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The 4Cs of Diamonds: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat
Every certified diamond is graded on four qualities, known as the 4Cs. Understanding them helps you get the most beauty for your budget.
Cut
Cut describes how well a diamond's facets return light. It has the biggest effect on sparkle. A well-cut diamond can look brighter, and even larger, than a poorly cut stone of the same weight. For round diamonds, aim for Excellent or Very Good.
Color
White diamonds are graded from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
| Grade | Range | What you see |
|---|---|---|
| D, E, F | Colorless | Icy white, the rarest grades |
| G, H, I, J | Near colorless | Looks white face-up, excellent value |
| K, L, M | Faint color | Slight warmth, pairs well with yellow gold |
Clarity
Clarity measures tiny natural marks inside (inclusions) or on the surface (blemishes) of the diamond.
| Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| FL, IF | Flawless or internally flawless |
| VVS1, VVS2 | Very, very slightly included, very hard to see even under 10x magnification |
| VS1, VS2 | Very slightly included, usually clean to the eye |
| SI1, SI2 | Slightly included, often eye-clean, best value |
| I1, I2, I3 | Included, marks may be visible |
Carat
Carat is weight, not size: 1 carat equals 0.2 grams. Prices rise sharply at popular weights like 0.50, 1.00 and 2.00 carats, so a 0.90 carat stone can look almost the same as a 1.00 carat for noticeably less.
Where to spend your budget
- Prioritize cut for sparkle.
- Choose G to H color for white gold or platinum, I to J for yellow or rose gold.
- VS2 or SI1 clarity is usually clean to the eye.
- Always ask for the grading report (GIA or IGI).
Have a question about a diamond? Call or text us at (917) 841-3814 and our team will help.