Each of the 4 Cs play a role in a diamond’s beauty, though it is difficult to decipher one component by itself.
Read our complete guide to 4Cs of diamonds
- The Four C'sThe Complete Diamond Color GuideYour intention with diamond color should be to find a diamond that appears colorless. To do this, you don’t need to go to the top of the diamond color scale. Very high grades offer little visible difference, but come withNov 05, 2019
- The Four C'sD Color Grade DiamondsThinking of buying a D color diamond? I think it would cross anybody's mind. After all, looking at a diamond like this one from Blue Nile that is incredibly clear is enticing. While D color diamonds look absolutely stunning inNov 08, 2019
- The Four C'sE Color Grade DiamondsAre you thinking of buying an E color diamond for your fiancé-to-be’s engagement ring or other diamond jewelry? Does seem like an absolute perfect choice for you? Can you tell the difference between that one and ? What Are E ColorNov 01, 2019
- The Four C'sF Color Grade DiamondsIf you’re looking to buy an engagement ring, you’re probably aware of the importance of color and how it can affect a diamond’s appearance. Here’s what we’ll cover in this article: What are F color diamonds?Comparison of F color andNov 07, 2019
- The Four C'sG Color Grade DiamondsIf you’re thinking of buying a diamond, choosing the right color is one of several decisions you’ll need to make. Diamonds come in a range of colors, from D (colorless) to Z (visibly yellow). As the highest color grade inNov 08, 2019
- The Four C'sH Color Grade DiamondsIf you are considering an H color diamond, you are right in the wheelhouse of our favorite color to recommend. After all, who wouldn't want a stunning diamond like this one from Blue Nile? Can you really tell the differenceNov 07, 2019
- The Four C'sI Color Grade DiamondsThinking of buying an I color diamond? An I color diamond can look absolutely gorgeous, all while offering better value for money than a more expensive diamond with a higher GIA color grade. Just today I recommended this stunner ofNov 07, 2019
- The Four C'sJ Color Grade DiamondsConsidering a J color diamond? J color diamonds can be a great choice in certain situations For example a diamond like this one from James Allen is stunning and will look perfect in certain engagement rings. Many people may gravitateNov 07, 2019
- The Four C'sK Color Grade DiamondsA K color diamond is not always a bad choice. It can make a beautiful choice with the right shape, cut quality and setting style. For example, would look stunning in a yellow gold or rose gold setting like thisNov 11, 2020
- The Four C'sDiamond Clarity GuideWhat is Diamond Clarity? Diamond clarity is a qualitative metric that grades the visual appearance of each diamond. The fewer inclusions and blemishes a diamond has, the better its clarity grade will be. The clarity of a diamond can haveNov 14, 2016
- The Four C'sEye-Clean Diamonds: Everything You Need to KnowWhen it comes to diamond clarity, the main goal is to find an eye-clean diamond. This means that no blemishes or inclusions are visible when you look at the diamond yourself. With eye-clean diamonds, it doesn't matter what imperfections youOct 30, 2019
- The Four C'sIF and FL Diamond Clarity GradesFlawless and internally flawless diamonds represent less than half a percent of all diamonds in the world. Without any visible inclusions even under 10x magnification, these diamonds are pristine, incredibly rare—and incredibly expensive. Take a look at The flawless diamondOct 03, 2019
- The Four C'sComplete VVS Diamond Clarity Buying GuideVVS Diamond Meaning VVS means Very Very Slightly Included. It is a measure of diamond Clarity, which grades the visual appearance of a diamond, and how many flaws or blemishes there are. A VVS grade means the diamond has superApr 18, 2017
- The Four C'sComplete VVS1 Diamond Clarity Buying Guide1.02ct G VVS1 Princess Cut Diamond VVS1 diamonds are absolutely stunning from a clarity perspective, but does that make them the right choice for you? Take a look at and compare it to Can you tell the difference between theMar 18, 2020
- The Four C'sVVS2 Diamond: The Complete GuideVVS2 diamonds are exceptionally high-quality when it comes to Diamond Clarity. However, to the naked eye, a VVS2 clarity diamond may not look any different from one several grades lower, yet will come at a higher price. What is aFeb 07, 2022
- The Four C'sVS Diamonds: Buyer's GuideBottom Line Recommendation: We think VS clarity diamonds are a great choice. Buying an eye-clean VS1 or VS2 diamond will give you a diamond that looks identical to a flawless (FL) clarity diamond to the naked eye, all at aMay 26, 2020
- The Four C'sGuide to VS1 Clarity DiamondsBottom Line Recommendation: Generally, we recommend seeking a diamond with a Clarity grade of VS1 to SI2. With a pretty VS1 or VS2 diamond, your stone will look identical to a Flawless Clarity diamond (assuming all else is equal), yetMar 20, 2018
- The Four C'sA Complete Guide to VS2 Diamond ClarityBottom Line Recommendation: We recommend looking for a diamond with a VS1 to SI2 Clarity grade. A beautiful VS2 or VS1 diamond will look identical to a Flawless graded diamond, assuming all other grades and features are equal (yet will costMar 20, 2018
- The Four C'sGuide to SI1 Clarity DiamondsHere’s what we’ll cover in this article: What are SI clarity diamonds?What is the difference between SI and VS diamonds?What is an SI1 clarity diamond?What tips should I follow to get a beautiful SI1 clarity diamond?Where is the best placeSep 30, 2019
- The Four C'sUnderstanding SI2 Clarity GradeHere’s what we’ll cover in this article: What is the difference between SI1 and SI2 diamonds?Should I focus on SI2 clarity when buying a diamond?What tips should I follow to get a beautiful SI2 clarity diamond?Where is the best placeOct 01, 2019
- The Four C'sA Guide to SI3 Clarity Grade DiamondsBottom Line Recommendation: We strongly encourage all readers to steer clear of diamonds with a Clarity grade of SI3. The SI3 grade is used by lab entities that are not reliable—and you'll likely get a diamond with less beauty andMar 20, 2018
- The Four C'sAn Expert Guide to I1 Clarity DiamondsI1 diamonds fall on the low end of the Clarity scale. Clarity refers to the blemishes and inclusions present in the stone. Third-party labs, like the GIA, give out clarity grades when they issue a report for a diamond. ForOct 11, 2019
- The Four C'sI2 Clarity DiamondsDue to the intense heat and pressure that diamonds face during their formation, they all have imperfections. Some imperfections are visible, while others are not. With I2 diamonds, inclusions and blemishes are easily visible under magnification and by the nakedOct 11, 2019
- The Four C'sCloudy Diamonds Buyers GuideAs you may have read elsewhere on our website, its best to find an "eye-clean" diamond of lower clarity grade (like we discuss in our SI2 article). There is one "hidden" flaw that is disastrous. Not only will it sapOct 30, 2019
- The Four C'sDiamond Feather Inclusions: What to Watch ForDiamonds have all sorts of inclusions. A feather inclusion is one type of internal inclusion. It's a crack within the diamond that has a feathery look when viewed from a right angle. Depending on the color, size and location ofOct 30, 2019
- The Four C'sTwinning Wisps & Everything You Need to KnowEvery diamond has its imperfections. Some are noticeable, while others are so tiny and faint that no one ever sees them. One type of diamond inclusion is twinning wisps. They can impact a diamond's brilliance and beauty, but not always.Oct 24, 2022
- The Four C'sThe Diamond Cuts GuideCut is possibly the most important of the 4Cs. If you ignore it, you can make an enormous mistake. For example, this diamond from James Allen seems like a great find, as it is 6% cheaper than this diamond fromJun 22, 2009
- The Four C'sHearts & Arrows Diamonds - Are they worth it?Hearts & Arrows diamonds are precision-cut diamonds that generally come with a premium price tag. These super-ideal cut diamonds can really stand out, but in some cases may not be worth the extra money. Knowing what to look for andDec 15, 2016
- The Four C'sUnderstanding Diamond Depth and TableHere’s what we’ll cover in this article: Are Depth and Table important in a diamond?What is a diamond's table?What is the ideal table size for a diamond?What is diamond's depth?What is a good depth for a diamond? Bottom Line Recommendation:TheFeb 07, 2019
- The Four C'sDiamond Culet: Everything You Need to KnowBottom Line Recommendation: For most diamonds, you should limit your search only to diamonds with no culet (this is also referred to as a pointed culet). A diamond with a large culet grade won’t have the same brilliance, and theAug 16, 2019
- The Four C'sDiamond SymmetryWhat is Diamond Symmetry? Diamond Symmetry refers to how well aligned the facets of a diamond are. i.e., do the edges of the facets on the top and bottom of the diamond line up along the girdle? Are the facetsJun 21, 2009
- The Four C'sUnderstanding Diamond FluorescenceSo you're looking to buy a diamond and you start hearing the word fluorescence thrown around. What does it mean? Some jewelers tell you its a good thing, some tell you its terrible. Who is telling the truth? Who isJun 22, 2009
- The Four C'sDiamond Polish: Grades & Impact on PriceWhat is Diamond Polish? Diamond polish is the quality and condition of the facet surfaces. If the facets—which act like tiny mirrors—are clear and smooth, they reflect light well. If a diamond's facets aren't smooth, they can inhibit or alterJun 22, 2009
- The Four C'sTriple Excellent (GIA XXX) Diamonds: What You Need to KnowBottom Line Recommendation: Triple Excellent GIA Certified diamonds are the Cadillacs (or Mercedes, depending on your tastes) of diamonds. A GIA triple excellent diamond will have superb fire and brilliance. Take a look at and compare it to The differenceOct 08, 2020
- The Four C'sWhat are Spready (Spread) Diamonds?Many people envision a big diamond for their engagement ring. Whether it's a 1 Carat or 3 Carat diamond, they have their eyes set on a large stone. But a diamond's size isn't the only thing that matters. In fact,Aug 07, 2019
- The Four C'sA Guide to Diamond ProportionsA diamond's proportions are incredibly important. While it may seem like a hodgepodge of digits and percentages, if you ignore it, you may end up with a diamond that has no sparkle whatsoever. The color and clarity grades are simpleDec 16, 2019
- The Four C'sHow to Buy Old European Cut DiamondsBottom Line Recommendation: An old European cut diamond can look fantastic in any engagement ring, especially a vintage setting. As the predecessor to the modern round brilliant cut, the old European cut is quite brilliant for a vintage diamond cut,Apr 08, 2020
- The Four C'sOld Mine Cut DiamondsBottom Line Recommendation: Old mine cut diamonds have a beautiful appearance that dates back to an era when diamonds were cut and polished by hand. Like other antique diamonds, old mine cut diamonds have a softer look than modern diamonds,Apr 08, 2020
- The Four C'sRose Cut Diamonds: Buying GuideBottom Line Recommendation: Rose cut diamonds offer a warm, unique appearance that’s completely unlike any of the modern diamond cuts. As such, the right rose cut diamond can make for a truly special engagement ring if you’re looking for somethingApr 13, 2020
- The Four C'sUnderstanding Diamond Carat WeightHere’s what we’ll cover in this article: Diamond Size Chart: MM to Carat WeightWhat is a Diamond Carat?Why Does Diamond Carat Weight Matter?What is the Weight of Half Carat Diamond?How Large is a Half Carat Diamond? Bottom Line Recommendation: ChooseJun 22, 2009
From round to cushion cut, the shape of diamond that you choose will have a huge impact on the look of your fiancé-to-be’s ring. It could also have a surprisingly large impact on the engagement ring’s price.
Read our guide on Diamond shapes
- Diamond ShapesA Guide to Diamond ShapesWhat Is a Diamond Shape? The term "diamond shape" refers the the geometric characteristics of a diamond. There are two major groups for diamond shapes: Round diamonds and fancy shapes diamonds. Round shape, or round brilliant cut, is the mostNov 05, 2019
- Diamond ShapesRound Cut Diamond Buying GuideThe round cut diamond is as exquisite as it is timeless. Consistently the most popular cut (by a large margin) of every decade for as long as diamond rings have been a thing, the round diamond is the most brilliantMay 15, 2017
- Diamond ShapesPrincess Cut Diamond Buying GuidePrincess cuts have shown remarkable consistency when it comes to popularity. While nowhere near as popular as round cuts, they have always been a solid second. Princess cut diamonds are a bit cheaper than round cuts. For example, you canAug 17, 2009
- Diamond ShapesCushion Cut Diamond Buying GuideA cushion cut diamond is a fantastic choice that has gained in popularity the last decade. They are especially popular for halo settings, like this stunner from Blue Nile or this one from James Allen. Here’s what we’ll cover in thisMay 15, 2011
- Diamond ShapesThe Oval Cut Diamond GuideWith celebrities like Blake Lively and Hailey Bieber rocking oval pave (or hidden halo) engagement rings, oval cut diamonds have gained popularity in recent years. Many of our readers have been looking for something like this stunning hidden halo ovalMar 21, 2017
- Diamond ShapesPear Shaped Diamond GuideHere’s what we’ll cover in this article: What is a Pear shaped diamond?What should I focus on when buying a Pear shaped diamond?What length to width ratio is the best for a Pear shaped diamond?What setting style should I chooseNov 03, 2011
- Diamond ShapesAsscher Cut Diamond GuideHere’s what we’ll cover in this article: What is an Asscher cut diamond?Why should I choose an Asscher cut diamond? What is the difference between an Asscher cut diamond and a Princess cut diamond?What is the difference between an AsscherSep 07, 2009
- Diamond ShapesThe Emerald Cut Diamond GuideHere’s what we’ll cover in this article: What is an Emerald cut diamond?Which cut grade should I focus on?What length to width ratio is the best for an Emerald cut diamond?What clarity should I choose for an Emerald cut diamond?AreMar 21, 2017
- Diamond ShapesMarquise Diamond Buying GuideHere is what we'll cover in this article: What is a Marquise cut diamond?How to choose the best cut for a Marquise cut diamond? What clarity should I choose for a Marquise cut diamond?What is the bowtie effect?Should I buyApr 15, 2017
- Diamond ShapesHeart Shaped Diamond GuideHere’s what we’ll cover in this article: What is a Heart shaped diamond?How to choose the best cut for a Heart shaped diamond?What length to width ratio is the best for a Heart shaped diamond?How much does a Heart shapedAug 22, 2019
- Diamond ShapesRadiant Cut Diamond Buying GuideHere’s what we’ll cover in this article: What is a Radiant cut diamond?What are the pros and cons of Radiant cut diamonds?What should I focus on when buying a Radiant cut diamond? Should I buy a certified Radiant cut diamond?DoApr 18, 2017
- Diamond ShapesRadiant Cut vs. Princess Cut Diamonds: Which Are Best?Radiant cut and princess cut diamonds can both look absolutely stunning, whether set in an engagement ring or in a pair of earrings, a pendant or other diamond jewelry. Highly brilliant, both the radiant and princess cuts are popular alternativesNov 06, 2019
- Diamond ShapesRadiant Cut vs. Cushion Cut DiamondsCan't decide between a radiant cut and cushion cut diamond? At first glance, these two diamond shapes can look quite similar. However, there are several key differences between them that can often make one shape a better choice than theNov 06, 2019
- Diamond ShapesTrillion Cut Diamond Buying GuideBottom Line Recommendation: Trillion cut diamonds are uncommon as the center stone in an engagement ring but can look stunning as diamond accents in a three-stone diamond ring. Because trillion cut diamonds are typically accent diamonds, there’s less of aJun 13, 2020
- Diamond ShapesTeardrop Engagement Rings: The Ultimate Buying GuideIf you’re thinking of getting engaged: Congratulations! What an exciting time this is! While there are lots of factors to consider within an engagement, the ring is one of our priorities. Let’s look at a special type of engagement ringOct 15, 2022