4Cs Diamond Guide
Colorless (D-F)
These diamonds are rare and highly valued for their pure, icy-white appearance. They allow maximum light to pass through, creating brilliant sparkle.
Near Colorless (G-J)
Slightly warmer in tone than colorless diamonds, near colorless diamonds still appear white to the naked eye. They offer excellent value and beauty.
Faint Yellow (K-M)
Diamonds in this range may have a subtle hint of yellow or brown when viewed closely. They offer a budget-friendly option without sacrificing beauty.
Very Light to Light Yellow (N-R)
These diamonds have more noticeable yellow or brown tones. While they may not be as valuable as higher color grades, they can still be stunning when set in jewelry.
Light Yellow to Yellow (S-Z)
Diamonds in this range have more pronounced yellow or brown hues. They are often chosen for unique and vintage-inspired jewelry pieces.
Popular Cuts
Round: Renowned for its classic appeal and maximum brilliance, the round cut diamond is the most popular choice, featuring a circular shape and impeccable symmetry that captures light beautifully.
Princess: With its sharp corners and faceted pavilion, the princess cut exudes modern elegance and brilliance, delivering exceptional sparkle and sophistication.
Cushion: Known for its square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, the cushion cut offers a classic and romantic appeal, characterized by its soft, pillow-like appearance.
Oval: Elegant and elongated, the oval cut diamond offers a flattering silhouette with its elongated shape and brilliant faceting, perfect for those seeking a sophisticated and timeless look.
Special Cuts
Pear: Combining the beauty of the round and marquise cuts, the pear-shaped diamond features a rounded bottom and a tapered point, creating a graceful and feminine appearance.
Emerald: Named after the emerald gemstone, this cut showcases a rectangular or square shape with step-cut facets that highlight clarity and elegance, ideal for those who appreciate understated sophistication.
Radiant: A vibrant blend of brilliance and fire, the radiant cut features trimmed corners and numerous facets that enhance its sparkle, making it a captivating choice for those seeking a dazzling look.
Marquise: Celebrated for its elongated shape and pointed ends, the marquise cut diamond creates the illusion of a larger size and offers a flattering, elongating effect on the finger.
The Rarest
Heart: Symbolizing love and romance, the heart cut diamond features a distinctive heart shape with a pointed bottom and rounded top, making it a meaningful and romantic choice for special occasions.
Asscher: Reflecting Art Deco charm, the asscher cut boasts a distinctive square shape with cropped corners and step-cut facets, offering a timeless and glamorous allure.
Trilliant: Also known as the triangular or trillion cut, this unique shape dazzles with its sharp, angular facets, delivering exceptional brilliance and modern flair.
Baguette: Sleek and sophisticated, the baguette cut features a rectangular shape with step-cut facets, delivering a sleek and understated elegance that complements any jewelry design.
Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF)
These diamonds are exceptionally rare and have no visible inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification. They are prized for their purity and brilliance.
Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1-VVS2)
Inclusions in these diamonds are extremely difficult to detect even under magnification. They offer exceptional clarity and are highly valued.
Very Slightly Included (VS1-VS2)
These diamonds have minor inclusions that are difficult to see without magnification. They offer excellent value and beauty.
Slightly Included (SI1-SI2)
Diamonds in this range have noticeable inclusions under magnification, but they are still eye-clean and appear flawless to the naked eye. They offer a great balance between quality and affordability.
Included (I1-I3)
These diamonds have visible inclusions that may affect their beauty and durability. They are often more affordable and can still be stunning when set in jewelry.
Understanding Carats
Carat is a unit of measurement used to weigh gemstones, including diamonds. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams, or 0.2 grams.
Carat weight directly influences the size of a diamond. Generally, as carat weight increases, so does the size of the diamond. However, it's essential to note that carat weight alone doesn't determine a diamond's size appearance. Other factors like cut and shape play significant roles too.
Price Impact
Carat weight significantly impacts a diamond's price. Larger diamonds are rarer and, therefore, more valuable. However, the price per carat tends to increase at certain thresholds due to market demand and rarity.
When choosing a diamond, consider balancing carat weight with other factors like cut, color, and clarity to ensure overall quality and value. Sometimes, opting for slightly lower carat weight can allow for higher quality in other areas without sacrificing much size.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, the decision on carat weight depends on personal preference, budget, and the desired appearance of the diamond. Some may prioritize size, while others may prioritize quality or a balance of both.
Expert Advice: It's advisable to seek guidance from a reputable jeweler or gemologist when selecting a diamond to ensure you make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and budget.