The 4 c’s

The value of diamonds is defined by four grades also known as the 4 C’s, which have to be harmonically combined in order to provide the best optical effect. They are the following: Cut – Color– Clarity – Carat weight. The 1st C is the quality of the cut (cut, polish, symmetry): (Excellent, Very Good, Good) One very important element, if not the most important, since a beautiful stone of great weight cannot show its real beauty if badly cut and therefore will loose some of its value. On the other hand, a stone that is smaller yet cut perfectly can show an amazing shining and light penetration, and become instantly an irresistible objet of desire. The 2d C is the color: (D E F, G H, I J K, L M) Here diamonds becomes an exception, meaning that color can affect greatly its value. The beauty of such a stone lies in its shining and in the way light penetrates it, therefore its color can minimize its value. As such, our goal is to search for stones as transparent as possible. The closest the stone is to being colorless, the higher its value. The 3d C is clarity: (IF-VVS1-VVS2 / VS1-VS2 / SI1-SI2-SI3 / I1-I2-I3) Of course, such a stone cannot contain the slightest imperfection or “dirt”: the clearer and more transparent the crystal of a diamond, the greatest its value. The term clarity defines the complete transparency of the specific stone, the inside of the crystal, which should contain absolutely no flaws. These inclusions can be colored or transparent elements, parts of the structure of the stone itself, such as ruptures, pressures, ect. This is the reason why categories of clarity, which we know as VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, have been created, in order to define the value of diamonds. The 4th C is Carat Weight (carat): It goes without saying that Carat weight is the most important element of appearance, emotional bonding and naturally the stone's final price value. The heavier the stone is the most expensive it will be. Therefore a set of categories have been set, according to weight. Due to the lack of big stones, they are very rare and from a specified weight and up their price skyrockets. 1 carat is considered to be the line. For instance the price value grows much higher for stones above 1,01 than for stones below 0,99 carats. Τhe 5th C is Customer’s trust: It is the 5th element one should always keep in mind while buying diamonds. Anyone can buy brilliants from any jeweler, yet the stones should fit some requirements: • for any stone bought (especially when over 0,30ct), there must be a certificate issued by any known gemology institute in the world (HRP, IGI, GIA, ect), thanks to which the buyer will be certain of the characteristics of the chosen stone • for the creation of any base chosen to tie the stone, have a certificate of warranty, signed by the manufacturer of the base and, • know that he can trust his choice, a man (a true professional), with deep knowledge on the sector of the diamond market, who will be able to suggest the most ideal, honest, and interesting solutions concerning the purchase, as well as the esthetics of the stone of your choice. (by gemologist Spyros Triantafyllos at the exhibition “ Precious Stones - precious relationships” / Imaret 06/04/2009/ held by “Antigoni jewellery”) {gallery}triantafullos{/gallery}