{"id":13306,"date":"2023-03-27T20:25:33","date_gmt":"2023-03-27T20:25:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/?p=13306"},"modified":"2025-07-28T18:24:15","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T18:24:15","slug":"4cs-of-diamonds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/4cs-of-diamonds\/","title":{"rendered":"The 4 Cs of Diamonds: Cut, Color, Carat & Clarity"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 5<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-45px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Once upon a time, there was no agreed-upon standard for evaluating diamonds. Then, in the 1940s, the founder of the GIA, Robert Shipley, coined the term “4Cs” to describe the four factors that characterize a faceted diamond: color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Today, the 4Cs of Diamond Quality<\/a> is a universal method for assessing the quality of a diamond. The 4Cs revolutionized the diamond industry, making it possible for diamond quality to be communicated in a universal language and for diamond buyers to know exactly what they are purchasing. Read on to learn more about the 4Cs and how they each impact a diamond’s quality and value.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Diamond Cut<\/h2>\n

A diamond’s cut determines how well the diamond interacts with light. Cut also refers to how well the diamond is faceted, proportioned and polished. Often considered the most important and complex of the 4Cs, a diamond’s cut has the greatest influence on a diamond’s beauty and sparkle. Cut is unique because it’s the only one of the 4Cs that’s not influenced by nature.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

GIA’s diamond cut grade predicts brightness, fire and scintillation<\/a>, which indicate how well a diamond’s proportions work together to return white and colored light to the observer. Face-up appearance, design and craftsmanship are critical to a diamond’s overall cut quality. Weight ratio, durability, polish and symmetry are all included in GIA’s Diamond Cut Grading System<\/a>. Fancy-cut diamonds such as pear or heart-shaped diamonds do not have GIA cut grades because there are broader parameters for their proportions and facet arrangements.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Round Cut” image=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/round-diamond-diagram-80×80.jpg” alt=”round diamond” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”16px” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/design-your-engagement-ring\/start-with-diamond?d-formatted_shape=Round#\/” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Princess Cut” image=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/princess-cut-diamond-diagram-80×80.jpg” alt=”princess cut diamond” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”16px” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/design-your-engagement-ring\/start-with-diamond?d-formatted_shape=Princess” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Radiant Cut” image=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/radiant-cut-diamond-diagram-80×80.jpg” alt=”radiant cut diamond” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”16px” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/design-your-engagement-ring\/start-with-diamond?d-formatted_shape=Radiant#\/” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Cushion Cut” image=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/cushion-cut-diamond-diagram-80×80.jpg” alt=”cushion cut diamond” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”16px” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/design-your-engagement-ring\/start-with-diamond?d-formatted_shape=Cushion” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Asscher Cut” image=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/asscher-cut-diamond-diagram-80×80.jpg” alt=”asscher cut diamond” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”16px” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/design-your-engagement-ring\/start-with-diamond?d-formatted_shape=Asscher” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Emerald Cut” image=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/emerald-diamond-diagram-80×80.jpg” alt=”emerald diamond” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”16px” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/design-your-engagement-ring\/start-with-diamond?d-formatted_shape=Emerald#\/” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Oval Cut” image=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/oval-diamond-diagram-80×80.jpg” alt=”oval diamond” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”16px” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/design-your-engagement-ring\/start-with-diamond?d-formatted_shape=Oval#\/” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Marquise Cut” image=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/marquise-diamond-diagram-80×80.jpg” alt=”marquise diamond” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”16px” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/design-your-engagement-ring\/start-with-diamond?d-formatted_shape=Marquise#\/” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Pear Cut” image=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/pear-diamond-diagram-80×80.jpg” alt=”pear diamond” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”16px” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/design-your-engagement-ring\/start-with-diamond?d-formatted_shape=Pear#\/” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Heart Cut” image=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/heart-diamond-diagram-80×80.jpg” alt=”heart diamond” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”16px” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/design-your-engagement-ring\/start-with-diamond?d-formatted_shape=Heart#\/” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Diamond Color<\/h2>\n

Color in the 4Cs measures a diamond’s absence of color because most “colorless” or “white” diamonds contain trace amounts of a yellow, brown or gray color. The diamond color scale below reflects how closely a diamond approaches the colorless range. Diamonds are graded on the D-to-Z scale, with D meaning that a diamond has no detectable color and Z meaning that a diamond has “light” coloring. Although most people recognize diamonds as colorless, truly colorless diamonds are very rare and make up a small fraction of all mined diamonds; therefore, most jewelry is made using diamonds in the near-colorless range. Most people cannot see a color difference when comparing different color grades, although there can be a significant price difference.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/diamond-color-scale.jpg” alt=”d-z diamond color scale” title_text=”diamond-color-scale” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Diamonds are also available in various colors, including red, purple, pink, green, orange, yellow, blue, brown and black. These rare and unique diamonds are termed “fancy color diamonds<\/a>” and are graded based on their hue, tone and saturation\u2014the more intense the color, the higher the rarity factor. The rarest of the fancy-colored diamonds is red.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/2MR000618A_670x670.jpg” alt=”fancy color yellow diamond ring” title_text=”2MR000618A_670x670″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”50%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Diamond Carat<\/h2>\n

Simply put, diamond carat weight measures how much a diamond weighs. Diamonds are weighed on a scale of metric carats, abbreviated “ct.” A metric carat is defined as 200 milligrams or approximately 1\/5 of a gram. Each carat is subdivided into 100 points, just like a dollar is broken down into 100 pennies. When you see a diamond weight of 1.45ct, it means one carat and 45 points. The larger a diamond is, the rarer it is and thus more valuable. Diamonds are bought and sold on a pricing concept known as “per carat.”<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_6,1_6,1_6,1_6,1_6,1_6″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”0.50 Carats” image=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/5-carat-diamond-diagram.jpg” alt=”.5 carat diamond diagram” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”1.00 Carats” image=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/1-carat-diamond-diagram.jpg” alt=”1 carat diamond diagram” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”1.50 Carats” image=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/1.5-carat-diamond-diagram.jpg” alt=”1.5 carat diamond diagram” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”2.00 Carats” image=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/2-carat-diamond-diagram.jpg” alt=”2 carat diamond diagram” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”3.00 Carats” image=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/3-carat-diamond-diagram.jpg” alt=”3 carat diamond diagram” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”4.00 Carats” image=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/4-carat-diamond-diagram.jpg” alt=”4 carat diamond diagram” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Diamond Clarity<\/span><\/h2>\n

A diamond’s clarity<\/a> grade is the degree to which it is free of inclusions and blemishes. Nature produces very few “perfect” objects. Most diamonds have internal birthmarks, called inclusions, and external characteristics, known as blemishes. These clarity characteristics are evaluated under 10X magnification by trained diamond graders based on the number, size, relief, nature and position of these characteristics. While no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes to purity, the better its clarity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

GIA’s Diamond Clarity Scale<\/a> has six categories by which it grades diamond clarity:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n