The Four C's:

CUT

One of the most important factors in determining quality in diamonds is the cut. Cut is the only value factor that is a result of human skill. A diamond's beauty must be balanced against the inevitable loss of weight necessitated by the very process of cutting. Along with the diamond's size and shape, the minute details of workmanship play an important role in the overall beauty and sparkle of the diamond.

The AGS Laboratories was the first diamond grading entity to provide consumers with a credible analysis of diamond cut, including the diamond's symmetry, proportions and polish.

It is important to remember that cut is the most critical of all the variables effecting the value of a diamond, more critical even than the carat weight. It is thus essential that you be well advised of the quality of the cut when purchasing a diamond. And when an American Gem Society jeweler has evaluated a gem, you can be assured of the jeweler's technical competence and honesty. With certain other jewelers, however, you have few real guarantees at all. As a result, you may buy a gem that is poorly cut and of lesser value than you were led to believe.

The Ideal Cut Diamond describes a round brilliant diamond that has been cut to exact and mathematically proven proportions. Its symmetry, with 58 exactly placed facets, produces the ultimate in luster and beauty.

Premium Cut
A Premium Cut diamond demonstrates subtle variation from the Ideal Cut. Although dimensional differences affect a diamond's reflection of light, a Premium Cut still achieves a harmonious balance between its proportions and its display of brilliance.

Inferior Cut
Most diamonds are "spread" in their cutting to retain maximum weight from the original rough. A heavier diamond will result, but at a dramatic sacrifice of potential fire and brilliance.

Ideal Cut
Light entering the diamond reflects internally from facet to facet and is reflected back through the top ONLY, creating maximum brilliance.

Too Deep
When a diamond is cut too deep, light leaks out of the bottom, brilliance is lost and the center of the diamond will appear to be dark.

Too Shallow
When a diamond is cut too shallow, light leaks out of the bottom, brilliance is lost and the diamond appears watery, glassy and dark.

COLOR

Most diamonds, although appearing colorless, actually have slight tones of yellow or brown. As these tones become more easily apparent, the rarity and the cost decrease.

At Leo Alfred, we believe that color is also an important aspect of a quality diamond. We carry high-color stones, and we use F- or G-colored stones for most of our pieces. In choosing the perfect diamond for your special occasion, we typically recommend an H color or higher in order to minimize any appearance of yellow and maximize your value.

CLARITY

Practically all diamonds contain naturally occurring internal characteristics called inclusions. The size, nature, location and amount of inclusions determine a diamond's clarity grade and affect its cost.
One unique advantage of the Ideal Cut is that its sparkle can mask otherwise noticeable inclusions.

At Leo Alfred, we believe that you can get the best value for a beautiful, high-quality stone by purchasing a diamond in the SI-range. SI-1 and SI-2 graded stones have inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye. Therefore, our philosophy is that your money is best spent towards the cut and color of your stone.

CARAT WEIGHT

The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 parts called "points", 1 ct.=1.00; 1/2 ct. = .50. The value of two diamonds of the same weight can vary greatly depending on the color, clarity, and especially the cut.