| There are four criteria when determining a diamond's or tanzanite's quality and therefore its value. Throughout the world, the jewellery manufacturer industry refers to these criteria as the 4 C's: Carat, Cut, Colour and Clarity. Understanding these criteria will help you to make informed decisions and to find the right stone for you. |
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CaratThe weight of a diamond or tanzanite is measured in carats. One carat (Crt.) equals 1/5th of a gram. A carat is divided in 100 points so that a diamond or tanzanite of 50 points equals 1/2 a carat. Carat weight affects the price generally as weight increases; stones in the same quality bracket will cost more per carat. |
CutThe diamonds and tanzanites ability to reflect light relies on the cut. Stones that are cut to deep cause the light to escape downwards which makes the centre of the stone appear dark. A shallow cut causes light to escape through the base and results in the diamond looking dull and glasslike. |
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ClarityInclusions are known as non-crystallized carbon and are found naturally in diamonds and tanzanite. These inclusions are also known as nature's fingerprints and mark the uniqueness of the stone. |
ColourDiamonds and Tanzanite are graded according to their inner hue, using a white to yellow scale. Diamonds are found in all colours, the whiter the diamond the more valuable it is. Tanzanite's colour refers to the saturation of the blue and violet colour of the stone. |
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