Know Your Diamonds
Exceptional Quality
The 4Cs Of Diamond Excellence
At Le Paris Diamonds, we embrace the globally recognized 4Cs standard for evaluating diamond quality—Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat Weight. As established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), these criteria ensure every diamond is judged by the same universal standard, offering complete transparency and trust. Described as "miracles of time, place, and chance," no two diamonds are alike. Before the mid-20th century, there was no universal system to define their quality. The introduction of the 4Cs by the GIA revolutionized the industry, creating a shared language that allows customers to fully understand the brilliance and value of their chosen diamond. With this system, you can shop with confidence, knowing exactly what makes your diamond truly exceptional.
measuring purity & rarity
Color
A diamond’s color is graded based on its absence of color—the closer it is to being completely colorless, the higher its value. Using the GIA’s industry-standard D-to-Z color-grading scale, diamonds are carefully evaluated under controlled lighting and compared to master stones of known color value.
The scale starts at D for completely colorless diamonds and progresses to Z, indicating increasing color presence. Though subtle, these differences can greatly impact a diamond’s quality and price. Interestingly, the GIA began its grading system with D to avoid confusion with older, inconsistent systems. At Le Paris Diamonds, we use this trusted scale to ensure clarity and transparency in every diamond we offer.
The Key To Brilliance, Sparkle, And Value
Cut
A diamond’s cut is key to its brilliance, sparkle, and overall value. While “cut” is often confused with shape (like round, pear, or oval), it actually refers to how well a diamond’s facets interact with light. A finely cut diamond showcases stunning brightness, fire, and scintillation, making it truly captivating.
The GIA evaluates the cut of standard round brilliant diamonds—the most popular shape in diamond jewelry—by analyzing the proportions, symmetry, polish, and craftsmanship of the stone. These factors determine how effectively the diamond reflects light to create visual effects such as:
- Brightness: Light reflected internally and externally.
- Fire: Dispersion of light into a rainbow of colors.
- Scintillation: Sparkling flashes of light when the diamond moves.
The pavilion depth, the distance from the girdle to the culet, plays a vital role. A well-balanced pavilion ensures light is directed through the crown, enhancing the diamond’s radiance.
Introduced in 2005, GIA’s diamond cut grading system evaluates round brilliant diamonds in the D-to-Z color range, assigning grades from Excellent to Poor. At Le Paris Diamonds, we offer only the finest cuts to ensure each piece radiates unmatched brilliance.
Understanding The Details
Clarity
Every diamond is unique, formed under intense heat and pressure, creating internal inclusions and external blemishes. Clarity is assessed based on the number, size, and visibility of these characteristics. While no diamond is entirely perfect, the fewer the flaws, the greater its value.
GIA Clarity Grades:
- F (Flawless): No visible flaws under 10x magnification.
- IF (Internally Flawless): Only minor surface blemishes visible.
- VVS1-VVS2: Extremely hard-to-spot inclusions.
- VS1-VS2: Slight inclusions visible under magnification.
- SI1-SI2: Noticeable inclusions under magnification.
- I1-I3: Visible inclusions that may impact brilliance.
The GIA Clarity Scale ensures global consistency, helping you choose the perfect diamond with confidence.
The Measure of a Diamond's Weight
Carat
A diamond’s weight is measured in metric carats, with 1 carat equaling 0.2 grams. Like Fils in a Dirham, a carat is divided into 100 points. Higher carat weight increases a diamond’s price, but value also depends on the other 4Cs.
The term “carat” comes from carob seeds, once used as weight measures. Standardized in 1913, the metric carat ensures uniformity worldwide.
Elegance in Every Detail
Discover the perfect piece that reflects your unique style. Elevate your elegance—shop now and embrace the timeless beauty of our exquisite jewelry collection.