How To Buy The Perfect Diamond

What You Should Know About the Four Cs

Diamond Characteristics

There are many characteristics that control a diamond's appearance and durability. Four important factors are often lumped together and called the Four Cs: diamond color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Each of those topics is important on its own, but it's up to you to combine them in different ways to find a diamond that suits your style, your needs and your budget.

Diamond Color

A diamond's color can be natural or it can be altered by treatments. Diamond color can be affected by fluorescence--a characteristic that makes diamonds shift color in different lights. There are several topics to explore to begin understanding diamond color.

Diamond Clarity

A perfect diamond with perfect clarity--or clearness--is rare.

Diamond Cut

Did you know that a diamond's cut does not refer to its shape? When gemologists say "cut," they are talking about a gemstone's proportions--its depth and width and the uniformity of its facets--all characteristics that control brilliance, durability and other qualities we look for in a diamond.

Diamond Carat Weight

Carat weight affects a diamond's appearance and its price, making it a characteristic you should definitely understand before you buy a diamond.