THE 4CS OF DIAMONDS
Discover the four pillars that define diamond perfection
UNDERSTANDING DIAMOND QUALITY STANDARDS
A diamond's quality is determined by the 4C's: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. The grades a diamond carries in these four areas give a clear idea of the diamond's quality, and by extension the right price you should be willing to pay.
The 4Cs are Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. Below is an interactive guide to understanding diamond cut grades and their impact on brilliance and fire.
TYPES OF CUT
Ideal Cut
In a well cut diamond, the light strikes each pavilion facet at an angle which allows most of the light to reflect back to the crown (top), creating maximum brilliance and fire.
Shallow Cut
If the diamond cut is too shallow, entering light strikes the pavilion facet at a low angle and passes through the facet, reducing brilliance and sparkle.
Deep Cut
If the diamond cut is too deep, entering light strikes the first pavilion facet at an angle sharp enough to reflect to the second pavilion, reducing the diamond's brilliance.
CUT GRADE
EXCELLENT
Maximum scintillation, brilliance and fire. Light enters and reflects back with minimal loss. Top 3% of diamonds.
VERY GOOD
Reflects most light with superior sparkle, brilliance and fire. Similar appearance to ideal cut.
GOOD
Reflecting most of the light entering the diamond, this diamond cut has above average beauty. Won't have as much brilliance and fire as higher cuts.
FAIR
Light exits through bottom or sides instead of top. Still quality but not as well performing as finer cuts.
POOR
Majority of light lost through bottom or sides. Noticeable decrease in sparkle visible to untrained eye.
COLOR
Diamond color grading evaluates the absence of color in a diamond, with D being completely colorless and Z having noticeable color.
CLARITY
A Diamond's Clarity grade evaluates how clean a diamond is from both inclusions and blemishes.
