At Landmark, we help our customers make informed decisions and shopping for jewelry easy. We have precise standards for evaluating diamond quality, commonly known as the 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight. These standards make it easy to compare different diamonds and understand their value.

Diamonds have captivated human beings for centuries with their breathtaking beauty and symbolism of everlasting love and luxury. In this guide, we will explore the fascinating history of diamonds, their rarity, formation process, and the essential factors known as the 4Cs that determine their quality.

History of Diamonds

Diamonds have a rich history dating back thousands of years. The first recorded instances of diamonds were in India, where they were valued for their spiritual significance. Over time, diamonds became associated with wealth and power. The discovery of diamond mines in South Africa during the late 19th century led to a significant increase in supply and subsequent commercialization of diamonds.

Rarity of Diamonds

Contrary to popular belief, diamonds are actually rare gemstones. While they are available in various jewelry stores worldwide, the process of forming diamonds in the Earth's mantle takes billions of years, making their occurrence quite scarce. Additionally, only a small fraction of mined diamonds meet the high standards required for use in jewelry.

Formation of Diamonds

Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle, approximately 100 to 150 miles below the surface. The formation process begins when carbon atoms undergo immense heat and pressure. This environment causes the carbon atoms to crystallize into diamond structures. Volcanic eruptions then carry these diamonds to the Earth's surface, where they can be mined.

The 4Cs of Diamonds

The 4Cs represent the universally recognized criteria for evaluating and grading diamonds:

a. Cut: The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions, symmetry, and overall finish. A well-cut diamond reflects light internally and externally, maximizing its brilliance and sparkle. The cut is graded from Excellent to Poor, and the quality of the cut greatly impacts a diamond's visual appeal.

b. Color: Diamonds come in a wide range of colors, from colorless to yellow or brown. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond color on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colorless diamonds (grades D-F) are the most valuable due to their rarity and ability to reflect light effectively.

c. Clarity: Clarity refers to the presence of internal and external flaws, known as inclusions and blemishes, respectively. These imperfections are formed during the diamond's natural growth process. The GIA grades diamond clarity on a scale from Flawless (no imperfections visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions visible to the naked eye). Diamonds with higher clarity grades are more valuable.

d. Carat Weight: Carat weight measures a diamond's size. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. Larger diamonds are rarer, and therefore, their value increases exponentially. However, it's essential to note that carat weight alone does not determine a diamond's quality. The other 4Cs must be considered in conjunction with carat weight.