The 4 C's

Your guide to determining the value of your diamond engagement ring.

Cut
Cut refers to the particular placement and angle of each of the small facets on the surface of the diamond. If the diamond is cut ideally, each ray of light that strikes the diamond is reflected back to you and creates brilliancy and sparkle in the diamond.

Carat Weight
A carat is the weight unit of measurement for diamonds and precious stones. In the carat weight scale there are 100 points to one carat, just as there are 100 pennies to one dollar. For example, if a diamond weighs 50 points, it is a 1/2 carat diamond.

Color using GIA Color Masters
Color is the actual body color of the diamond. Most diamonds have a yellowish tint, but diamonds with D to F color (colorless) are considered to be the best.

Clarity / Gemprint
Clarity is the relative position of a diamond on a flawless-to-imperfect scale. Clarity characteristics are classified as inclusions (internal) or blemishes (external). The size, number, position, color and nature of a diamonds clarity characteristics determine the clarity grade. Very few diamonds are flawless (i.e. free from all blemishes and inclusions). If all other factors are equal, stones of this rare quality are the most expensive.