Not all diamonds are created equal. In fact, these glimmering gemstones are graded on a scale created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Four distinct characteristics guide jewelers to the perfect diamonds, allowing them to set the price correctly. These qualities include the cut, color, clarity and carat weight of a diamond. Knowing these will not only help you understand the cost of your dazzling gemstone, but it’ll guide you to the right diamond for you. At Mountz Jewelers, we strictly adhere to the 4C’s so that we can provide you with the brightest gems in central Pennsylvania. But, to get you thinking about your ideal diamond, we’ve created a guide to these attributes.
The Cut
When it comes to the brilliance of a diamond, the cut is what determines how brightly it shines. Sometimes the cut can be mistaken for the shape of the gemstone. While this is a facet, the cut dives deeper than the shape to account for the proportions, symmetry and angles of the diamond. Excellent gemstones will sparkle without any dark spots or blemishes.
The Color
Diamonds aren’t known to be incredibly colorful gems, so they are graded on their lack of color. A diamond with a higher rating on the GIA scale will be colorless or nearly colorless, while a gemstone on the lower end will appear yellow. Although diamonds with some color rank lower, that doesn’t mean they can’t be valuable to you. Yellow diamonds are uniquely beautiful and still a popular choice.
The Clarity
Clarity refers to how the light glimmers through the diamond. Some gemstones contain blemishes and inclusions that interfere with the flow of light, creating dark spots. These imperfections are formed naturally from underground minerals, extreme heat and pressure. While minor blemishes and inclusions won’t detract from the radiance of your diamond, larger or many imperfections can make it appear dull. So, when you’re choosing a diamond, understanding clarity will guide you to the most desirable gemstone.
The Carat
Not to be confused with size, the carat of a diamond actually refers to its weight. This unit of measurement allows jewelers to accurately set the price of a gemstone. One carat will feel about as heavy as a paperclip on your finger. A larger, dense diamond is rarer and will cost more. However, the overall value of a diamond isn’t determined by carats alone. All four characteristics are taken into account when the price is set.
Only the Best at Mountz
If you’re searching for a breathtaking diamond, you’ll want to know and understand the 4C’s in order to choose the most brilliant one for you. Luckily, Mountz makes the process of discovering your desired gem easy. Every diamond that comes through our doors is rigorously inspected by our certified gemologists. That way, we provide only premier quality gems which are second-to-none. So, when you’re ready to make your choice a memorable one, come into Mountz for the best of the best diamonds in central Pennsylvania. Get started searching for the perfect one with our online diamond selection tool. Or visit us in Carlisle, Camp Hill or Colonial Park/Harrisburg to browse our glimmering collection and discover the diamond of your dreams today.