Cut
How proportions, craftsmanship, and facets influence a diamond’s interaction with light.
Diamond Education
Understand the 4 Cs, explore diamond shapes, and learn what to look for when choosing your diamond.
The 4 Cs of Diamond Quality
Color
The degree of color present in a diamond.
Clarity
Internal inclusions and surface blemishes.
Carat
A measure of diamond weight, rather than size.
Diamond Cut
Diamond cut quality is different from diamond shape. Shape describes a diamond’s outline; cut refers to how its proportions, symmetry, and finish interact with light.
A well-executed cut can influence brightness, fire, and scintillation—the sparkle you see as the diamond or viewer moves.
Diamond Color
The normal diamond color scale runs from D to Z, grading the absence or presence of color in a diamond.
Colorless
Near Colorless
Faint
Very Light
Light
Fancy-color diamonds use a different color grading approach.
Diamond Clarity
A measure of internal inclusions and surface blemishes, evaluated under 10× magnification.
Flawless
No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10× magnification.
Internally Flawless
No inclusions visible under 10× magnification; surface blemishes may be present.
Very Very Slightly Included
Inclusions are very difficult to see under 10× magnification.
Very Slightly Included
Minor inclusions range from difficult to somewhat easy to see under 10× magnification.
Slightly Included
Inclusions are noticeable under 10× magnification.
Included
Obvious inclusions may affect transparency and brilliance.
Clarity grade alone does not determine whether inclusions are visible to the unaided eye. Compare the individual diamond in person.
Carat Weight
One carat equals 200 milligrams. Diamonds of the same weight can appear different in size depending on their shape and proportions.
Diamond Shapes
Explore ten distinctive shapes to find the style that speaks to you.
Round
Princess
Cushion
Oval
Emerald
Pear
Marquise
Asscher
Radiant
Heart
Understanding Diamond Grading Reports
An independent grading report records a diamond’s characteristics. Report details vary by laboratory and diamond type.
Ask our team about the report available for the diamond you are considering.