Diamonds

The first tip for buying a diamond engagement ring is to know the 4Cs: Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat Weight. Created by GIA, the 4Cs are the global standard for assessing the quality of diamonds and allow you to compare one diamond to another.

In Brief, the 4Cs are:

• Color: Color is graded on a D-to-Z scale, with D meaning that a diamond is completely colorless and Z meaning that a diamond has light yellow or brown color. In this color range, diamonds with less color are rarer and more highly sought-after.
• Clarity: Diamond clarity refers to the absence of internal features, called inclusions surface irregularities, called blemishes.
• Cut: The quality of a diamond’s cut determines how well it interacts with light. A diamond’s proportions, symmetry, and polish determine its brightness (or brilliance), scintillation (or sparkle), and fire (flashes of color).
• Carat Weight: Diamond carat weight determines a diamond’s apparent size. Generally speaking, the greater the carat weight, the rarer and more valuable the diamond, if the other Cs are comparable.

Once you understand what the 4Cs mean, the next step is to ask yourself “Which C is the most important to me?” Prioritizing the 4Cs will help you quickly eliminate some diamonds from your search and hone in on the diamond that’s right for you. It will also help you work with your budget, knowing which C you are willing to spend more on and which you are willing to compromise on.