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Education > Diamond Buying Guide > 
 
 

The purchase of a diamond can be a challenge. For this reason, we have prepared a guide to help you find the diamond that is right for you. Read on to learn about the four characteristics or 4C's which describe a diamond and ultimately determine its value.
The cut rating of a polished diamond reflects the capability of the master craftsman to reveal the fire and sparkle of the rough uncut gemstone. A diamond's brilliance is maximized through the proper proportions of depth and width, polish and symmetry of its facets. A diamond with high color and clarity will look dull if not cut properly. For this reason, most gemologists agree that the quality of the diamond cut is the most important of the 4C's. Read on to learn more about Cut
The presence or absence of color has a significant effect on a diamond's overall look and value. Using the standard set by the Gemological Association of America (GIA), a diamond is graded for color according to its degree of colorlessness. A diamond's color is permanent and is a result of its composition as the rough crystal grows. Read on to learn more about Color.
Diamonds are graded for clarity under an industry-standard 10x magnification. The grades range from the extremely rare Flawless or Internally Flawless, to Imperfect 3 or I3 heavily blemished stones whose inclusions are visible to the unaided eye. The fewer inclusions a diamond possesses, the more freely light travels through the diamond. Read on to learn more about Clarity
A diamond's value is directly related to its carat weight. Because larger diamonds are much rarer, their value increases exponentially with carat weight. Read on to learn more about Carat