THE 4Cs
Cartier diamonds undergo the most rigorous selection.
Firstly, Cartier considers only diamonds certified by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), an independent international certification body chosen by Cartier for its impartiality of judgement in diamond selection.
A combination of subtle characteristics, the 4Cs (carat, colour, clarity and cut), allow only the rarest of diamonds to qualify for the Cartier selection process.
CARAT
The unit of measurement of diamond weight is the carat; its name comes from the carob seed that was once used to weigh diamonds.
The weight is the most important criteria in determining the price of a diamond. A carat corresponds to 0.20 g.
Cartier offers diamond solitaires in a large range of carats according to the setting*.
*Diamond solitaires certified from 0.18 carats
CLARITY
Inclusions are natural imperfections in a diamond that can alter its quality.
The clarity of a diamond depends on the number of inclusions, their size and their position.
The clarity chart put into place by the GIA allows classification from FL (Flawless = no visible flaws even under a magnifying glass X10) to I3 (Imperfect, inclusions visible to the naked eye).
Cartier diamonds are only selected between IF and VS2, which guarantees exceptional clarity and the absence of the slightest inclusion visible to the naked eye.*
*The diamonds presented here and the guarantees relative to the "4C" apply to round diamonds of over 0.18 carats.
COLOUR
A diamond is all the more exceptional if it is colourless.
The colour is evaluated by the GIA according to a scale that goes from D to Z in alphabetical order (D signifies a "colourless" diamond and Z "near-colourless").
Cartier diamonds are exclusively chosen between D and H, meaning they are all colourless. Cartier accepts only diamonds with no or little fluorescence.
CUT
Among the 4Cs, the most determining factor is without a doubt the cut of the diamond – its symmetry, its balance – neither too high, nor too flat. It is the guarantee of exceptional beauty. Central brilliant-cut Cartier diamonds whose size is greater than 0.30 carats on the GIA scale are classified "Very Good" or "Excellent"*, guaranteeing them an optimal brilliance and a unique sparkle.
Several additional criteria imposed by our "Cartier Diamond Experts" for brilliant-cut diamonds:
* the table must be between 56% and 63% for diamonds over 0.23 carats
* the total depth must be between 58% and 63% without the culet
* the girdle must be from slightly thick to thick
*For brilliant-cut centre diamonds under 0.30 ct, as well as for fancy-cut centre diamonds, the Cut grade accepted by Cartier is between "Good" and "Excellent".
THE DIAMOND EXPERTS
The 4Cs constitute excellent indicators of a diamond's rarity but they have no bearing on determining the beauty of a stone.
Indeed, many of the diamonds that conform to the 4Cs do not correspond to the selection criteria defined by Cartier. This is why each stone is examined by one of our diamond experts – the only specialists at Cartier entitled to select Cartier diamonds.
The diamond experts constitute an independent team at the heart of the Maison. They are gemmologists who, in addition to their technical expertise, have acquired a perfect mastery of the Cartier diamond selection criteria. This expertise results from many years of experience, of a heightened sense and of a true knowledge of Cartier's standards. They possess a precious talent and a unique eye, allowing them to choose diamonds worthy of gracing a Cartier Fine Jewellery creation.
Stone after stone, from a 0.10-carat diamond to more considerable gems, the diamond experts go through Cartier's criteria for beauty one by one.
First, they assess the stone as a whole, examining its generous proportions, structure and the symmetry of its facets. Next, they meticulously consider its degree of finishing in relation to its cut, its radiance and the way the light is reflected. A Cartier diamond must play splendidly with the light creating a perfect balance between brilliance, fire and sparkle. Its unique colour, varying from colourless to nuanced clarity, brings the stone's splendour to life.
The work of Cartier diamond experts guarantees the beauty of the stone in harmonious proportions and incomparable charm.
