Diamonds: The 4 C's

Diamond value differs based on rarity and beauty, using four primary guidelines. These are referred to as The Four C's -- Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight.

Cut
While cut does refer to the shape of a diamond, it also refers to the proportions of how the diamond is actually cut. The cut is determined by the proportions and quality of the rough diamond. The most popular cuts are Round, Oval, Square, Princess, Emerald, Baquette, and Marquise. The size and placement of its facets also factor into the "cut." The consistency and balance of these factors will affect how the stone captures light and reflects it back to the viewers eye.

Colour
The color scale for transparent diamonds varies from D-F (colorless), G-J (near colorless), K-L (faint yellow), to Z (light yellow). Completely colourless diamonds are rare. Forming with other trace minerals can produce rare colours as well. Due to their rarity, colored diamonds are highly desirable and often quite valuable.

Clarity
Clarity is measured by the existence of any visible flaws. Even minute surface blemishes or internal inclusions can affect the brilliance of the diamond. Clarity levels range from Flawless (F & IF), to Very Very Slight (VVS1 & 2), Very Slight (VS1 & 2), Slightly Included (SL1 & 2), and Included (I1, 2 & 3).

Carat Weight
The size of a diamond is measured by weight. One carat is the equivalent to approximately 0.2 grams. Often times the weight of a diamond will be referred to in points. A point is equal to 1/100 of a carat; therefore, a 40-point diamonds equals 0.40 carat. Diamonds of equal weight may appear slightly different in size, depending on their depth and proportions.