Cut
Diamond cut refers to the precision of a diamond’s proportions and symmetry, which directly affect its ability to capture and reflect light—creating its signature sparkle. The brilliance of a diamond is a testament to the skill of the artisan who shaped it.
Diamond cut is graded into four categories: Ideal, Very Good, Good, and Poor.
When comparing diamonds of different cut grades, those with a higher grade will exhibit noticeably more brilliance and sparkle. Cut also significantly impacts price, with superior cuts commanding a premium. Among the 4 Cs, cut is often considered the most important factor, as it has the greatest influence on a diamond’s overall beauty and quality.
Color
Diamond color actually refers to the absence of color. In gem-quality diamonds, the less color present, the more valuable the stone. A chemically pure and structurally flawless diamond appears completely colorless—much like a drop of pure water. To assess a diamond’s color, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) uses a precise D-to-Z grading scale, comparing each stone under controlled lighting conditions to masterstones of known color values.
The GIA’s D-to-Z grading system is the most widely recognized standard in the industry. It starts with “D” for completely colorless diamonds and progresses toward “Z,” where noticeable color becomes more apparent. While many of these color differences are too subtle for the untrained eye to detect, they significantly impact a diamond’s quality and value.
Colorless (D, E, F): Pairs well with platinum, palladium, and white gold.
Near-Colorless (G, H, I, J): Pairs well with white, yellow, or rose gold.
Noticeable Color (K, L): Pairs well with yellow gold or rose gold.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the presence (or absence) of natural inclusions within a diamond. While these internal characteristics are common, noticeable inclusions can affect a diamond’s overall appearance, especially if they are visible to the naked eye.
A diamond’s shape plays a key role in how clarity impacts its beauty. Brilliant-cut shapes like round and princess have intricate facets that help mask minor inclusions, while step-cut diamonds such as emerald and Asscher feature large, open tables that make imperfections more noticeable.
For step-cut diamonds, we recommend choosing a minimum clarity grade of VS2 to ensure a cleaner look.
For a diamond with exceptional brilliance and a flawless appearance, a clarity grade of VVS2 or higher is ideal across all shapes.
Carat
Diamond carat weight refers to the measurement of a diamond’s mass. One metric carat equals 200 milligrams and is further divided into 100 points for precise measurement. For diamonds under one carat, jewelers often use points alone—such as referring to a 0.25-carat diamond as a twenty-five pointer. Diamonds over one carat are expressed in carats and decimals, so a 1.08-carat diamond would be described as one point zero eight carats.
While carat measures a diamond’s weight, it also influences its perceived size. However, size isn’t determined by carat weight alone—factors like shape, weight distribution, and cut quality all play a role. Two diamonds of the same carat weight can appear noticeably different in size.
Some diamonds are cut primarily to maximize weight, often at the expense of brilliance and symmetry. We recommend finding the right balance between cut and carat weight to ensure a well-proportioned, radiant diamond with exceptional sparkle.
