Cut
Cut is the most important factor in a diamond’s beauty. It describes how well the stone’s facets interact with light, creating brightness, fire, and scintillation.
Color
Diamond color refers to the absence of color in a stone. The less color a diamond has, the higher it is on the traditional D-to-Z scale.
Clarity
Clarity describes the number, size, and position of inclusions and blemishes. A diamond does not need to be flawless to look beautiful; placement and visibility matter most.
Carat
Carat is a measurement of weight, not visual size. Two diamonds with the same carat weight can look different depending on shape, cut, and proportions.
The 4 Cs of Diamonds FAQ
Which of the 4 Cs is most important?
Cut usually has the greatest impact on sparkle, but the right balance depends on your priorities, budget, shape, and setting.
Do lab-grown diamonds have the same 4 Cs?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are evaluated using the same cut, color, clarity, and carat standards as natural diamonds.