Diamonds 101

The Four C's of Diamonds

Diamonds and gemstones from Jackson Grey Jewelers are mined, cut and polished in accordance with environmentally responsible practices by our distributors and cutters. We have spent years building strong relationships with the sources of our diamonds and gemstones. Each of our diamonds and gemstones are hand selected, by us, from our trusted sources, ensuring you the highest quality available. When purchasing a loose stone our consultation will include a thorough understanding of the 4 C’s and an evaluation of the gems selected.

  • Diamond Color

    In most diamonds, the term actually refers to the absence of color. The less color in the stone, the more desirable and valuable it is. Some of these differences are not visible to the naked eye, but can directly impact the overall quality and price of the stone.

  • Diamond Clarity

    Measures the amount, size, and placement of internal ‘inclusions,’ and external ‘blemishes.’ Grades run from ‘Flawless,’ with virtually no imperfections, to ‘Included,’ which contain a significant number of imperfections.

  • Diamond Cut

    Does not refer to a diamond’s shape, but to the proportion and arrangement of its facets and the quality of workmanship. The amount of brilliance, sparkle and fire in a diamond is determined by cut. Grades range from “Excellent” to “Poor”.

  • Diamond Carat

    Refers to a diamond’s weight. Generally speaking, the higher the carat weight, the more expensive the stone. Two diamonds of equal carat weight, however, can have very different quality and price when the other three Cs are considered.

No matter how beautiful a diamond may look, you simply cannot see its true quality. The 4Cs of diamond quality will provide you with the information you need to know the diamond's actual quality.

Caring for Diamonds

Diamonds are remarkably durable, resist scratching (except by other diamonds) and maintain their brilliance over time. But diamonds aren't indestructable. They can be chipped by a sharp blow, become loose or lost in a weakened setting, or be damaged by contact with other diamonds. Wear diamond jewelry with care. Store it in padded boxes or soft bags separate from other jewelry. Clean your jewelry by wiping it with a lint-free cloth or with warm water, mild soap and a soft toothbrush, or by dipping it briefly in a commercial cleaning solution. Have your diamond jewelry periodically cleaned and its setting examined by a professional jeweler to maintain its beauty and integrity over time.