In order to judge quality, you must examine the diamond in question. Once you have selected a suitable gem, be sure to maintain its quality through proper care and cleaning.



Diamond Cut

A diamond's cut takes into account two aspects of its appearance, its make and shape. A diamond's shape can vary significantly, but on the whole, a round brilliant cut is the one that is the most desirable. This type of cut is made with 58 facets, which gives the diamond a brilliant luster. Princess, radiant and marquise cuts are also of higher value than other types of cuts.

A cut's make determines the quality or craft of the workmanship done on the diamond. If the diamond has a better make, this means that it has greater sparkle, and the make enhances its quality. A diamond's real beauty can be brought out with a top-notch make.

Diamond Color

When we think of diamonds, we usually think of clear, brilliant diamonds, but in fact diamonds come in a wide range of colors. A diamond's color is determined within a range that is denoted by an alphabetical list ranging from D to X. D is the whitest of diamonds, while fancy yellow diamonds are given an S notation. E and F diamonds are considered beautiful and of excellent quality, while J and M are considered desirable colors for larger diamonds. Diamonds that are brown, blue, red, pink or green are usually diamonds that have been treated with radiation.

Diamond Clarity

Clarity is an important component to diamond quality. The most desirable diamonds are flawless or perfectly clear, both inside and on their surfaces. Next in quality are diamonds that are internally flawless, but that have some minor blemishes on the surface. If diamonds have inclusions so that they are less clear, or if the inclusions can be seen with the naked eye, they rank lowest on clarity scales.

Diamond Carats

A diamond's carats will tell you how big it is. Of the four diamond qualities, a diamond's carat is considered last because a diamond's cut, clarity and color are considered to be more important. However, a diamond's size and weight also influences how much you can be charged for it.

Carats are usually measured in points. Therefore, one carat is given 100 points, while half a carat is given 50 points, and so on. This means that a diamond's price can vary greatly for as low as 5 to 10 points. That's why you must know just how big a diamond is in exact carats and therefore points.

If you measure the four Cs of diamond quality, you'll have no mystery when it comes to shopping for diamond jewelry. Best of all, you'll have the knowledge you need to make an informed buying decision so that you get the best quality diamond you can afford for the price.