The Four Cs of Diamond Quality

Diamond Color Grading

Diamond color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The less color a diamond has, the higher its value.

• Colorless (D–F): Rare and most valuable. No color visible to the naked eye.
• Near Colorless (G–J): Excellent value. Color is difficult to detect unless compared side by side.
• Faint (K–M): Slight color visible. Good value for larger diamonds.

Understanding Clarity

Clarity refers to the absence of inclusions and blemishes. Most inclusions are microscopic and don’t affect a diamond’s beauty.

• FL — Flawless: No inclusions visible at 10x.
• IF — Internally Flawless: No internal inclusions at 10x.
• VVS1–VVS2 — Very Very Slightly Included: Minute inclusions at 10x.
• VS1–VS2 — Very Slightly Included: Minor inclusions at 10x.
• SI1–SI2 — Slightly Included: Noticeable at 10x.

Eye-clean: VS2 and above are typically eye-clean, meaning inclusions are not visible without magnification.

Cut Quality

Cut is the most important factor in a diamond’s beauty. It determines how well the diamond reflects light, creating brilliance, fire, and scintillation. Cut grades range from Excellent (maximum brilliance) down to Fair (slightly reduced brilliance).