The 4 Cs of diamond grading are established universal methods used to evaluate diamond characteristics and ultimately assign a value for each diamond. It includes an analysis of four key aspects:



This method provides a uniform way to compare the distinct features of each diamond.


The diamond grading system is now widely accepted as the standard for clearly communicating and understanding a diamond’s quality and value, although this wasn’t always the case.


Prior to the introduction of the 4 C’s by Robert M. Shipley, founder of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in the 1940s, there was no objective standard by which diamonds were evaluated. This revolutionized diamond grades by providing an objective, standardized system.1




Before this system, diamond quality was inconsistently judged by individual jewelers’ subjective assessments. Shipley’s mnemonic and its later development by his GIA colleagues established a universal language for diamond quality, bringing clarity and consistency to the industry and benefiting appraisers, gemologists, jewelers, retailers, and consumers.2


The 4 Cs aid diamond customers, jewelers, and diamond experts in making educated choices when assessing, buying, or selling quality diamonds.


4 Cs Diamond Grading System


Here’s what you should know about the 4 Cs of diamonds.


Cut




The way a diamond is cut profoundly influences its brilliance and the way it catches light, with ratings ranging from Excellent to Poor by the Gemological Institute of America.3


    

  • Excellent (EX)
    • 

  • Very Good (VG)
    • 

  • Good (G)
    • 

  • Fair (F)
    • 

  • Poor (P)
    • 



A diamond with an Excellent cut grade is very bright. It shows an even pattern with good contrast between light and dark areas, so the reflections appear crisp and well-balanced. This tells you that the cutter made the best possible use of the rough.


The Good cut grade diamond isn’t quite as bright – reflections aren’t as sharp and there’s more darkness or dullness in the diamond.


The Poor cut grade diamond has much more prominent dark areas or dullness. Given the choice, most people would pick either of the first two diamonds instead of this stone.


Source: Gemological Institute of America4


A diamond’s cut, affected by a professional diamond cutter and not nature, can enhance brilliance when the cuts are symmetrical, and the facets are in alignment. Diamonds that are expertly cut will display superior brilliance and light reflection, while those that are not will often seem lackluster, even if they have favorable color and clarity.


The GIA defines a well-cut diamond as one that directs more light through the crown of the stone.3 The shape and precision of the cut are key factors in determining the worth of a diamond, and it is the most technically difficult to analyze, according to the GIA.3




Here are some characteristics of a well-cut diamond:


    

  • Brilliance: The well-cut diamond exhibits an exceptional degree of brightness because it reflects light efficiently. The white light reflected back to the eye is the diamond’s brilliance.
    • 

  • Fire: This is how the light disperses into the colors of the spectrum. A well-cut diamond disperses light into a variety of colors, which gives it a fiery look.
    • 

  • Scintillation: This is the play of light you see as the diamond moves. You will see a sparkling on the diamond’s surface and flashes of color when tilting the diamond under light.
    • 



Here is a list of diamond cuts:


    

  • Round Cut Diamonds: A universally admired diamond shape, and the most popular, known for its unparalleled brilliance and timeless appeal.
    • 

  • Princess Cut Diamonds: A modern, angular cut that combines the brilliance of a round diamond with a contemporary square shape.
    • 

  • Oval Cut Diamonds: An elongated version of the round cut, offering a unique twist on a classic with an elegant, slenderizing effect.
    • 

  • Marquise Cut Diamonds: A boat-shaped, elongated cut with pointed ends, offering a larger perceived size and a distinctive look.
    • 

  • Pear Cut Diamonds: A teardrop-shaped blend of round and marquise cuts, providing a unique and delicate appearance.
    • 

  • Cushion Cut Diamonds: A square cut with rounded corners, offering a soft, pillow-like appearance with an antique charm.
    • 

  • Emerald Cut Diamonds: A rectangular cut with distinctive step-like facets, known for its understated elegance and vintage Art Deco style.
    • 

  • Asscher Cut Diamonds: A deeply cut square with an Art Deco appeal, featuring a striking blend of vintage and glamorous styles.
    • 

  • Radiant Cut Diamonds: A vibrant cut that combines the lively fire of a round cut with the contemporary angles of an emerald cut.
    • 

  • Heart Cut Diamonds: A romantic, heart-shaped cut that symbolizes love, requiring expert craftsmanship for perfect symmetry.5
    • 



Popular diamond cuts:


“So, understanding the diamond cut grade is key to picking a round brilliant that’s not only beautiful, but also the best value,” according to the GIA.6


About 70 percent of all diamonds sold are the round cut, due, in part, to its brilliance. A diamond’s cut grade will also give you an idea of well it was designed and crafted.6


Color


Ironically, when looking at the color grading, most people prefer a colorless diamond for a diamond ring or an engagement ring.


The standard for rating the GIA diamond color scale ranges from D, which signifies a lack of color, to Z, indicating a light yellow or brown hue.7 Here’s how the letters correspond to the diamond color chart:


    

  • D-F: Colorless
    • 

  • G-J: Near Colorless
    • 

  • K-M: Faint
    • 

  • N-R: Very Light
    • 

  • S-Z: Light
    • 



The color becomes more prominent as it moves along the scale. If you are wondering why the scale begins at D instead of A, it was to avoid confusion with earlier scales.7


While colorless diamonds are preferred because of their scarcity,8 there are diamonds that go beyond the D-Z scale. These are known as colored diamonds or fancy color diamonds.8


The fancy color grading scale for diamonds is different from the standard D-Z color grading scale used for white diamonds.9 The grading of fancy-colored diamonds is based on the intensity and hue of the color. Here’s a brief overview:


    

  • Hue: The primary color of the diamond (like pink, blue, green)
    • 

  • Saturation: The intensity and depth of the color
    • 

  • Tone: The lightness or darkness of the color
    • 



Based on these factors, the GIA has nine categories of fancy-colored diamonds from least to most intense:


    

  • Faint
    • 

  • Very Light
    • 

  • Light
    • 

  • Fancy Light
    • 

  • Fancy
    • 

  • Fancy Intense
    • 

  • Fancy Vivid
    • 

  • Fancy Deep
    • 

  • Fancy Dark
    • 



Clarity


The GIA offers a widely recognized diamond clarity grade that assesses the clarity by examining the presence and severity of inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions are internal characteristics of a diamond, and blemishes are external imperfections.11


Here are some common types of inclusions:


    

  • Feathers: Thin, hair-like cracks caused by stress during the diamond’s growth. They can be short or long, and their visibility and impact on value depend on their size and location.
    • 

  • Crystals: These are the most common type of inclusion, consisting of various mineral deposits.
    • 

  • Clouds: Clusters of tiny feathers that appear as hazy areas within the diamond.
    • 



Diamond blemishes, unlike inclusions, are external imperfections that affect the diamond’s polished surface. They can originate from various factors like polishing, cutting, handling, or even accidents.


Surface blemishes may include scratches, nicks, and marks from wear.


Here is the clarity scale:12


    

  • Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
    • 

  • Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions visible under 10x magnification, but may have minor surface blemishes.
    • 

  • Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 & VVS2): Minute inclusions that are extremely difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification.
    • 

  • Very Slightly Included (VS1 & VS2): Minor inclusions that are barely noticeable under 10x magnification by a trained eye.
    • 

  • Slightly Included (SI1 & SI2): Inclusions that are noticeable under 10x magnification, but not visible to the naked eye.
    • 

  • Included (I1, I2, I3): Inclusions that are noticeable to the naked eye or affect the brilliance and sparkle of the diamond.
    • 



When determining the clarity grade, gemologists look at the size, type, location, color, and number of these imperfections. Inclusions can detract from a diamond’s beauty by diminishing its sparkle and clarity. Each diamond’s clarity plot, which details the inclusions found within, is as individual as a fingerprint, ensuring every diamond is one of a kind.


Carat Weight


The diamond carat weight gives us an idea of the diamond’s size and how rare it is in the market. The metric carat weight of a diamond is 200 milligrams, or one-fifth of a gram.13


The weight of a diamond is measured in carats (“ct”) and points (“pt”). The point system is in one-hundredths. For example, 1.02 carats would be 1 carat and 2 points. Using the point system allows for precise measurements.


Diamonds can vary greatly in size, and therefore in carat weight. Although larger carat weights in diamonds are generally more desirable, it’s worth understanding that a diamond’s price doesn’t scale up uniformly with size. The price and quality include the other Cs: Cut, color, and clarity.


When considering a diamond, it’s not just about the carats. The beauty and sparkle of a diamond depend on a harmonious balance between size and the diamond’s other attributes. A well-cut, clear, and colorless diamond, even with a smaller carat, might capture the eye more than a larger stone with noticeable imperfections.


How the Diamond 4Cs Impact Pricing & Resale Value


For collectors and investors, beautiful diamonds represent aesthetic appeal and tangible value, which is derived from the combination of the 4Cs.


When you grasp these aspects of diamond quality and purity, you can make informed decisions when you buy or sell your diamonds.


A flawless, perfect diamond that is also a natural diamond is rare. But, those imperfections demonstrate gemstones are real and lab-grown diamonds.


Here’s a review of how the 4 Cs impact pricing and diamond resale value:


    

  • Cut: A diamond’s cut is critical in determining its brilliance and overall visual impact. Well-cut diamonds, with precisely aligned facets, command higher prices due to their enhanced fire and brightness. In contrast, a poorly executed cut can reduce a diamond’s desirability and negatively affect both its market price and resale value.
    • 

  • Color: A diamond’s color can significantly influence its cost. Diamonds where there is an absence of color are usually more valuable. However, diamonds with distinctive colors, known as fancy-colored diamonds, are rare and can fetch high prices. The interplay between color preference and market value requires careful consideration to ensure the best possible resale outcomes.
    • 

  • Clarity: Inclusions in a diamond are carefully evaluated based on how they affect the stone’s appearance. Diamonds that are free from inclusions are highly sought after. Those with minor inclusions, detectable only under magnification, can still exhibit outstanding beauty and maintain their worth. Significant inclusions, however, can considerably lower a diamond’s value.
    • 

  • Carat Weight: The weight of a diamond, measured in carats, is a direct indicator of its size and plays an important role in price determination. While larger diamonds are typically more impressive, choosing a diamond that balances carat weight with an optimal cut, clarity, and color may yield a more valuable and brilliant diamond in the long term than a larger diamond with compromised qualities.
    • 



Wrapping up, the 4Cs of diamonds—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—are integral in assessing both a diamond’s cost and potential resale value. The 4Cs grading system sheds light on the distinct traits and value of each diamond. This method is vital for anyone looking to understand what they are purchasing or selling, offering a clear framework for evaluating these precious stones.


Diamond 4C’s FAQs


Which of the 4 C’s of diamonds is most important?


Trying to prioritize the 4 Cs depends on personal preference and budget. If diamond sparkle and brilliance are most important to you, focus on the cut quality. At Tiffany & Co., the cut is the most important factor because it “determines the brilliance, fire and overall beauty of your diamond.”14


Is color or clarity more important?


If you want a diamond with fewer visible inclusions, prioritize clarity. Diamonds with a lower clarity rating do not necessarily mean blemishes will be visible to the eye. If you prefer a colorless diamond, pay attention to the color grades. It’s about balancing these characteristics to find a diamond that meets your specific desires and budget.


What affects a diamond’s value?


While the 4 Cs play a vital role in determining the overall value of a diamond, what impacts each of the factors – Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat – is the scarcity, or rarity of one or more of the 4 Cs, per the GIA.8


Sources:

1. Gemological Institute of America – Why the 4Cs? https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/4cs-diamond-quality. Retrieved Dec. 15, 2023.

2. Gemological Institute of America – The History of the 4Cs of Diamond Quality, https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/history-4cs-diamond-quality. Retrieved Dec. 15, 2023.

3. Gemological Institute of America – Diamond Cut, https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/diamond-cut. Retrieved Dec. 15, 2023.

4. Gemological Institute of America – Diamond Cut: The Wow Factor, https://www.gia.edu/diamond-cut/diamond-cut-basic-overview. Retrieved Dec. 22, 2023.

5. Gemological Institute of America – Guide to Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings, https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/guide-diamond-shapes-engagement-rings. Retrieved Dec. 22, 2023.

6. Gemological Institute of America – GIA Diamond Cut Grade: Six Things You Need to Know, https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/gia-diamond-cut-grade-six-things-to-know. Retrieved Dec. 22, 2023.

7. Gemological Institute of America – GIA 4Cs Color, https://www.gia.edu/gia-about/4cs-color. Retrieved Dec. 15, 2023.

8. Gemological Institute of America – Diamond Quality Factors, https://www.gia.edu/diamond-quality-factor. Retrieved Dec. 22, 2023.

9. Gemological Institute of America – Fancy Color Diamond Description, https://www.gia.edu/gia-faq-when-colored-diamond-fancy. Retrieved Dec. 15, 2023.

10. Gemological Institute of America – When is a colored diamond a fancy color diamond? https://www.gia.edu/gia-faq-when-colored-diamond-fancy. Retrieved Dec. 15, 2023.

11. Gemological Institute of America – Introduction to Diamond Clarity: What are Inclusions and Blemishes, https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/introduction-to-diamond-clarity-inclusions-and-blemishes. Retrieved Dec. 15, 2023.

12.Gemological Institute of America – Diamond Clarity Chart: The Official GIA Diamond Clarity Scale, https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/diamond-clarity-chart-official-gia-diamond-clarity-scale. Retrieved Dec. 15, 2023.

13. Gemological Institute of America – GIA Diamond Grading Reports: Understanding Carat Weight, https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/gia-diamond-grading-reports-understanding-carat-weight. Retrieved Dec. 15, 2023.

14. Tiffany & Co. – The Guide to Diamonds, https://www.tiffany.com/engagement/the-tiffany-guide-to-diamonds. Retrieved Dec. 22, 2023.




ABOUT DIAMONDS USA


Diamonds USA is a prominent online buyer of all diamonds, as well as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, in the United States. Since 2005, we have paid millions to thousands of customers for their unwanted diamonds or broken precious metal jewelry. We offer a quick and straightforward selling process, ensuring customers receive prompt and competitive offers for their items. Learn more about us, or request your free Appraisal Kit now: