Measuring Brilliance

What makes a diamond beautiful?

Learning about diamonds and what makes them beautiful begins with understanding the 4C’s – the characteristics of a diamond. The 4C’s are cut, carat weight, colour and clarity. Taking a few minutes to learn about them now will make your purchasing experience easier, more enjoyable, and far more rewarding. Not only will you know the exact quality of the diamond you’re considering, you’ll also be confident you’re paying a fair market price for it. The 4Cs give you the information you need to compare the characteristics of a diamond and make the best choice and wisest investment.

Many diamonds sold by reputable jewelers have been graded according to the 4C’s and come with written diamond certification. The grading gives you an objective way to compare the quality and price of one diamond with another. A larger diamond – one with greater carat weight – may actually be lower in price than a smaller one because its cut, colour and clarity are not as special. Each of the 4C’s must be taken into account to determine the value.

But remember, when buying a diamond, that The Leo Diamond® will be visibly brighter than a diamond of comparable quality.

Cut

People often refer to a diamond’s shape as the cut (round cut, princess cut, emerald cut). But, technically, cut is the craftsmanship applied in cutting, placing and polishing the facets of the diamond. The artisan attempts to cut a diamond to make the best use of light.

When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light is refracted from one facet to another, and then reflected and dispersed through the top of the diamond. When a diamond is cut too deep, some light escapes through the opposite side of the diamond. If the diamond is cut too shallow, light escapes through its bottom before it can be reflected. In addition, the facets must be placed with optimal symmetry for maximum brilliance. The work requires the experience and skill of master diamond artisans. It is the placement of facets, not the number of facets, which affects a diamond’s brilliance.

Carat

A diamond’s size is measured in carat weight. Each diamond carat is equal to 100 points. For example, a diamond that is a 1/2 carat can also be referred to as a 50-point diamond. But keep this in mind: a bigger diamond isn’t necessarily a more beautiful diamond. A two-carat diamond that is cut poorly is not nearly as beautiful as a smaller diamond, cut by a skilled diamond artisan. Or, it may be cut well, but have poor colour and clarity. To be exceptionally beautiful, a diamond must be of high quality in all 4C’s. Slide the diamond along the size scale to see it change.

Please note: Monitors can vary considerably and carat weight examples are meant only as an educational guide.

Colour

Colour is the natural body colour visible in a diamond. It is determined completely by nature, not man. As a rule, the closer a diamond is to being colourless, the more valuable and beautiful it is. Why? Because a diamond acts like a prism, dividing light into a spectrum and reflecting it back to your eye in flashes of fire. colour can act as a filter, reducing the fire that gives a diamond its beauty and brilliance. Diamond colours appear in a range from D to Z. Fine diamonds fall into the range from colour grade D to I. colour grades D, E and F are considered colourless, making them rare.

Slide the diamond along the colour scale to see its colour rating change.

Clarity

Clarity is an indication of a diamond’s purity. When a rough diamond is extracted from carbon, deep beneath the earth, tiny traces of natural elements are almost always trapped inside. These elements are called inclusions, though sometimes referred to as birthmarks because they are formed naturally and are unique to each diamond.

Because most inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, a jeweller will use a magnifier known as a loupe to reveal a diamond’s inclusions. The fewer and smaller the inclusions, the greater the clarity and higher the value of the diamond.

The most important of the 4C’s: Cut.

Cut is undoubtedly the most important of the 4C’s to consider. A well cut diamond – regardless of its shape – appears more alive with brilliance, catching the light and sparkling brightly as you move your hand. If a diamond is cut poorly, it will lack fire, sparkle and brilliance no matter what its size, colour and clarity may be.

The art of diamond cutting has evolved thanks to state-of-the-art technology and innovation. and delivers measurably more brilliance than other diamonds of similar quality and grading. The Leo one of the most impactful innovation in diamond cutting in the past 100 years.

Every Leo Solitaire Engagement Ring and Bridal center diamond is guaranteed to score at least three “HIGH” ratings on the Light Performance Report.

LEO Artisan solitaire engagement rings are guaranteed with triple “VERY HIGH”ratings on the Light of Performance.