Diamond quality is expressed through four standards known as the 4C. Knowing these terms will help you understand explanations at the store and choose a stone you'll be happy with, within your budget. No need to overthink it—just grasp the key points.
What Are the 4Cs?
- Carat: Weight, a guide to size
- Color: The closer to colorless, the higher the grade
- Clarity: How few inclusions it has
- Cut: The quality of polishing that determines sparkle
How to Prioritize
If sparkle matters most to you, we recommend prioritizing cut. It has the biggest impact on visual impression—a well-cut diamond looks bigger and more beautiful even at the same carat weight. If size is your priority, focus on carat; if whiteness matters most, focus on color.
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Balancing with Your Budget
Choosing the highest grade across all 4Cs gets expensive. By securing a good cut while allowing color and clarity to drop to a range that's hard to notice with the naked eye, you can strike a balance between satisfaction and cost.
Backed by a Grading Report
A grading report that objectively shows the 4Cs serves as proof of quality. Check with the retailer on how to read the details.
Consider the Design Too
A stone's beauty is also enhanced by the setting's design. For differences in shape, see our guide to choosing a cut shape; for specific designs, browse our list of engagement rings. To see the real thing, visit a retailer.