The 4 C’s
When it comes to choosing your perfect diamond, size isn’t everything. Instead, attention should be paid to all of the 4 C’s: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat-weight.

Cut–The quality of its cut determines a diamond’s brilliance. If a diamond is cut too shallow or too deep the light will pass through it, resulting in a diamond with less luster than one that is cut proportionately.

Color–While diamonds may come in many different colors, not all color in diamonds is good. Most diamonds are rated on a scale ranging from light yellow (Z) to colorless (D), with (D) being the best. Note: Fancy colored diamonds (for example, pink diamonds) are rated using different criteria.

Clarity–Natural inclusions (blemishes) in diamonds affect the reflection of light, as well as, the stone’s overall beauty. Clarity is judged on a scale ranging from imperfect to flawless.

Carat-Weight–Carat-weight is often confused with diameter. A diamond that is cut shallow or deep may appear larger or smaller than it truly is (see the impact of disproportionate cuts above). As its name suggests, the true measure of a diamond’s carat is its weight. 1 carat = .2 grams.