DIAMONDS

What You Should Know About the Four Cs
Diamond CharacteristicsThere are many characteristics that control a diamond's appearance and durability. Four important factors are often lumped together and called the Four Cs: diamond color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Each of those topics is important on its own, but it's up to you to combine them in different ways to find a diamond that suits your style, your needs and your budget.
Diamond ColorA diamond's color can be natural or it can be altered by treatments. Diamond color can be affected by fluorescence--a characteristic that makes diamonds shift color in different lights. There are several topics to explore to begin understanding diamond color.
Diamond ClarityA perfect diamond with perfect clarity--or clearness--is rare. Most flaws that exist in jewelry grade diamonds cannot be seen without looking at gemstones through a jeweler's magnifying loupe. Become familiar with diamond clarity and the terms associated with it so that you can ask the right questions--and understand the answers--when you shop for a diamond.
Diamond CutDid you know that a diamond's cut does not refer to its shape? When gemologists say "cut," they are talking about a gemstone's proportions--its depth and width and the uniformity of its facets--all characteristics that control brilliance, durability and other qualities we look for in a diamond.
Diamond Carat WeightCarat weight affects a diamond's appearance and its price, making it a characteristic you should definitely understand before you buy a diamond.