The 4Cs of diamond quality is the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world.



 DIAMOND COLOR (View Chart)

The color evaluation of most gem-quality diamonds is based on the absence of color. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of pure water, and consequently, a higher value. D-to-Z color-grading system measures the degree of colorlessness by comparing a stone under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions to master stones of established color value. D-to-Z color-grading scale is the industry's most widely accepted grading system. The scale begins with the letter D, representing colorless, and continues, with increasing presence of color, to the letter Z. Many of these color distinctions are so subtle that they are invisible to the untrained eye; however, these distinctions make a very big difference in diamond quality and price. 


DIAMOND CLARITY (View Chart)

Natural diamonds are the result of carbon exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth. This process can result in a variety of internal characteristics called 'inclusions' and external characteristics called 'blemishes.' While no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes, the higher its value. The clarity scale has 6 categories, some of which are divided into a total of 11 specific grades. Many inclusions and blemishes are too tiny to be seen by anyone other than a trained diamond grader. To the naked eye, a VS1 and an SI2 diamond may look exactly the same, but these diamonds are quite different in terms of overall quality.


DIAMOND CUT (View Chart)

Diamonds are renowned for their ability to transmit light and sparkle so intensely. We often think of a diamond's cut as shape, round, emerald, pear, but a diamond's cut grade is really about how well a diamond's facets interact with light. Precise artistry and workmanship are required to fashion a stone so its proportions, symmetry, and polish deliver the magnificent return of light only possible in a diamond. The quality of the cut is crucial to the diamond's final beauty and value.


DIAMOND CARAT

Diamond carat weight is the measurement of how much a diamond weighs. A metric "carat" is defined as 200 milligrams. This allows very precise measurements to the hundredth decimal place. The diamond price increases with carat weight, because larger diamonds are rarer and more desirable. But two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different values and prices - depending on three other factors within the 4Cs: Clarity, Color, and Cut. It's important to remember that a diamond's value is determined using all of the 4Cs, not just carat weight.