Color

Diamonds range in color from pure ice white to varying shades of yellow or brown. They are most commonly referred to a scale developed by the Gemological Institute of America that grades diamonds from ‘D’ to ‘Z’.

The differences are subtle even to the trained eye, and the average person would find it extremely difficult to distinguish the difference from E to F, or G to H in color. A diamond's color grade is carefully determined by comparing it to a set of master stones in controlled lighting conditions.

You should try to buy jewelry with a minimum of H color, as these diamonds will appear white to the eye when mounted. Most importantly, if your jewelry contains more than one diamond, they should be well matched to give the best overall appearance.

Diamonds are also available in a variety of fancy colors that include pink, blue, green, yellow, and, very rarely, red. Diamonds in these colors are rare, and the more intense the color, the higher the price.

Clarity

Inclusions are sometimes referred to as “nature’s fingerprints”, and are not normally visible to the naked eye. These are natural characteristics of a diamond, such as minerals or fractures that appeared while diamonds were being formed in the earth. They often look like crystals, clouds or feathers.  The position, size, and condition of inclusions all affect a diamond's rating, and, ultimately, its value.

Carat Weight

Cut

Cut refers to the angles and proportions an artisan creates in transforming a rough diamond into a polished diamond. Based on experience and observation, these craftsmen can manipulate the polished facet surfaces to reflect the majority of light from one facet to another back through the upper surface of a diamond, rather than have it ‘leak’ out the bottom of the diamond.

This gives the diamond fire, brilliance and sparkle, which ultimately determines a diamond’s beauty.

Cut is the only one of the 4 C’s that man has any control over. The rest (color, clarity and carat weight) are determined as diamonds are formed in the earth.

Diamond cutting requires extensive training, skill and patience. The cutter must polish small facets onto the surface of the diamond in very specific patterns. When arranged with precision, facets unleash the incredibly unique beauty of a diamond.

Cut can also refer to the shape of the diamond. Round, marquise, pear, oval, heart, emerald, princess are the most common.

Since a round diamond is the most symmetrical of all the diamond shapes, it reflects more light, and is the most brilliant of all shapes. It accounts for more than fifty percent of all diamonds cut and sold.