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The 4Cs of diamonds: cut, color, clarity and carat

· 1 min read · Buying guides

A diamond with four circles bearing the letter C

The 4Cs are the international system for describing and comparing diamonds. Understanding them helps you choose well and avoid overpaying.

Cut #

It is not the shape, but the quality of the proportions, symmetry and polish, which determine sparkle. It is graded from Excellent to Poor. It is the most important C for brilliance.

Color #

Graded from D (colorless) to Z (yellowish). D-F are colorless, G-J near colorless; many buyers choose G-I for good value.

Clarity #

Measures inclusions: FL (flawless), IF, VVS1-2, VS1-2, SI1-2 and I1-3. A VS2 or SI1 is often “eye-clean” and cheaper.

Carat #

It is weight: one carat equals 0.2 grams. More weight means a higher price, and price jumps at round sizes (1 carat, 2 carats).

How to balance them #

Prioritize cut, be flexible on color and clarity, and choose carat weight to fit your budget. Always ask for a report from a reputable lab.

See also #

This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.