THE 4 C's OF DIAMONDS
CONFLICT DIAMONDS
4 Cs Of Diamonds
Various characteristics of diamonds are graded and categorized by the diamond industry. Learning about diamonds is first learning about the "four Cs" of diamonds which are considered the most important grades and categories:
And then there's the "Fifth C":
Cut is probably the most important, and most challenging, of the four Cs to understand. The brilliance of a diamond depends heavily on its cut.
Clarity
Most diamonds contain some inner flaws, or inclusions, that occur during the formation process. The visibility, number and size of these inclusions determine what is called the clarity of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance, and thus are more highly prized, and priced.
Color
Colorless diamonds are the most desirable since they allow the most refraction of light (sparkle). Off white diamonds absorb light, inhibiting brilliance.
Carat Weight
A carat is the unit of weight by which a diamond is measured. Because large diamonds are found less commonly than small diamonds, the price of a diamond rises exponentionaly to its size. Read this guide to get a better understanding of what a carat is and how it affects the appearance of a diamond.
The Fifth C: Certificates
The diamond certificate, which is sometimes called a grading report, is a complete evaluation of your diamond that has been performed by a qualified professional with the help of special gemological instruments. Each stone bears its own recognizable, individual characteristics, which is listed on the certificate.
Various characteristics of diamonds are graded and categorized by the diamond industry. Learning about diamonds is first learning about the "four Cs" of diamonds which are considered the most important grades and categories:
- Cut
- Clarity
- Color
- Carat weight
And then there's the "Fifth C":
- Certificates
Cut is probably the most important, and most challenging, of the four Cs to understand. The brilliance of a diamond depends heavily on its cut.
Clarity
Most diamonds contain some inner flaws, or inclusions, that occur during the formation process. The visibility, number and size of these inclusions determine what is called the clarity of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance, and thus are more highly prized, and priced.
Color
Colorless diamonds are the most desirable since they allow the most refraction of light (sparkle). Off white diamonds absorb light, inhibiting brilliance.
Carat Weight
A carat is the unit of weight by which a diamond is measured. Because large diamonds are found less commonly than small diamonds, the price of a diamond rises exponentionaly to its size. Read this guide to get a better understanding of what a carat is and how it affects the appearance of a diamond.
The Fifth C: Certificates
The diamond certificate, which is sometimes called a grading report, is a complete evaluation of your diamond that has been performed by a qualified professional with the help of special gemological instruments. Each stone bears its own recognizable, individual characteristics, which is listed on the certificate.
Most people are unaware of the role diamonds play in bringing real benefits to people in the countries around the world where diamonds are sourced. Nowhere is this more evident than in Africa. It is also in Africa that this same resource has been used to fund conflict. In 2000, a coalition of governments, non-governmental organizations and the diamond industry worked together to address this issue. In 2002, they established the Kimberley Process Certification System, a UN-backed process that has virtually eliminated the trade in conflict diamonds. Today, over 99% of the world's supply of diamonds is from sources free of conflict. Diamondfacts.org is dedicated to presenting the facts about conflict diamonds, along with how diamonds are driving economic growth and prosperity in countries around the world.
| Fact #1: | An estimated 5 million people have access to appropriate healthcare globally thanks to revenues from diamonds. ( |
| Fact #5: | Diamond revenues enable every child in Botswana to receive free education up to the age of 13. ( |
| Fact #3: | An estimated 10 million people globally are directly or indirectly supported by the diamond industry. ( |
| Fact #14: | The charity Jewelers for Children funds a community based care program for orphaned children in South Africa. ( |
| Fact #4: | The diamond mining industry generates over 40% of Namibia's annual export earnings. ( |
| Fact #11: | The Diamond Development Initiative was established to improve the working conditions of artisanal miners. ( |
| Fact #8: | Approximately one million people are employed by the diamond industry in India. ( |
| Fact #9: | Approximately $8.5 billion worth of diamonds a year come from African countries. ( |
| Fact #12: | The revenue from diamonds is instrumental in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. ( |
| Fact #15: | An estimated 65% of the world's diamonds come from African countries. ( |
| More Facts |
