
The 4 C's of Diamond Grading
Color,
Cut,
Clarity and
Carat weight are the four primary criteria to become familiar with when selecting a diamond. For most, cost is a major consideration when selecting a diamond centerstone as the focal point of a significant other’s engagement ring. Weighing the options in terms of the 4 C's will assist the diamond buyer in finding the perfect stone for their budget. The 4 C's are explained in more detail below.
A diamond's
Color ranges from D to Z, with D, one of the rarest colors, being completely colorless.
The
Cut of a diamond refers to it's brilliance, not it's shape, which is yet another way to classify diamonds.
The
Clarity of a diamond refers to the number, type, size and location of spots, or
inclusions inside a diamond.
Carat weight refers to the size of a diamond, and is one of the largest factors in determining it's price.