The 4C's of Diamonds: A Comprehensive Guide for Cuts and Facets Customers

At Cuts and Facets, we believe in empowering our customers with knowledge. Understanding the 4C's—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat—enables you to choose a diamond that aligns with your style, budget, and occasion.

Cut: The Key to Brilliance

The cut of a diamond is its most crucial quality, determining how light reflects, refracts, and sparkles.

• Ideal Cut: Crafted to perfection, it maximizes light performance for intense brilliance.
• Good Cut: Offers substantial brilliance with cost savings.
• Poor Cut: Allows light to escape through the sides, reducing sparkle.
• Pro Tip: Invest in a well-cut diamond as it significantly enhances beauty. Cuts and Facets curates only expertly cut diamonds for unparalleled brilliance.

Color: Grading the Hue

Colorless diamonds are rare and highly valued. However, near-colorless diamonds can provide incredible value.

• D-F Grades: Completely colorless, ideal for those seeking rarity and prestige.
• G-J Grades: Near-colorless, excellent value while maintaining a bright appearance.
• K-Z Grades: Noticeable tint, suitable for certain designs or vintage aesthetics.
• Pro Tip: Pair lower-grade diamonds with warm gold settings to mask tint while saving costs.

Clarity: Spotless Elegance

Clarity measures natural inclusions and blemishes formed during a diamond’s creation.

• Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes, even under 10x magnification.
• Very Slightly Included (VS1-VS2): High quality and eye-clean.
• Slightly Included (SI1-SI2): Budget-friendly with minimal visible flaws.
• Pro Tip: Choose VS2 or SI1 clarity for a flawless appearance at a more affordable price.

Carat: Size and Impact

Carat weight influences a diamond’s size and presence, but it doesn’t dictate brilliance.

• Pro Tip: Opt for slightly under standard weights (e.g., 0.9 carats) for significant savings without a noticeable size difference.