The Foundation
Understanding the 4Cs
The universal standard for evaluating diamond quality, developed by the Gemological Institute of America.
Cut - The Sparkle Factor
Cut refers to how well a diamond's facets interact with light. A well-cut diamond will have exceptional brightness, fire, and scintillation. This is often considered the most important of the 4Cs as it most significantly impacts a diamond's beauty.
Color - The Purity
Diamond color actually refers to the lack of color. The less color a diamond has, the higher its grade. Color grades range from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). For most purposes, diamonds in the G-H range offer excellent value.
Clarity - The Flawlessness
Clarity measures the absence of inclusions and blemishes. While flawless diamonds are rare and valuable, many inclusions are microscopic and don't affect a diamond's beauty. VS1-VS2 and SI1 grades often offer the best value.
Carat - The Weight
Carat refers to a diamond's weight, not its size. One carat equals 200 milligrams. While larger diamonds are rarer, two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different values based on their cut, color, and clarity.
