Education

Beyond just the four C’s, browse our comprehensive diamond research and educational articles. Our diamond experts have collectively spent decades in the diamond industry to provide you with free and unbiased advice.

Each of the 4 Cs play a role in a diamond’s beauty, though it is difficult to decipher one component by itself.

Read our complete guide to 4Cs of diamonds

Diamond Color Chart & Buying Guide: Understand Grade Scale 9 Articles
A Guide To The Diamond Clarity Chart 17 Articles
The Diamond Cuts Guide 13 Articles
Understanding Diamond Size Chart 1 Articles

The Four C'sThe Complete Guide to Diamond Color ScaleDiamond color is a crucial aspect of your diamond's appearance. The color scale ranges from D (completely clear) to Z (warm yellowish tint). While high grades offer little visible difference, they come with a significant price increase. For instance, aAug 17, 2023
The Four C'sD Color Grade DiamondsD color diamonds are the highest color grade on the GIA color scale, meaning they are colorless both when viewed under magnification by an expert as well as to the naked eye. However, this exceptional quality comes with a heftyAug 18, 2023
The Four C'sE Color Grade DiamondsE color diamonds are a top-tier choice, offering a near-perfect, colorless appearance. They're a step away from the highest grade, D, but to the naked eye, the difference is negligible. The GIA grades diamonds in the D, E, and FAug 15, 2023
The Four C'sF Color Grade DiamondsF color diamonds are the third and last color grade that is considered 'colorless' on the GIA diamond color scale. Many people feel that an F color diamond is a good option because it's still in the colorless range andAug 15, 2023
The Four C'sG Color Grade DiamondsG color diamonds are the start of the 'near colorless' grades on the diamond color scale. G color diamonds strike a balance between quality and value, presenting a near-colorless appearance that's hard to distinguish from higher grades. They're nestled justAug 15, 2023
The Four C'sH Color Grade DiamondsH color diamonds are 2nd in the “near-colorless” range of the GIA color scale, meaning they appear almost colorless when viewed with the naked eye, but could show a slight yellow tint when viewed under magnification by an expert gemologist.Sep 14, 2023
The Four C'sI Color Grade DiamondsThe I color grade is the second-lowest grade in the near colorless range of the GIA color scale. While having a faint yellowish tint, they often appear near-colorless once set in a ring, especially to the untrained eye. In fact,Aug 15, 2023
The Four C'sJ Color Grade DiamondsThe J color grade is the last of the 'near colorless' diamonds on the GIA color grade scale which ranges form G through J. While offering a hint of warmth, J color diamonds, can still look beautiful, especially when setAug 15, 2023
The Four C'sK Color Grade DiamondsK color diamonds are the start of 'faint yellow' on the diamond color scale. They have a faint yellow tint, but with the right setting, they can still exude elegance. Especially in yellow or rose gold settings, the tint oftenAug 15, 2023

The Four C'sA Guide To The Diamond Clarity ChartDiamond clarity refers to the grade given to a diamond based on the imperfections and inclusions found in a diamond. The fewer inclusions and blemishes a diamond has, the higher grade it will receive on the diamond clarity chart. TheAug 17, 2023
The Four C'sEye-Clean Diamonds: Everything You Need to KnowEye-clean diamonds are stones in which inclusions and blemishes are not visible to the naked eye when viewed from the top, or the "face-up" position. The term "eye-clean" is not an official grading; rather, it's a subjective assessment that canSep 06, 2023
The Four C'sIF and FL Diamond Clarity GradesFlawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds are the top clarity grades, which means that the diamonds have no visible flaws under 10x magnification (or even a microscope). Diamonds in this clarity range are rare, making up less than 0.5%Aug 15, 2023
The Four C'sComplete VVS Diamond Clarity Buying GuideVVS Diamond Meaning VVS means Very Very Slightly Included. It is a measure of diamond clarity on the GIA clarity scale, which grades the visual appearance of a diamond, and how many flaws or blemishes there are. A VVS gradeAug 15, 2023
The Four C'sComplete VVS1 Diamond Clarity Buying GuideVVS1 clarity diamonds are diamonds with imperfections that are so small they're difficult for an expert to see even under 10x magnification. Diamonds with a VVS1 grade are close to the top of the GIA clarity scale, falling just underAug 15, 2023
The Four C'sVVS2 Diamond: The Complete GuideVVS2 diamonds are exceptionally high-quality on the diamond clarity chart. A VVS2 will have tiny inclusions that will rarely be seen even under 10X magnification and will always be "eye-clean". However, to the naked eye, a VVS2 clarity diamond mayAug 15, 2023
The Four C'sVS Diamonds: Buyer's GuideWhat are VS Diamonds? VS is defined as a "very slightly included" diamond on the GIA’s diamond clarity scale. There are two sub-categories of VS diamonds: VS1 and VS2. The inclusions on VS-graded diamonds are almost always eye-clean," and theSep 05, 2023
The Four C'sGuide to VS1 Clarity DiamondsA diamond with a VS1 clarity grade is fairly high on the diamond clarity scale. VS1 diamonds have only minor inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye but are somewhat easily detected by a trained professional under 10X magnificationAug 15, 2023
The Four C'sA Complete Guide to VS2 Diamond ClarityVS2 clarity grade falls in the middle of the diamond clarity scale and is a smart choice for those seeking a balance between cost and quality. VS2 clarity diamonds have only minor inclusions, which are invisible to the naked eyeAug 15, 2023
The Four C'sGuide to SI1 Clarity DiamondsAre you considering an SI1 clarity diamond for your engagement ring but unsure about its quality? SI1, or Slightly Included 1, is a grade on the diamond clarity chart indicating that the diamond has minor inclusions, often invisible to theAug 15, 2023
The Four C'sUnderstanding SI2 Clarity GradeAn SI2 (Slightly Included) clarity grade is on the lower, but still acceptable, end of the diamond clarity scale. SI2 diamonds offer excellent value, with inclusions that are often not visible to the naked eye but are noticeable to aAug 15, 2023
The Four C'sA Guide to SI3 Clarity Grade DiamondsSI3 is a diamond clarity rating used by some labs to indicate a clarity that falls between the Slightly Included and Included ranges. It is important to note that the GIA does not have an SI3 rating and it is ourSep 06, 2023
The Four C'sAn Expert Guide to I1 Clarity DiamondsI1 diamonds are on the lower end of the clarity scale, with visible inclusions that can affect the diamond's brilliance and fire. While they are more affordable, we generally advise against I1 diamonds for engagement rings due to their impactAug 15, 2023
The Four C'sI2 Clarity DiamondsAn I2 clarity grade is on low end of the diamond clarity scale. I2 diamonds, while affordable, have visible inclusions that can affect the diamond's beauty and brilliance. These diamonds are not recommended for engagement rings due to their noticeableAug 15, 2023
The Four C'sCloudy Diamonds Buyers GuideAs you may have read elsewhere on our website, its best to find an "eye-clean" diamond of lower clarity grade (like we discuss in our article on SI2 clarity). There is one "hidden" flaw that is disastrous. Not only willSep 05, 2023
The Four C'sDiamond Feather Inclusions: What to Watch ForDiamonds have all sorts of inclusions. A feather inclusion is one type of internal inclusion. It's a crack within the diamond that has a feathery look when viewed from a right angle. Depending on the color, size, and location ofSep 06, 2023
The Four C'sTwinning Wisps & Everything You Need to KnowWhat is a Twinning Wisp? Every diamond has its imperfections. Some are noticeable, while others are so tiny and faint that no one ever sees them. One type of diamond inclusion is twinning wisps. Twinning wisps are a type ofSep 05, 2023

The Four C'sThe Diamond Cuts GuideCut is one of the diamond's four primary quality markers, known as the 4Cs. It relates to the diamond's proportions and technical details, influencing its brilliance. A superior cut offers enhanced fire and sparkle. Diamond cuts are graded from 'Excellent'Aug 17, 2023
The Four C'sHearts & Arrows Diamonds - Are they worth it?Hearts and Arrows diamonds are precisely cut round brilliant diamonds that have a unique visual pattern resembling hearts and arrows when viewed through specialized tools. The 8 "hearts" are seen from the pavilion view (bottom-up), while the 8 "arrows" areSep 03, 2023
The Four C'sUnderstanding Diamond Depth and TableTogether, the depth and table size of a diamond significantly influence how light is reflected back to the viewer's eye, thereby affecting its brilliance. Both table and depth play a significant role in a diamonds cut grade appearing in itsAug 17, 2023
The Four C'sDiamond Culet: Everything You Need to KnowA diamond culet is the tiny facet at the bottom of a diamond's pavilion, serving as the tip or point where the gem's facets converge. The culet is a critical but often overlooked feature of a diamond's anatomy, influencing itsSep 05, 2023
The Four C'sWhat is Diamond Symmetry and How is it GradedDiamond symmetry refers to how precisely the various facets of a diamond align and intersect. This can include factors such as how the edges align, whether the facets are uniform in shape and size, and how the facets meet atSep 05, 2023
The Four C'sWhat Is Diamond Fluorescence (And Why It Matters)?Diamond fluorescence refers to the glow a diamond emits under ultra-violet (UV) light, often seen as a blue hue. The GIA has five fluorescence grades: None, Faint, Medium, Strong, and Very Strong. While 30% of diamonds exhibit this glow, itsAug 17, 2023
The Four C'sDiamond Polish: Grades & Impact on PriceWhat is Diamond Polish? Diamond polish refers to the quality of the surface finish of the diamond after it has been cut and faceted. In simple terms, it measures how smooth the various facets of a diamond are, impacting howSep 04, 2023
The Four C'sWhat are Triple Excellent (GIA XXX) Diamonds: Buyers GuideTriple Excellent diamonds, commonly referred to as "Triple Ex," are diamonds that have received the highest possible grades in three key aspects: Cut, Polish, and Symmetry, according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). These diamonds are highly valued forSep 05, 2023
The Four C'sWhat are Spready (Spread) Diamonds?Many people envision a big diamond for their engagement ring. Whether it's a 1 Carat or 3 Carat diamond, they have their eyes set on a large stone. But a diamond's size isn't the only thing that matters. In fact,Sep 10, 2023
The Four C'sA Guide to Diamond ProportionsUnderstanding diamond proportions is crucial for anyone looking to purchase a high-quality stone, as these measurements significantly affect the diamond's brilliance and overall appearance. Proportions refer to the ratios between a diamond's depth, table, crown angle, and pavilion depth. TheseSep 04, 2023
The Four C'sWhat Are Old European Cut Diamonds and How to Buy ThemThe old European cut is an antique diamond cut that was popular from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. It succeeded the old mine-cut diamond, keeping the large culet and small table but having a rounder shape. Understanding howSep 06, 2023
The Four C'sOld Mine Cut DiamondsCharacterized by their cushion-like shape, high crown, and large facets, Old Mine Cut diamonds were originally crafted in the late 17th to early 20th centuries. They typically feature 58 facets, but what sets them apart is their uneven and lessSep 04, 2023
The Four C'sRose Cut Diamonds: Buying GuideRose cut diamonds date back to the 16th century when diamonds were still measured and cut by hand. Because of the age of the rose cut and simplistic technology that was originally used to create it, its design is muchSep 05, 2023

The Four C'sUnderstanding Diamond Size ChartCarat, one a diamond’s 4cs, describes the weight, not the size of a diamond. Diamond carats have a weight equivalent of 0.20 grams. So a one-carat diamond is 0.20 grams, and a five-carat diamond is one gram. The carat weightAug 17, 2023

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