Carat refers to the diamond’s weight, such as a 2 carat or 3 carat diamond. Carat weight can be important to some, but a diamond of any carat weight can be extraordinary. It’s more critical that your diamond is well-cut.

A diamond can be colorless to the naked eye, or have some tint to it. It’s best to find a diamond that appears white, like this 1.5 carat diamond with H color. Diamond color ranges from D to Z, but it’s important not to overpay for a high color grade when a lower grade, like this I diamond, looks just as white.

Almost all diamonds have imperfections. A diamond’s clarity refers to how many blemishes and inclusions the diamond has, along with how noticeable they are. Above all, opt for a diamond that’s eye-clean, meaning you can’t see imperfections unless you put it under magnification. This VS2 diamond and this VS1 diamond are examples of eye-clean diamonds that cost much less than higher-graded diamonds.

Often confused with diamond shape, cut refers to how well a diamond is cut and polished. Cut is the biggest factor that plays into how brilliant and beautiful a diamond is. This 1 carat diamond and this 2 carat diamond showcase how stunning a well-cut diamond can be. Diamond cut grade ranges from Poor to Excellent or Ideal, depending on the shape.