The 4 Cs of Diamonds: Understanding Quality & Value

We believe in making your diamond purchase as informed as possible. That's why we break down the 4 Cs : Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. The critical factors in determining a diamond's beauty and value. Here's everything you need to know.

 

1. The Cut of a Diamond

The cut refers to how well the diamond has been shaped and faceted. It affects how light enters and exits the stone, influencing its sparkle and brilliance.
A diamond with an excellent cut reflects light beautifully, creating stunning brilliance. The better the cut, the more radiant the diamond.

    Grades of Cut:

    • Excellent
    • Very Good
    • Good
    • Fair
    • Poor

     

    2. The Color of a Diamond

    Diamonds are graded by the absence of color, ranging from colorless to light yellow or brown. The less color in a diamond, the rarer and more valuable it is.
    Diamonds that are closer to colorless tend to have more brilliance and fire, making them appear brighter.

    Color Grades:

    • D – F: Colorless (Highest quality)
    • G – J: Near colorless
    • K – M: Faint color
    • N – R: very light
    • S – Z: light

     

    3. The Clarity of a Diamond

    Clarity measures the presence of inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (external marks). Diamonds with fewer imperfections are more valuable.

    Clarity Grades:

    • FL (Flawless): No internal or external flaws visible under 10x magnification
    • IF (Internally Flawless): No inclusions, but minor surface blemishes
    • VVS1 & VVS2: Very, very slight inclusions, barely visible under magnification
    • VS1 & VS2: Slight inclusions, visible only under magnification
    • SI1 & SI2: Slightly included, visible to the naked eye
    • I1, I2, I3: Inclusions visible to the naked eye

     

    4. The Carat Weight of a Diamond

    Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, not its size with one carat equalling 0.20 grams. A higher carat weight typically means a larger diamond, but size also depends on the cut. Carat weight contributes significantly to the price of a diamond. A perfectly cut diamond will often appear larger due to optimal light reflection.