Understanding the 4Cs of Diamond Grading: Cut, Color, Clarity & Carat

The 4Cs — Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat — form the universal standard for diamond grading. Understanding these characteristics helps you evaluate diamond quality and make informed purchasing decisions.

Cut: The Most Important C

Cut determines how well a diamond interacts with light. It's not about shape (round, oval, etc.) but about proportions, symmetry, and polish.

Cut Grades:

• Excellent/Ideal: Maximum brilliance and fire
• Very Good: Reflects most light, excellent value
• Good: Reflects much light, budget-friendly
• Fair/Poor: Light escapes from sides or bottom

A well-cut diamond can appear larger and more brilliant than a poorly cut diamond of higher carat weight.

Color: The Absence of Color

Diamond color grades measure the absence of color. The GIA scale runs from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow).

Color Categories:

• D-F: Colorless, rarest and most valuable
• G-J: Near colorless, excellent value
• K-M: Faint yellow, visible tint
• N-Z: Light yellow, noticeable color

Lab-grown diamonds frequently achieve D-F color grades due to controlled growth conditions.

Clarity: Internal Purity

Clarity measures internal characteristics (inclusions) and surface blemishes.

Clarity Grades:

• FL (Flawless): No inclusions or blemishes at 10x magnification
• IF (Internally Flawless): No inclusions, minor surface blemishes
• VVS1-VVS2: Very, very slightly included
• VS1-VS2: Very slightly included
• SI1-SI2: Slightly included, may be visible
• I1-I3: Included, visible to naked eye

Carat: Size Matters

Carat measures diamond weight, not size. One carat equals 0.2 grams.

Important Notes:

• Two diamonds of equal carat weight can appear different sizes based on cut
• Prices increase exponentially at popular weights (1ct, 2ct, etc.)
• Consider "shy" weights (0.90ct vs 1.00ct) for better value

Which C Matters Most?

Prioritization depends on preferences:

• For maximum sparkle: Prioritize Cut
• For size impact: Prioritize Carat
• For purity: Prioritize Clarity
• For brilliance: Prioritize Color

Single-Crystal Ring Specifications

Our rings typically feature:

• D-F color grades
• VVS-VS clarity
• 3-5+ carat weights
• Master-cut faceting with 133 facets