Diamond Education

When shopping for a diamond, it is important to know how they are evaluated. Our comprehensive guide helps you understand the most important characteristics-carat, color, clarity, cut, and more-to ensure the maximum quality and value of your selection.

We hope this information will help you make a confident, informed buying decision. To get started, please choose from one of the topics below or begin with a brief overview of the 4C's of diamonds with our new infographic.

Diamond Shape

A diamond's shape is one of its most important defining characteristics. From the round brilliant diamond to the princess cut, we'll help you choose the shape that complements your style.

Diamond Shape

Diamond Color

Graded on an alphabetical scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow), a diamond's color rating indicates the degree of yellowness in the stone. The most valuable diamond is completely colorless.

Diamond Color

Diamond Clarity

A diamond's clarity indicates the presence or absence of inclusions and blemishes within the stone. Gemologists determine a diamond's clarity by examining it under a magnifying lens.

Diamond Clarity

Diamond Carat

The carat is the unit of measurement for a diamond's weight. Larger diamonds are rarer and more valuable than smaller ones when all other characteristics are of equal quality.

Diamond Carat

Diamond Cut

A high-quality cut and polish will result in a symmetrical, brilliant diamond that reflects maximum fire and sparkle.

Diamond Cut

Diamond Certification

A Diamond Grading Report includes all of the stone's defining characteristics and scores. Any loose diamond purchase should be accompanied by a certified report.

Diamond Certification

Diamond Fluorescence

A loose diamond with fluorescence will emit a soft, bluish glow when placed under UV or ultraviolet light.

Diamond Fluorescence

Diamond Girdle

The girdle is the thin perimeter of a diamond (widest point), dividing the crown from the pavilion.

Diamond Girdle

Diamond Culet

The culet is the tiny facet or point at the base of a diamond's pavilion, where the pavilion facets meet.

Diamond Culet