The 4 C's | The 4 C'cs: Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat Weight. Diamonds are valued according to their characteristics in each of these 4 major areas. An understanding of what makes a diamond valuable will help when it comes finding your perfect diamond. Carat Weight | Diamonds and other gemstones are weighed using metric carats with one carat weighing about the same as a small paper clip, or 0.2 grams. A carat is further divided into 100 points which means that a diamond of 50 points weighs 0.50 carats. Click here for more information about how carat weight affects a diamond's value. Clarity | The GIA Clarity Scale contains 11 grades, with most readily available diamonds falling into the VS or SI categories. In determining a clarity grade, GIA considers the size, nature, position, color or relief, and quantity of clarity characteristics visible under 10x magnification. Click here for more information about how clarity affects a diamond's value. Color | Diamonds are graded for color according to a scale set by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which ranges D (colorless) to Z, with diamonds of the highest quality having the least amount of color. The color of certified diamonds is measured under controlled conditions, with special equipment that is able to distinguish extremely subtle differences in each diamond's color. Click here for more information about how color affects a diamond's value. Cut | Cut describes the proportions and angles of a diamond. In order to maximize a diamond's brilliance, the jeweler who cuts the stone will have have to make many decisions about those exact dimensions, based on the fact that each diamond is unique. Click here for more information about how a diamond's cut affects its value.
Resources
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the world’s largest and most respected nonprofit institute of gemological research and learning. Read more about how the GIA values diamonds.
