Diamond guide
The 4Cs of Diamonds, Explained Simply
Cut, color, clarity and carat weight decide how a diamond looks and what it costs. A quick guide to what matters most.
F & C Golden Gate Jewelers Editors 1 min read
Every diamond is graded on the same four qualities, known as the 4Cs. Understanding them helps you spend where it shows and save where it does not.
Cut
Cut is how well a diamond's facets are shaped and angled to reflect light. It has the biggest effect on sparkle, so it is the one place we never recommend compromising. Look for Excellent or Ideal.
Color
Diamonds are graded from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). Once set in jewelry, most people cannot see a difference between D and G. In yellow or rose gold, H to J can look just as bright.
Clarity
Clarity measures tiny natural marks inside or on the stone. A diamond graded VS2 or SI1 often looks perfectly clean to the eye, which is what matters day to day.
Carat weight
Carat measures weight, not size. Two stones of the same weight can look different depending on the cut and shape. Elongated shapes like oval and pear can look larger than a round of the same carat.
Our quick rule
Prioritize cut, then choose the color and clarity that look clean to your eye, and let the carat weight fit your budget.
