Diamond Carat, Clarity, Color, and Cut
The 4Cs are a way to compare diamond quality and value. Each "C" has its own grading scale for evaluating quality. Explore them below.
People often mistake carats as a measurement of size, but they actually measure approximate weight (CTW = Carat Total Weight). Typically, a heavier diamond appears larger, but size isn't everything. Two diamonds of equal carat weight can have significantly different value when the other Cs are considered.
| Carat Weight | Millimeter Size(approx.) | |
|---|---|---|
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0.05 ct | 2.5 mm |
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0.25 ct | 4.1 mm |
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0.50 ct | 5.2 mm |
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0.75 ct | 5.8 mm |
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1.00 ct | 6.5 mm |
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1.25 ct | 6.9 mm |
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1.50 ct | 7.4 mm |
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2.00 ct | 8.2 mm |
Like any rock or mineral, diamonds can have flaws. Choosing a diamond with a difficult-to-detect inclusion or blemish can be a great way to save on cost without sacrificing beauty.
The GIA Diamond Clarity Grade scale has 11 grades in all. Most jewelry stores carry VVS as their highest grade. VS or SI are considered by most to be "fine quality" diamonds.
The GIA Diamond Clarity Grade scale has 11 grades in all. Most jewelry stores carry VVS as their highest grade. VS or SI are considered by most to be "fine quality" diamonds.
| Grade | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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F | Flawless inside and out |
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IF | Internally flawless — blemishes on the surface but not inside the diamond |
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VVS1, VVS2 |
Very, very slightly included |
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VS1, VS2 | Very slightly included |
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SI1, SI2 | Slightly included |
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I1, I2, I3 | Included and detectable with the eye |
Diamonds come out of the earth in many different colors. The market has traditionally valued white diamonds higher than others, and the grading scale offers five groups of 23 letters to reflect that.
| Grade | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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D | Top of the scale — colorless, rarest and most expensive |
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G | Near colorless |
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I | Still appears white, but more affordable |
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J | Human eye begins to detect a yellow tint |
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Z | Unmistakably yellow in color |
Cut refers to a stone's shape, facet, and polish. Sometimes diamonds are cut so they're heavier, fetching more value for their carat weight. Sometimes they're cut to hide or minimize inclusions by expert diamond cutters skilled at bringing the brilliance out of each diamond they work with.
| Grade | Description | |
|---|---|---|
 |
EX | Excellent |
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VG | Very Good |
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G | Good |
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F | Fair |
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P | Poor |