The Four Cs of Diamonds

Before you even start diamond shopping, you want to have a full understanding of what you're buying. This guide simplifies the four Cs of diamonds - Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight - so you'll be ready to choose the diamond that's right for you.

Cut - The cut of a diamond has a tremendous affect on its brilliance. Even if the diamond has perfect color and clarity, a poor cut can make a diamond look dull. Click here for more info.

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Color - Colorless and near-colorless diamonds are most highly valued and are priced accordingly. Other diamonds may have a slight tint of color, and some can even have a readily noticeable tint, which can diminish the brilliance. Click here for more info.

Clarity - Diamonds completely free from internal flaws, or inclusions, are very rare and highly valued. Clarity is graded based on the number, location, size, and type of the inclusions found in a diamond. Click here for more info.

Carat Weight - The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. Since larger diamonds are more rare than smaller diamonds, diamond value tends to rise exponentially with carat weight. Click here for more info.

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GIA: The GIA set the standard for diamond grading and gemological identification, and their grading system serves as the international gem and jewelry industry's benchmark.

AGSL: The AGSL uses a diamond grading system that ranks cut, color, and clarity on a zero to 10 scale, with zero being the most rare and desirable and 10 being the least desirable.

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