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The 4 Cs: Understanding Diamond Quality
Cut
Cut is one of the most important factors in a diamond's brilliance and sparkle. A precisely cut diamond reflects light beautifully, while poor proportions can diminish its brilliance. Cut quality is evaluated based on proportions, symmetry, and polish.
Color
Diamonds range from colorless to varying shades of yellow or brown. Truly colorless diamonds are rare and generally more valuable. Even subtle differences in color can affect a diamond's grade and overall value.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the presence of internal inclusions and external blemishes. Diamonds with fewer visible imperfections generally receive higher clarity grades. These characteristics are evaluated under 10× magnification.
Carat
Carat measures a diamond's weight, not its size or quality. One carat equals 0.2 grams and is divided into 100 points. While larger diamonds are generally rarer and more valuable, cut, color, and clarity also significantly influence their worth.