The 4 C's of Diamonds
Cut
Cut is the most important factor affecting a diamond's beauty. It determines how light interacts with the stone. Excellent cut diamonds have maximum brilliance and fire. Common shapes include round brilliant, princess, oval, cushion, and emerald.
Color
Diamond color is graded from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow/brown). D-F are colorless, G-J are near-colorless, and K+ shows visible tint. For the best value, G-H grades offer excellent appearance at a lower premium.
Clarity
Clarity measures internal inclusions and surface blemishes. Grades range from FL (Flawless) to I3 (Included). VS1-VS2 grades are excellent choices — inclusions aren't visible to the naked eye.
Carat
Carat is the unit of weight (1 carat = 0.2 grams). Larger diamonds are rarer and more valuable per carat. However, two diamonds of equal carat weight can differ greatly in value based on the other C's.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which C is most important?▾
Cut has the greatest impact on a diamond's beauty and sparkle. A well-cut diamond of lower color and clarity will often look better than a poorly-cut diamond of higher grades.
What is the best diamond clarity to buy?▾
VS1-VS2 offers the best value — inclusions are invisible to the naked eye but the price is significantly lower than VVS or Flawless grades.