The 4 C’s: what really makes your diamond worth something
Carat, Cut, Colour and Clarity. Two stones of one carat can differ by a factor of three in value – this is why.
- Locations
- 45
- Valuation
- Free
- Payment
- 24 hours
- Since
- 1992
Carat – weight, not size
One carat is 0.2 grams. The price per carat rises in jumps at round thresholds: a stone of 1.00 ct is clearly dearer per carat than one of 0.95 ct, while you do not see the difference with the naked eye. Cutters take that into account and sometimes sacrifice depth in order to come out just above a threshold.
Cut – the only C that is human work
Colour and clarity are given by nature; the cut is not. A diamond with moderate proportions looks dull, however clear and colourless it may be. The other way round, an excellently cut stone with a lesser colour grade can positively shine.
The scale runs from Excellent to Poor. With round brilliants cut weighs the heaviest of all four.
Do not underestimate cut. Of the four C’s this is the one buyers notice something of the soonest, and therefore the one that works through most strongly in the trade value.
Colour – from D to Z
The scale begins at D (entirely colourless) and runs on to Z (clearly tinted yellow). The difference between two consecutive letters is scarcely to be seen with the naked eye, but in the price it certainly is.
The exception is the so-called fancy colours: pronounced pink, blue or green diamonds fall outside the letter scale and are assessed separately – they can be worth a great deal more.
Clarity – inclusions
Where an inclusion sits counts as well: right under the table – the top facet of the stone – is less favourable than at the edge, where a setting can hide it.
- FL / IF – flawless, even under tenfold magnification
- VVS1 / VVS2 – extremely small inclusions, to be found only by a trained eye
- VS1 / VS2 – very small inclusions
- SI1 / SI2 – small inclusions, sometimes visible with the naked eye
- I1 to I3 – clearly visible inclusions
And the fifth C: the certificate
A report from GIA, HRD, IGI or AGS sets the four C’s down objectively. That makes our valuation quicker and our offer usually sharper, because there is less uncertainty in it. If you have no certificate, our gemmologists assess the stone themselves – free of charge as well.
If the four C’s of your stone are on paper, see Certificated diamond; if you have no report, see Diamond without a certificate.
Not sure about your item? Book a free valuation or read how we work.
Who values your gemstone at XGOUD
- Diamonds go to Ben, our diamond trader: an FEEG-qualified gemmologist and diamond grader, member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses and of the Antwerpsche Diamantkring.
- Ruby, sapphire and emerald are assessed by Esther, our gemmologist, who tells a laboratory-grown stone from a natural one.
- Since 1992 in the buying trade, with 45 locations in the Netherlands and Belgium.
- Registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) under number 95774297, with its head office at Piuslaan 26 in Eindhoven.
- Free, no-obligation valuation: you only decide once you know our offer.
- 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot, based on 54 reviews
How selling at XGOUD works
From walking in to being paid usually takes less than half an hour.
Make an appointment
We value diamonds in Eindhoven, where our gemmologists are based.
Assessment on the 4 C’s
With loupe, microscope and measuring equipment, plus a check of the certificate.
A substantiated offer
You see per C how we arrive at the value.
Paid out straight away
In cash or by bank transfer, within 24 hours in your account.
How customers look back on their sale
„On Saturday we went to see Ken at the head office in Eindhoven. What a pleasant and honest man! 2 of our 3 kids came along, which was no problem. He explained everything well and knew what he was talking about, so the children also found it interesting to listen and didn't get bored with the 'grown-up' stuff. It was immediately clear how many grams it was and which calculation went with it. He even advised us to visit other companies as well; it was our own choice to go straight for xgoud, and we would do it again. I received the amount for the gold jewellery I handed in today.”
Translated from Dutch
„Helped very well in Eindhoven and received a really decent price! It was a good €500 more than the competitor. Friendly, honest, transparent and open. No smart suits and expensive premises, just honest and pleasant service. Thanks again!”
Translated from Dutch
„Xgoud is a no-nonsense little company that, instead of an elaborate entourage, simply offers good service and above all a good price. Think at least 10% more than the slicker buyers at the top of the search engine.”
Translated from Dutch
„Last Friday I went to XGoud in Eindhoven without an appointment. Helped by Ken. The service and advice were excellent. Ken saw straight away what carat the gold was. Another important point: you get a good price. I had also looked at other gold buyers, but they came out much worse.”
Translated from Dutch
„Very trustful, honest and open negotiation. I deep recommend and is not necessary go far away to get a fare and honest trade. I will return in case needed.”
„Great service from Ken and Esther. There were some problems with the bank regarding the transfer, but this was neatly resolved. Good daily price, and I recommend everyone to go here!”
Translated from Dutch
„Xgoud in Eindhoven is really worth recommending, with a good price. I called several shops and asked what I could get per gram for my gold at that moment; most of them couldn't tell me and said I should just make an appointment. Then I came across xgoud through their website and called them, asking whether any costs or commission would be deducted from the price on the website. The answer was no: you get the price per gram shown on the website at that moment. I made an appointment and sold my gold there the same day. A very nice man, no fuss or expensive suits and ties, who knows his stuff. He also gave me some tips, for example how to test a scale with a 10 euro cent coin, which should always weigh 4.10 g. One more tip: stay away from the gold exchange office in Weert, they quickly notice when you don't know much about it. The offer I got there was hundreds of euros lower than at xgoud.”
Translated from Dutch
„Great service and good advice. And 100% transparent communication!! You get the best price for your gold at XGold.”
Translated from Dutch
„Very friendly and helpful. Treated fairly and everything was clearly explained. Got a good price for my gold.”
Translated from Dutch
„Transparent, knowledgeable, professional.”
Translated from Dutch
„Good communication. Arranged quickly and professionally. Good price! I can recommend it.”
Translated from Dutch
„I'll start by sharing my experience at the Goud-Wissel office in Eindhoven, where I initially ended up on the advice of an acquaintance. I already found it strange that their website didn't tell me roughly what I would receive per gram [in my case 18-carat gold] for the jewellery I wanted to sell. When I came in, the introductory questions felt like a kind of check on whether I knew what I was talking about. Even more: it gave me the creeping feeling that this conversation would be directly linked to the amount they would offer me for my gold. As a layman, I admitted that the generally known current gold price was my only 'knowledge'. What followed was a whole story about the broad concept of this valuation and a list of elements that made it logical that the buying price came nowhere near it. I had to realise that the basic costs of the gold exchange office: rent / fittings / staff / outsourced melting etc. were taken into account [read: deducted] from what was paid out to the customer at the bottom line. After testing, I was then offered 4,000 in short order. I had seen on a website that X-Goud also has a branch in Eindhoven, and it turned out to be almost around the corner. The owner happened to be there because the premises were being fitted out, but even though I had no appointment I was still received very warmly. After a clear, expert, no-obligation explanation and testing, Ekin named a rather different buying price compared to the Goud-Wisselkantoor where I had been an hour earlier. And luckily I had left to look for a kind of second opinion. X-GOUD bought my jewellery for 7,150!!!!!!!! A GOOD 3,000 MORE! Sorry for the long-winded build-up, but this piece really should have been written entirely in capitals so that everyone clearly reads how, in my view, to put it politely, they rip you off right to your face at the Goud-Wisselkantoor. Ekin, thanks again for your friendly service... a pity you couldn't offer coffee yet haha, but the offer for my jewellery more than makes up for it.”
Translated from Dutch
„It took a while before we could make an appointment with Ken, but when he visited us at home we hit it off straight away. Ken explained very clearly how he could assess the different metals. He gave us a very good price. We also had a pleasant conversation with this likeable man.”
Translated from Dutch
„Keeps his appointments. Good and fair prices. Friendly. A good partner to do business with.”
Translated from Dutch
„It felt right from the very first contact. Because of how busy it was, it took a little while before we could actually make an appointment, but today everything was neatly settled: no hassle or strange rules, just a fair, good price. We had a nice chat too. I'm very satisfied and will certainly contact Ken again in the future.”
Translated from Dutch
„Making an appointment took a bit of juggling, because Ken is a busy man, but it was absolutely worth it. He gives a fair price based on the actual daily value and takes the time to explain everything clearly. Transparent and reliable. Definitely recommended!”
Translated from Dutch
„Meeting up was a bit of a problem at first. But that was made up for with a sincere apology and the price offered for the items I brought. Recommended. In short, fine.”
Translated from Dutch
„It was a bit difficult to make an appointment, because the owner is always busy and on the road. But in the end I was helped very well and expertly. Everything was clearly explained, and at XGoud I really got the highest price for trading in a gold piece of jewellery!! Very satisfied with how it was handled.”
Translated from Dutch
„Good price and honest advice. Ekin is likeable and reliable.”
Translated from Dutch
„Had a small problem with the communication. Afterwards they called me properly, made an appointment and everything was neatly resolved. The company takes responsibility and sorts things out in a relaxed atmosphere 👍”
Translated from Dutch
„Because of a traffic jam the first appointment didn't go ahead, but the owner kept his word and came to my home. Got a really good price. What a difference from other buyers! A very busy man, but he absolutely keeps his word. A truly reliable company. I can recommend this company to everyone!”
Translated from Dutch
„Great service and very good contact, keeps appointments well and is very friendly!”
Translated from Dutch
„XGOUD's service is unmatched! Selling my gold jewellery went quickly and efficiently, and I got a great price. The gentleman even took the time to explain everything step by step. I can't recommend XGOUD enough!”
Translated from Dutch
„To sell a number of pieces of jewellery and watches, we took them to Ken at Xgoud and to several similar companies. Our conclusion is that at Xgoud the openness, the time taken for advice and of course a high real-time price gave us a good feeling about selling our items there. It went more than fine. Thank you!”
Translated from Dutch
„Good prices, a decent gentleman who keeps his appointments. I recommend this company to everyone!”
Translated from Dutch
„Made an appointment quickly and easily and completed the transaction. Also a very enthusiastic and reliable entrepreneur you can have a nice chat with.”
Translated from Dutch
„Really good service, nice man, fair price for your gold and immediate payment. I recommend XGoud to everyone.”
Translated from Dutch
„They are transparent about their prices in advance. Sometimes a bit hard to reach, but once you have the appointment, very correct and honest. And a nice price.”
Translated from Dutch
„I was a bit sceptical at first, because it was my first time. But in the end it was a pleasant meeting with Ken, in line with what we had agreed beforehand. We quickly reached a deal. Meeting at the agreed location was great too. Very good price. Would do it again!”
Translated from Dutch
„Despite the small amount of gold, just 2 small coins, I got a good price. Paid out in cash without any problem. Thanks Ken, good deal.”
Translated from Dutch
„Did good business with Ken, received a good price and everything was handled as agreed, and I quickly received the remaining amount in my bank account.”
Translated from Dutch
„A very pleasant experience with Ken, a good, fair price-quality ratio, so there will definitely be a next time. Theo Schuiling, Rotterdam.”
Translated from Dutch
„Good and honest advice / price.”
Translated from Dutch
„Pleasant contact, appointment at the office or simply at home. Everything was handled quickly and professionally, as agreed.”
Translated from Dutch
„Was able to do business in a very pleasant way. Good price for my gold. Very reliable, comes to your home, very friendly. Cash on the nail. Definitely recommended.”
Translated from Dutch
„Ken from XGOUD is honest and gives the best price for your scrap gold. Definitely recommended. Regards, Shahab”
Translated from Dutch
„Good communication & correct handling.”
Translated from Dutch
„Very friendly, they come to your home, no pushiness, just honest and reliable.”
Translated from Dutch
„Good communication, smooth handling, in short a pleasant experience.”
Translated from Dutch
„Fast and clear contact, absolutely good service👌 Recommended”
Translated from Dutch
„No idea how it is with gold, but with diamonds you shouldn't come here! They have a calculator on their website that is supposed to give a good idea, but they offered 4x (!) less... not to mention how long it took before I got an offer! Next time I'll just go to Belgium again.”
Translated from Dutch
„Made an appointment via the website. I was called to agree on a place and time. On arrival we got a clear explanation, and Ken from XGoud took his time to value all the pieces. The price he offered, without obligation, was the price as stated on their website. The payment went smoothly too. A very good experience.”
Translated from Dutch
„Very fast & friendly service. You also get a fair price for your gold and leave with a good feeling!”
Translated from Dutch
„Good service, and honest”
Translated from Dutch
„Very pleasant and fast service. Good, clear explanation, truly recommended. I'll be coming back here more often!”
Translated from Dutch
„A really great company with a good approach, and immediate cash for my gold jewellery 👍🏻”
Translated from Dutch
„Good, fast service. Old gold jewellery I never used anyway, exchanged at the current high gold price, because I also needed money and this was a quick way to go, with no regrets.”
Translated from Dutch
„Reliable / honest shop. The buyer is service-minded and leaves room for negotiation towards a win-win for both parties. Recommended!”
Translated from Dutch
„After visiting 2 jewellers and searching the internet for gold buyers, I chose XGoud. The description of XGoud on the website was very clear. The various buying prices for gold and gold coins were listed at the buying prices current at that moment. A very transparent business. I made an appointment. Indeed not a modern shop, but a friendly and very skilled buyer. He calmly and clearly explained how the carat was determined and how the weighing took place. Then I was asked whether I agreed with the valuation and the amount. After that, everything was put in writing. The financial settlement went fine. (At 2 jewellers I had had a gold 10-guilder coin valued. Their price was a good €50 lower. I would get a bit more for it if I bought other jewellery for that amount.) XGoud is truly recommended. Next time I would definitely choose them again. 30/07/20 Arnold, Sliedrecht”
Translated from Dutch
„Xgoud is the right place for all your gold, jewellery and coins. It is very transparent, and he gives the maximum amount for the gold you offer. The difference between the valuation and reality (without stones, movements etc.) was minimal, and the difference could be discussed. So recommended without reservation. Top.”
Translated from Dutch
„Good service and honesty. Recommended! I'll keep coming back here!”
Translated from Dutch
„A fine, reliable company. Gives a fair price for your gold and jewellery.”
Translated from Dutch
„Pleasant and friendly service. Got a fine price.”
Translated from Dutch
„I sold my necklace. He came to his shop especially for me when it was closed. I'm very satisfied with him and with the price I got.”
Translated from Dutch
More about the 4 C’s
Questions about selling the 4 C’s
Which C weighs the heaviest?
That differs per stone. With round brilliants it is usually the cut, because a moderately cut diamond always looks dull however clear and colourless it may be. With larger stones the carat weight comes to weigh more heavily, because the price per carat rises in jumps at round thresholds such as one carat.
Is a D colour always worth the most?
At equal remaining C’s yes, because D is the highest colour grade and means entirely colourless. In practice that comparison seldom applies: a D colour with a poor cut is inferior to a G colour that is excellently cut and therefore sparkles far more. It is the interplay that decides the price.
Can I assess the 4 C’s myself?
Roughly yes, exactly no; for that you need expertise, a loupe and measuring equipment. Colour differences of one grade are practically impossible to see with the naked eye and are clearly noticeable in the price. Our diamond calculator gives you a range in advance based on what you enter, and our gemmologists do the rest free of charge.
What if my certificate is old?
Certificates do not expire, because the stone itself does not change. The assessment standards have been tightened over the years, though, above all on clarity. With reports from before 2000 our gemmologists therefore check the grading extra carefully, in your presence, so that you see whether and where there is a difference.
Is your question not listed? Ask it below, call 085 060 3009 or go to contact.
A question about the 4 C’s?
Ask it here. You will receive a personal reply by email, usually within one working day – no automated message and no phone call you did not ask for.
- An answer from a valuer, not from a template
- We keep your question so that you need not repeat anything
- No sales pitch afterwards
Sources
Where you can verify what you have just read.
- GIAThe institute that devised the 4 Cs used to grade diamonds
- HRD AntwerpenEuropean laboratory for diamond certificates
- IGIInternational gemmological laboratory for gemstones
Curious what your 4 C’s would fetch?
Book a free valuation at a location near you. No obligation, and you will know exactly where you stand.