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Diane M. Burke or A Plus Associates in Albany, New York

Diane M. Burke
Graduate Gemologist (G.I.A.)
Senior Member of the NAJA

Member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers

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Diamond Information

The 4 C's of Diamond Grading

The 4 C's of diamond grading are Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat Weight. These four factors, in combination, provide us a way to compare one diamond to another.

Because diamonds are so valuable, it is essential to have a universal grading system for comparing their quality. In the 1940's and 1950's the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4C's and the International GIA Diamond Grading System to objectively compare and evaluate diamonds.

The grading of diamonds involves evaluating the qualities of the stone and determining how it's qualities reflect rarity and thus value.

At A+ Associates we analyze the 4 C's of your diamond and provide you with information necessary to assign a proper value. If your diamond is accompanied by a certificate from another lab, we will compare the information with what we see under our microscope.

NOTE: Due to the subjective nature of diamond grading, it is possible for grading opinions to vary from one lab to another or from one appraiser to another, although these grading differences should not be more than one grade higher or lower.


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