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Cut

Cut is arguably the most crucial of the 4Cs. It refers not to a diamond’s shape (round, oval, pear), but to how well a diamond has been proportioned, polished, and faceted to reflect light. A well-cut diamond captures and returns light brilliantly, creating the sparkle we all admire.

Diamond Cut Grades

• Excellent: Reflects almost all light that enters the diamond. Maximum brilliance.
• Very Good: Reflects most light. Nearly identical to excellent cut in appearance but priced lower.
• Good: Reflects much light, but less brilliance and fire.
• Fair/Poor: Limited reflection. Dull appearance.

Color

A diamond's color actually measures the lack of color. The less color, the rarer and more valuable the diamond.

GIA Color Scale - The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamonds on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).

• D–F: Colorless. Extremely rare and expensive.
• G–J: Near-colorless. Excellent value; slight traces of warmth.
• K–M: Faint color. Noticeable tint, especially in larger stones.
• N–Z: Very light to light color. Not typically used in fine jewelry.

Clarity

Clarity measures the number, size, and position of internal (inclusions) and external (blemishes) imperfections in a diamond. Most flaws are microscopic and do not affect beauty to the naked eye.

GIA Clarity Scale

• FL (Flawless): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
• IF (Internally Flawless): No inclusions; only minor surface blemishes.
• VVS1–VVS2: Very, very slightly included. Extremely difficult to detect.
• VS1–VS2: Very slightly included. Minor inclusions, hard to see.
• SI1–SI2: Slightly included. Inclusions visible under magnification; sometimes visible to naked eye.
• I1–I3: Included. Inclusions noticeable; can affect brilliance.

Carat Weight

Carat refers to a diamond’s weight, not size. One carat equals 0.2 grams. Larger diamonds are rarer and more valuable, but two diamonds of equal carat weight can differ greatly in price depending on cut, clarity, and color.

Popular Carat Weights

• 0.50 ct: Budget-friendly and elegant
• 1.00 ct: Classic and timeless
• 1.50–2.00 ct: Striking and luxurious
• 2.00+ ct: Rare and investment-worthy

Bonus C: Certification and Confidence

While the 4Cs help evaluate a diamond's beauty and worth, certification adds a crucial fifth “C.” Always insist on a diamond that is certified by an independent gemological lab, such as GIA or IGI. This assures authenticity and accurate grading of your diamond.

Invest in the Right Diamond with Confidence