What are the “4Cs” of diamond grading?
They are cut, color, clarity and carat. These 4Cs were created by the Gemological Institute of America to help standardize diamond grading worldwide. More Diamond Facts Diamonds were first formed billions of years ago some 100 miles beneath the earth’s surface through a process of tremendous pressure and temperatures of 2000 – 3000 degrees Fahrenheit. Volcanic activity brings diamond crystals much closer to the earth’s surface. To produce a single one-carat diamond, 250 tons of earth will be mined. Gem-quality diamonds are made up from less than 20 percent of the diamonds mined worldwide. The first written notation of precious diamonds dates back to around 500 B.C. In their purest state, diamonds are brilliant and entirely colorless. Diamonds are found in a variety of colors. Blue and pink diamonds are among the rarest, and yellow and brown as among the most common. The diamond is the hardest natural substance found on the earth. The diamond is rock hard and virtually fireproof. In ord