Four C

CUT
The cut of a diamond determines its brilliance. There is no single measurement of a diamond that defines its cut, but rather a collection of measurements and observations that determine the relationship between a diamond's light performance, dimensions and finish. The width and depth can have an effect on how light travels within the diamond, and how it exits in the form of brilliance. Most gemologists consider cut the most important diamond characteristic because even if a diamond has perfect color and clarity, a diamond with a poor cut will have dulled brilliance.

COLOR
Acting as a prism, a diamond can divide light into a spectrum of colors and reflect this light as colorful flashes called fire. Just as when looking through colored glass, color in a diamond will act as a filter, and will diminish the spectrum of color emitted. The less color in a diamond, the more colorful the fire, and the better the color grade.

CLARITY
Many diamonds have fingerprints of their own, tiny characteristics that can interrupt light taking from the natural beauty of the diamond.
The GIA uses a detailed system of standards to indicate the location, size and type of fingerprint presented in a diamond.

CARAT WEIGHT
Once you've determined what cut, color, and clarity grade you're looking for in a diamond, it's easy to determine the carat weight of diamond that will fit within your budget.