped area in the center of the stone. This area will appear less brilliant and darker than the rest of the diamond. This characteristic is not reflected on the certificate and can only be judged and evaluated by actually viewing the diamond.

Without Bow-Tie Effect	With Bow-Tie Effect

Presence of "Windows"
In radiant and princess shaped diamonds, an effect called "windowing" may occur. This is an area in the diamond with little to no faceting, allowing light to pass straight through the diamond and drastically reduce brilliance.

Without Windows	With Windows

Nature/Type of Imperfection
There are several types of "imperfections" such as carbon, feather, and whisp imperfections. All imperfections fall into two primary categories: white imperfections and black imperfections. White or transparent imperfections are far more desirable than black or opaque imperfections.

Black/Opaque Imperfection	White/Transparent Imperfection

Size and Location of Imperfection
Imperfections can occur anywhere in a diamond. The most desirable imperfection is located on the edge or side of the diamond and can be easily hidden under a prong.

Center Imperfection	Edge Imperfection

Internal Brilliance/Fire of Stone
Each individual diamond can exhibit a fabulous amount of brilliance based on its inherent characteristics of light refraction. This characteristic is determined by the depth and table of diamond. This trait can only be determined by actually viewing the diamond.

Brilliant/High Fire	Low Brilliance/No Fire

Symmetry
Symmetry refers to the exactness of the shape and arrangement of facets. This includes naturals, misshapen facets and extra facets, off center culets and tables, wavy and out of round girdles, misalignment of crown and pavilion facets.

Perfect Symmetry	Poor Symmetry

Millimeter Measurements
The overall look of the diamond should look like the weight it is supposed to be. Without the proper depth and table percentages, a diamond could look significantly smaller than a perfectly cut diamond with the same carat weight.

As experienced professionals, we can help you determine and evaluate these obscure factors, concentrating on the ones of greater importance. We go beyond the standard diamond identifiers (the Four Cs) to deliver diamonds of far greater value and appeal.