Understanding 8C's
When it comes to diamonds, there’s more than meets the eye. While the Diamond 4C concept is well-known, encompassing cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, we believe in going beyond these fundamentals. eClarity’s team of Gemologists has delved into additional dimensions to provide a comprehensive evaluation. Introducing the 8C’s of Diamond, which include cleanliness, certification, cost, and crafting. These 8C collectively establish a standardized approach to assess and compare the quality and value of diamonds.
Clarity
GIA’s F-VS2 are usually eye clean for briliant cuts. Included during formation – The size, number, position, nature and relief of blemish (surface) and inclusion (within) characteristics determine the clarity grading.
Clarity
A diamond’s clarity refers to the freedom from the presence of characteristics on and within the stone. Blemishes are confined to the surface, while inclusions are typically enclosed within a diamond (or extend from the surface into the diamond). The factors that determine the effect of characteristics on a clarity grades are size, number, position, nature and relief.
Cut
Cut = BMI. GIA’s Triple Excellent (cut, polish, symmetry) is quantitatively proven to emit maximum brilliance, fire and scintillation. Commercial theories (patterns, scores, unusual facets) are often psychologically valued.
| Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor |
Cut
A good cut gives a diamond optical efficiency – the way it handles light for maximum brilliance, fire and scintillation. A gemologist evaluates a diamond’s cut base on its girdle, table size, crown angle, pavilion depth, and culet size. The details of the cut are made up of Polish and Symmetry. All Cut, Polish and Symmetry should be graded under the following 5 levels. A diamond with “triple excellent” is believed to emit maximum light returns.
Color
Imagine water vs honey drink. Colorless diamonds are the most valuable due to rarity, besides fancy colored diamonds. A gemologist values color using naked eye, by comparison against the master set stones.
Color
Diamonds that range from colorless to light yellow/light brown are graded under the D-to-Z range. A gemologist values color based on how noticeable the color is, using naked eye, by comparison against the master set stones. All other value factors being equal, colorless diamonds are the most valuable and desirable because of their rarity.
Carat
Carat is believed to be the most obvious C. The carat represents the weight of a diamond. 1ct = 0.2gm.
Carat
The carat represents the weight of a diamond. One metric carat equals to 0.2grams. Therefore a 1 carat diamond might have diameter that ranges from 6mm to 6.6mm. The magic sizes, which are popular, are probably 0.30ct, 0.50ct, 0.70ct, 1ct, 1.2ct, 1.5ct, 2ct and so on. All the 4Cs play important roles in determining the value of a diamond.
Cleanliness
Have jewellery spa once a year. Household chemicals, skincare products and natural skin oils dulls the diamond’s sparkle. Avoid contact with chemicals such as nail polish removers, perfume, hairspray and chlorine.
Certification
Independent certification by labs (GIA, IGI, EGL, HRD or AGS) is a scientific blueprint of the diamond’s quality and characteristics. GIA, the Gemological Institute of America, is the most trusted grading lab in the world.
Cost
There is the Three Months Gross Salary Rule. Cost is dependent on the 4C’s of diamond. eClarity, started as a wholesaler in 2005, promises the most competitive prices without commissioned salespeople.
Crafting
Ring designs can be extravagant or youthful, classic or vintage, in white, pink/rose, champagne/yellow, gloss/matte, straight/swirl. Endless bespoke medleys to express love to every unique lifestyle, personality and profile.