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DIAMONDS

The Four C’s

Understanding the past in order to re-shape the future of diamond knowledge

 

What are the Four C’s?

Up until the Mid-Twentieth Century, there was no universally agreed upon system for assessing diamond standards. It was then that the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A) created the ‘Diamond 4C’s and the International Diamond Grading System’.

This was primarily created so that miners and polishers would have a common framework of language and understanding when trading diamonds.

The 4 C’s the G.I.A created are;

 

Changing The Narrative

Over time, the 4C’s discourse has dominated the socio-cultural landscape of diamond shopping, which has begun to feel somewhat stale and archaic when assisting a contemporary client with their forever diamond investment.

With innovative advances in technology surrounding jewellery design software combined with the rise in interest in lab grown diamonds and raw/ flawed stones, we feel it may be time to update the narrative from the 4 C’s to that of a more client-focused, human centric discussion perspective.

Crafted by Infinity a diamond cutting house based in Antwerp has gone as far as suggesting substituting the 4 C’s entirely with their 4B’s: “Brighter, Bigger, Bolder and more Beautiful.” The most significant focus should be placed upon a stone’s cut grade, that allows for a 4:1 investment that results in “More Fire, More Sparkle, and More Life!”

We at Durham Rose occupy a more neutral middle ground; we are more than happy to discuss your diamond in the vernacular the GIA have created, but find that most clients simply want to know;

  • Is it Beautiful?
  • Is it Affordable?
  • Is it Ethical?

We often lead a new client with these design questions at the centre of our discussions, ensuring the clients have both the technical knowledge they should expect from a high-quality jeweller, complimented with the personal, human touch of a bespoke customer experience.

“The Four C’s; understanding the past and looking forward to the future, Durham Rose is changing the narrative of the Four C’s diamond knowledge. Read here for how and why” 

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