Diamond jewelry basics: the 4Cs and certificates
Cut, color, clarity and carat explained in simple words, and why a grading certificate matters.
When you choose a diamond piece, four qualities, known as the 4Cs, describe the stone.
Cut: how well the stone is shaped and polished. A good cut returns more light and gives more sparkle.
Color: diamonds are graded from colorless to a light yellow tint. The more colorless the stone, the rarer it is.
Clarity: tiny natural marks can appear inside or on the surface of a diamond. Fewer and smaller marks mean higher clarity.
Carat: this is the weight of the stone, not its size. One carat equals 0.2 gram. Two stones of the same carat can look different because of their cut.
The certificate: a grading report from an independent gemological laboratory describes these four qualities for a specific stone. Ask whether the piece comes with a certificate and make sure it matches the stone.
Do not forget the setting: the karat of the gold and the way the stone is held affect both the look and the safety of the piece.
This article offers general information, so ask the store about the exact details of any piece you like.
This article offers general information and tips, not financial advice. Gold prices change, so confirm current prices with the store.
