4 C’s & More

Traditionally a diamond's cost is based on the characteristics known as the "4 C's". Clarity, Color, Cut and Carat Weight determine the value of a stone. When selecting a diamond, shape is one of the most important factors to consider. No one shape is better than another, so choose the shape that you like best. Another important characteristic is assurance that you get your diamond from conflict-free sources.

Shape

ROUND DIAMOND
The most popular diamond shape with maximum brilliance.

CUSHION DIAMOND
Rounded corners and larger facets to increase brilliance.

ASSCHER DIAMOND
Often described as a square emerald.

EMERALD DIAMOND
Rectangular cut with its long, lean lines.

HEART DIAMOND
Unique unmistakable symbol of love.

OVAL DIAMOND
Elliptical shape, based on the brilliant cut.

MARQUISE DIAMOND
Football-shaped cut, create the illusion of greater size

PEAR DIAMOND
A hybrid cut shaped most like a sparkling teardrop.

PRINCESS DIAMOND
Square or rectangular cut with numerous sparkling facets.

RADIANT DIAMOND
Has angled corners,range from square to rectangle.

Shape

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As the name suggests, shape (round, princess, radiant, etc.) describes a diamond's form. The beauty of the individual shapes is a matter of personal taste.

Carat Weight

One carat is equal to 0.20 grams (weight). In the diamond industry "1.00 carat" is divided into 100 "points", so for example a 70 "points" diamond weighs 0.70 carats.

Two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different costs based on other factors (cut, color, clarity and other).
Two diamonds of equal carat weight may also appear very different in size based on the shape of the diamond. For instance, a 1 carat marquise tends to appear larger than a 1 carat round.

Carat Weight

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This is the term with which people are most familiar, but bear in mind that carat is specifically a measure of a diamond's weight.

Color

Colors, range from "D" grading (as the most colorless) to "Z" grade (as the closest to fancy yellow).

The closest to colorless a stone is, the more valuable the diamond is.

Color

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A diamond's color grade refers to the lack of color. Diamonds that are white, containing little or no color, receive higher quality grades than those with visible color.

Cut is a feature that reflects the beauty and brilliance of the diamond, and usually determines both the value and price.

A key factor when making a diamond purchase is cut, as one may decide to compromise on clarity, size or color, but never on the cut.

You must always ensure that you have the most ideal cut diamond.

An Ideal cut has a specific set of guidelines defining the proportions that give a diamond the highest level of fire and brilliance.

Cut

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The cut of a diamond determines its brilliance. Put simply, the better a diamond is cut, the more sparkle it will have.

Clarity

Clarity refers to the extent of birthmarks or "inclusions" in the diamond. Most inclusions are not visible to the naked eye and can be viewed through a 10X magnification device. Inclusions interfere with the dispersion of light and affect a diamond's brilliance. With fewer and slighter inclusions, the stone is both rarer and more valuable.

Clarity of a Diamond Clarity is graded on a scale that ranges from internally flawless (IF), very very small inclusions (VVS1-VVS2), very small inclusions (VS1-VS2), small inclusions (SI1-SI2) to imperfect (I1-I2-I3) with obvious visible.

Clarity

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Almost all diamonds have tiny imperfections. Diamonds with few or no imperfections receive the highest clarity grades.