The Four C's of Diamonds

Cut: The most important of the 4Cs, cut determines how well a diamond reflects light and sparkles.

Color: Ranges from colorless (D) to light yellow or brown (Z). Less color means higher quality.

Clarity: Measures internal and external imperfections. Fewer inclusions equal better clarity.

Carat: Refers to weight, not size. Larger diamonds are rarer and often more valuable.

      Diamond Anatomy

When it comes to a diamond’s beauty, nothing matters more than the cut. Of the 4Cs—cut, clarity, color, and carat—cut has the greatest impact on a diamond’s brilliance, fire, and sparkle.

A diamond’s cut is all about how well it’s shaped and finished. This includes its proportions, symmetry, and polish, which together determine how light travels through the stone and reflects back to your eye.

  Key Elements That Define a Diamond’s Cut:

• Table Size
  The large, flat top surface of the diamond. Ideally, it should make up 52% to 62% of the diamond’s width for optimal light return.

• Total Depth
  The measurement from the top (table) to the bottom (culet). A balanced depth keeps light bouncing inside the diamond for maximum brilliance.

• Pavilion Depth & Angle
  These control how light is reflected internally. If they're too shallow or deep, light leaks out and the diamond loses sparkle.

• Crown Height & Angle
  The angled section above the girdle. These influence how the diamond disperses light into flashes of color, known as fire.

• Girdle Thickness
  The narrow edge dividing the crown and pavilion. It should be medium to slightly thick to prevent chipping while avoiding unnecessary weight.

• Culet
  The tiny facet at the very bottom. A small or nonexistent culet is ideal, as a large one may look like a visible dot when viewed from above.