Understanding Diamond Quality: The 4 C’s

Diamond Cut (The Most Important “C”)

Among the Four C’s, Cut is considered the most critical factor affecting a diamond’s brilliance and sparkle.

Cut refers to more than shape—it includes:

• Proportions

• Symmetry

• Polish

• Reflective performance

Well-cut diamonds reflect light internally and externally, producing superior brilliance.

The most spectacular diamonds feature near-perfect proportions,

which also contribute to their higher value.

 

Diamond Cut Styles

1. Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
   Designed with multiple facets to maximize sparkle. Includes:

   • Round

   • Oval

   • Pear

   • Heart

   • Marquise

2. Step-Cut Diamonds
   Facets arranged in a step-like pattern, offering elegance and clarity. Includes:

   • Emerald Cut

   • Baguette

3. Mixed-Cut Diamonds
   Combine elements of both styles. Examples include:

   • Princess Cut

   • Cushion Cut

✨ Round Brilliant Cut diamonds remain the top choice for stud earrings,

featuring 58 facets for optimal brilliance.

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Diamond Color

Diamond color refers to the stone’s natural body color, graded using the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) color scale, ranging from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow).

• D–F: Colorless (highest grade)

• G–J: Near-colorless with exceptional brilliance

• Subtle color differences are often undetectable to the untrained eye

Each diamond purchase includes a diamond rating card.

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💡 Setting Matters:

• Yellow gold can make slightly warm diamonds appear whiter

• White gold and platinum may emphasize yellow tones

• Colorless diamonds can reflect warmth from yellow gold settings

 

Diamond color is influenced by natural elements during formation:

• Nitrogen may create yellow hues

• Boron may produce blue diamonds

 

Diamond Weight (Carats)

A carat measures diamond weight:

• 1 carat = 100 points

• 1 carat = 200 milligrams

• 142 carats = 1 ounce

Larger diamonds are rarer in nature and therefore increase exponentially in price,

not proportionally. A single one-carat diamond typically costs far mor

e than two half-carat diamonds of equal quality.

 

For Earrings:

• Total Carat Weight (TCW) refers to the combined weight of both stones

• A 1 ctw pair of studs means each earring contains a ½-carat diamond

 

Diamond Clarity

Clarity evaluates the presence of natural inclusions or blemishes within a diamond.

• Some inclusions are only visible under magnification

• Others may be seen with the naked eye

• Each diamond’s inclusions contribute to its uniqueness

Diamonds with fewer inclusions are generally more valuable, while flawless diamonds are exceptionally rare. However, diamonds with inclusions can still be stunning—especially when paired with excellent cut and color.