Mastering the 4Cs
Before you buy, understand the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world.
The 4 Cs
More Guides
Cut
The most critical factor for sparkle.
Many people confuse "cut" with "shape" (like Round vs. Oval). However, Diamond Cut specifically refers to the quality of a diamond's angles, proportions, symmetrical facets, brilliance, fire, scintillation, and finishing details. These factors directly impact a diamond's ability to sparkle and its overall aesthetic appeal.
How Cut Affects Light Return
Too Shallow
Light hits the pavilion at a low angle and passes through the bottom (leakage), making the stone look dull.
Ideal Cut
Light enters, reflects off the pavilion facets, and returns through the top, creating maximum fire and brilliance.
Too Deep
Light hits the pavilion at a steep angle and reflects out the side, causing the diamond to look dark in the center.
Color
The absence of color is what matters.
Diamond color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). For the best value, choose a diamond that appears white to the naked eye (G-H) without paying the premium for colorless (D-F).
Clarity
Tiny imperfections invisible to the naked eye.
Clarity measures the amount and size of internal "inclusions" and external "blemishes". We recommend VS1 or VS2 for a diamond that is "eye-clean" but much more affordable than Flawless.
FL
Flawless
VVS1
Very Very Slightly Included 1
VVS2
Very Very Slightly Included 2
VS1
Very Slightly Included 1
VS2
Very Slightly Included 2
SI1
Slightly Included 1
SI2
Slightly Included 2
Carat
Weight, not necessarily size.
Carat refers to the diamond's weight. Two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different prices depending on the other 3Cs. Also, cut quality can affect how large the diamond looks.
Visualize Carat Size
Use our interactive tool to see how different sizes look on a hand.