Diamond guide
Understanding the 4Cs
Cut, color, clarity and carat weight give you a useful starting point when comparing diamonds. Look at them together, then look at the stone itself.
Cut and shape
Cut describes how a diamond has been fashioned, including its proportions and finish. Shape describes its outline. An oval and a round are different shapes; neither word alone tells you how well a stone handles light.
Color and clarity
Color grading describes the presence of color in a diamond. Clarity considers internal and surface characteristics. A grading report helps you compare these qualities without relying only on a photograph.
Carat weight
Carat weight is not the same as visible size. Outline, proportions and setting all influence how large a diamond looks. For jewelry with several stones, check whether the stated weight refers to the center diamond or the total.
Comparing diamonds
Start with the shape you enjoy, compare documented details, and view the piece in different light when possible. A photograph is a useful introduction, not the whole decision.