The 4Cs of Diamonds
Understanding the 4Cs—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat—is essential to choosing the perfect diamond. These universal standards help you evaluate and compare diamonds with confidence.
Cut
The Most Important C
Cut is the most important factor in a diamond's beauty. It refers to how well a diamond's facets interact with light. A well-cut diamond will have tremendous brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
Cut quality is determined by proportions, symmetry, and polish. Even a diamond with perfect color and clarity can appear dull if poorly cut, while an expertly cut diamond can mask slight color or inclusions through its brilliant light performance.
Maximum fire and brilliance. Reflects nearly all light that enters.
Reflects most light that enters. Appears very similar to Excellent cut.
Reflects a majority of light. A good value option.
Allows light to escape. Less brilliance than higher grades.
Most light escapes. Lacks sparkle and fire.
Color
The Absence of Color
Diamond color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colorless diamonds are the most rare and valuable, as they allow the most light to pass through, creating maximum brilliance.
Most customers find diamonds in the G-I range offer the best value, as any slight color is typically undetectable to the untrained eye, especially when set in a ring.
Colorless
Colorless
Colorless
Near Colorless
Near Colorless
Near Colorless
Near Colorless
Faint Yellow
Clarity
Nature's Fingerprint
Clarity measures the amount and visibility of natural inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external) in a diamond. These are nature's fingerprints, formed when the diamond crystallized deep within the earth.
While Flawless diamonds are incredibly rare and valuable, most inclusions are microscopic and don't affect a diamond's beauty to the naked eye. VS and SI clarity grades often provide excellent value without visible inclusions.
No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification
No inclusions visible under 10x magnification
Inclusions difficult to see under 10x magnification
Minor inclusions visible under 10x magnification
Noticeable inclusions under 10x magnification
Obvious inclusions visible to the naked eye
Carat
The Measure of Weight
Carat refers to a diamond's weight, not its size. One carat equals 200 milligrams. Because larger diamonds are more rare, carat weight significantly impacts price.
However, two diamonds of equal carat weight can appear different sizes depending on their cut. A well-cut diamond will appear larger than a poorly cut one of the same weight because more of the diamond is visible from above.
Pro Tip: Carat Weight vs. Face-Up Size
Consider the face-up size (how large the diamond appears from above) rather than just carat weight. An excellently cut 0.90 carat diamond may appear as large as a poorly cut 1.00 carat diamond, but cost significantly less.
Diamond Shapes
While not one of the 4Cs, shape is an important consideration. Each shape has its own unique characteristics and appeal.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Diamond?
Now that you understand the 4Cs, explore our collection of certified diamonds or schedule a consultation with our expert gemologists.