Guide #1: Cracking the Code of Diamond 4Cs
As a gemologist trained at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), I’ve spent years studying diamonds and its 4Cs. Let me simplify the 4Cs—the universal language of diamond quality—so you can shop like a pro. No jargon, just clarity!
1. Cut: The Sparkle Maker
What it means: Cut isn’t about shape (round, princess, etc.)—it’s how well a diamond’s facets interact with light. A great cut = maximum sparkle.
Why it matters:
Even a flawless diamond looks dull if
poorly cut.
-Grades: Excellent, Very Good, Good,
Fair, Poor.
Pro Tip: Prioritize Excellent or Very Good cuts. They’re worth the splurge!
2. Clarity: Nature’s Fingerprint
What it means: Clarity measures tiny natural marks inside or on a diamond (called inclusions or blemishes).
Think of them as birthmarks!
Why it matters: Fewer inclusions mean
more brilliance, but most are invisible
to the naked eye.
Pro Tip: Aim for VS1-VS2 (eye-clean)
or SI1 (budget-friendly).
Skip flawless—save money for cut or
size!
3. Color: The Ice Factor
What it means: Diamonds are graded on a color scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow/brown). The less color, the rarer (and pricier) the stone.
Why it matters: Colorless diamonds
(D-F) look icy white, but nearcolorless
(G-H) offer great value.
-Pro Tip: For white gold/platinum
settings, go *G-H. For yellow/rose
gold, *I-J* works beautifully!
4. Carat: Size vs. Smart
What it means: Carat = weight, not size. A 1-carat diamond is 0.2 grams.
Why it matters: Bigger isn’t always better—cut and color affect how big a diamond *looks.
Pro Tip: Consider 0.90 ct instead
of 1.00 ct. The size difference is tiny,
but the price drop is big!
Quick Cheat Sheet
What to Remember
Cut : Sparkle > everything else. Never compromise!
Clarity : VS2/SI1 = eye-clean. Save money here.
Color : G-H = For Solitaire, I-J = For stuffed jewelry
Carat : Prioritize cut over size. A smaller, fiery
diamond beats a dull rock!
Final Word
The 4Cs work together—like a recipe. A diamond with a
Great Cut, Good Color, and Smart Clarity will outshine a
poorly cut “perfect” stone. Always ask for a GIA Certificate—it’s your diamond’s report card!
Sulav Sharan KC
GIA Graduate Gemologist & Your Trusted Guide
P.S. Still confused? Ask your jeweler to show you diamonds side-by-side. Seeing is believing!
Thank you for exploring the world of diamonds with us. Beyond their timeless beauty and elegance, diamonds offer enduring value and a wise investment for the future. May your life be adorned with the sparkle of
these precious gems, and may your investments continue to shine brightly.
This guide is brought to you by Rashova—crafting confidence, one diamond at a time.