The 4Cs of Diamond Quality

When shopping for a diamond engagement ring, it's essential to understand the 4Cs: Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity. These factors determine a diamond's quality and value.

Carat: How Big It Is

Carat is a measure of a diamond's weight, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams. Larger diamonds are rarer and more expensive. However, a well-cut smaller diamond can appear larger than a poorly cut bigger one. Click here for more info.

Cut: How Sparkly It Is

The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions, symmetry, and polish. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, creating a brilliant sparkle. Cut grades range from Excellent to Poor. Click here for more info.

Color: How Color-less It Is

Diamond color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colorless diamonds (D-F) are the most valuable, but near-colorless diamonds (G-J) can also appear white and are more affordable. Click here for more info.

Clarity: Are There Imperfections

Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (external imperfections) in a diamond. Clarity grades range from Flawless (FL) to Included (I1, I2, I3). Most inclusions are not visible to the naked eye in grades SI1 and higher. Click here for more info.

When choosing a diamond, consider your priorities and budget. A balance of the 4Cs will help you find the perfect diamond for your engagement ring.