Beyond the Four Cs: The Fifth C of buying a Diamond

When it comes to purchasing a diamond, you've likely heard of the traditional 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. These are the globally recognized standards for evaluating a diamond’s quality and value. But what many don't realize is that these four factors are just one part of the equation.

At Kala Johare, we believe there is a crucial fifth "C" that empowers you to make a truly confident and intelligent choice: Cost. Understanding how the 4Cs influence the final price is the key to finding a diamond that not only captivates the eye but also fits your budget perfectly.

Let's break down the 5Cs and see how they come together to define the value of a diamond.

1. The First C: Carat (Weight)

What it is: Carat is the standard unit of measurement for a diamond’s weight. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams. How it affects cost: This is the most straightforward relationship. As the carat weight increases, the price increases exponentially. This is because larger diamonds are significantly rarer than smaller ones. A 2-carat diamond is not simply twice the price of a 1-carat diamond; it is often much more, assuming all other qualities are equal. Kala Johare Insight: We help you understand that a diamond’s carat weight and its visual size can differ based on its cut. A well-cut diamond of a slightly lower carat weight can often appear larger and more brilliant than a poorly-cut diamond of a higher carat.

2. The Second C: Cut (Brilliance)

What it is: The cut is arguably the most important of the 4Cs. It refers to the diamond's proportions, symmetry, and polish, which determine how well it interacts with light. A well-cut diamond reflects light back to your eye, creating that dazzling sparkle. How it affects cost: A superior cut requires greater skill and results in more wasted rough diamond, making it more expensive. Diamonds with an "Excellent" or "Ideal" cut grade are priced at a premium because they deliver maximum brilliance and fire. Kala Johare Insight: We specialize in exceptional cuts that maximize a diamond's beauty, ensuring you get the most sparkle for your investment. We believe a well-cut diamond is the single most important factor for a truly beautiful piece.

3. The Third C: Color (Purity)

What it is: A diamond's color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The less color a diamond has, the rarer and more valuable it is. How it affects cost: The price of a diamond rises with its journey up the color scale. Colorless diamonds (D-F) are the rarest and most expensive. However, you can find excellent value in the "near-colorless" range (G-J), as these diamonds appear colorless to the naked eye, especially when set in jewelry. Kala Johare Insight: Our experts can guide you to the perfect balance, helping you choose a color grade that appears brilliant and colorless without paying the premium for a grade that is not visually discernible.

4. The Fourth C: Clarity (Flawlessness)

What it is: Clarity refers to the absence of inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (external flaws). The clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I). How it affects cost: The fewer imperfections a diamond has, the higher its clarity grade and its price. Flawless diamonds are extremely rare and command the highest prices. Kala Johare Insight: We educate our clients about "eye-clean" diamonds—stones that have minor inclusions but are not visible to the naked eye. This is a smart way to get a beautiful diamond at a much more accessible price point.