Using grading criteria, diamonds are graded for certification by laboratories. You should understand four of these criteria in order to understand all about making a diamond investment or purchase. Referred to as the “Four Cs,” these criteria include cut, color, clarity and carat.

Color does not change and is the result of the composition of a diamond. When the color of a diamond is described by the jeweler they are actually referring to the absence or presence of color in white diamonds. Colorless diamonds are enjoyed for their sparkle because a colorless diamond allows maximum light to pass through it.

Cut is nothing but a diamond’s reflective quality. In most of the diamonds on the market, you can see cut in 58 facets. The cut determines the brilliance of diamonds. The finish and different angles of a diamond will determine its capacity to reflect light and also its fire and brilliance. The diamond’s cut can impact its beauty and durability. A diamond can break easily through cutting faults. If a diamond is cut very thin, it can cause light to leak out of the back and hence it can lose its sparkle. This is why the cut is probably the most vital of the Four C’s.

During the creation process, inclusions or flaws occur in most diamonds. The size and number of inclusions will determine the diamond’s clarity. Diamonds that are clear have more sparkle and therefore are highly priced and rarer. A diamond should not have any flaws internally to be stamped as “flawless” by a skilled diamond grader using 10 power magnifications.

Diamonds are measured using carat unit. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams. A carat is divided into 100 segments called points. One and a half carats equals 150 points.

You should not be hesitant to ask questions when you go for a diamond purchase. You must get your doubts cleared and make a well informed purchase. Informed selection can happen by shopping for certified diamonds. You can purchase the best diamond at a reasonable price by knowing the “four Cs.” You must know what styles and shapes will suit you best before making your purchase. In this way you can enjoy your diamond for years to come!