DIAMOND EDUCATION: LEARN ABOUT THE 4C'S OF THE DIAMONDS

With a century-long legacy of exceptional quality, trust, and service, Hamilton has helped countless couples select their own enduring symbols of love. Hamilton works tirelessly to ensure our diamonds are all ethically curated to meet the highest standards and our clients are educated on the diamond-creation process as they make of the most important purchases in their lives. Below, our primer on the industry's "4Cs" of diamond making.

THE 4C'S OF DIAMONDS

Diamonds are rare, precious stones that are ideal for heirloom pieces like engagement rings, however, not all diamonds are created equally. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA®), the world’s most-respected nonprofit source of gemological knowledge, has created a universal system for grading the authenticity and quality of diamonds based on the 4C’s: cut, clarity, color, and carat.

DIAMOND COLOR

Diamonds can form in almost any hue, but evaluating this rarest of gemstones is based on the absence of color.

DIAMOND CLARITY

It’s true that the absence of inclusions and blemishes in a diamond denotes its value, but the notion of clarity begins first with how the gems are created.

DIAMOND CUT

A diamond’s cut goes deeper than a round or marquise shape: Cut is the reflection of how a gem’s facets interact with light.

DIAMOND CARAT

It’s true that the absence of inclusions and blemishes in a diamond denotes its value, but the notion of clarity begins first with how the gems are created.