WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT DIAMOND CLARITY OR DIAMOND CUT?

If you've researched diamonds online, you've probably come across the "Four Cs" of diamonds. You know that cut, clarity, color, and carat together play a significant role in grading any loose diamond. But have you ever seen two diamonds that look precisely the same and wondered why there was such a substantial difference in the price tag? The slightest change in any of the Four Cs can have a massive impact on price.?

1) DIAMOND CLARITY

Like most natural things, a diamond isn't perfect. Clarity is a direct measure of the number of inherent imperfections the diamond has. These flaws can be dark spots, feathery cracks, or white points in the diamond. A 'flawless' stone is scarce, making it very costly.

To some people having as few imperfections as possible is essential; however, it's important to note that unless you reach an SI2 or lower, the naked eye will see any flaws. A diamond doesn't have to be flawless to be beautiful. Eye clean diamonds are a fraction of the cost of a truly perfect diamond but have the same appearance to the naked eye. Because the flaws aren't visible to the naked eye, many shoppers find it worth sacrificing clarity grade for what it affords in other categories.

It all depends on what's important to you, but unless you're planning on pulling out a magnifying glass every time you look at your diamond, you may want to prioritize another "C."

2) DIAMOND CUT?

The cut of a diamond refers to the loose stone's proportions, symmetry, and polish. Although this is the hardest of the 4 C's to quantify, the cut of any diamond has three attributes:

Brilliance (the total light reflected from a diamond)

Fire (the dispersion of light into the colors of the spectrum)

Scintillation (the flashes of light or sparkle)

All of the factors determine how beautiful a diamond is.

The beauty of a diamond depends more on cut than any other factor. A well-cut diamond acts as a prism, splitting white light into a brilliant rainbow of colors. Ideally, all diamond cutters would be focused on enhancing the light performance of loose diamonds; however, since some customers will pay more for a larger diamond, there is pressure to sacrifice beauty for the weight (bigger isn't always better!). A poorly cut diamond will seem dull even with excellent color and clarity.

Unfortunately, the "cut grade" given in laboratory reports is comprehensive and does an inferior job reflecting the true beauty of the diamond. Two diamonds given the same cut grade online could look completely different in person. Seeing/inspecting a diamond up close is the only way to ensure you're getting the best possible stone for your money.

CONCLUSION?

The Four Cs are just as important today as ever before. They provide a universal standard for valuing diamonds and will reassure you of the value of your diamond. But it's important to remember that the Four Cs are just a guideline. Understanding how each factor affects the appearance and price is essential for anyone buying a diamond engagement ring.

The cut is the most crucial determinant of the overall appearance of a diamond. No Clarity grade can help a poorly cut diamond; however, an excellent diamond can have a lower color (G-H) or clarity (SI1-SI2) and still look quite beautiful due to its superior ability to create sparkle and brilliance.

Here at Long's, we only believe in selling beautiful diamonds. We want our clients to learn how to trust their eyes and evaluate a diamond deeper, which will leave them feeling particular about their choice (the 5th C of Diamonds).

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