The 4Cs – Understanding Gemstone Quality
- gloriagrabmayr5
- May 13
- 1 min read
The 4Cs – Carat, Cut, Colour and Clarity – are the internationally recognized criteria for evaluating gemstones. They define a stone’s quality, rarity, and ultimately its value.
Carat refers to the weight of a gemstone. One carat equals 0.2 grams. The higher the carat weight, the rarer – and typically more valuable – the gem.
Cut determines the brilliance and overall appearance. A precise cut enhances light reflection and highlights the gem’s shape and colour.
Colour varies by gemstone. For coloured gems such as tourmaline, spinel or aquamarine, both the depth, saturation and evenness of colour are evaluated.
Clarity describes the presence of internal characteristics or inclusions. The fewer the inclusions, the rarer and more valuable the stone – though natural inclusions can also be a mark of authenticity.
These four criteria are the foundation of gemstone selection at Max Semler Goldschmied – with a commitment to working only with exceptional, one-of-a-kind pieces.
This breakdown of the 4Cs is both insightful and essential—understanding how carat, cut, colour, and clarity shape a gemstone’s value truly elevates the appreciation of fine jewelry. It’s clear Max Semler’s commitment to exceptional, one-of-a-kind pieces is rooted in expertise. For those exploring timeless fashion jewelry, Grandiani offers handcrafted earrings, including striking emerald cut garnet earrings that showcase depth, precision, and rich saturation—proof that quality and artistry go hand in hand.