Jewelry shopping can be intimidating. That’s why we started Ask Holden, our blog where we answer your FAQs, break down scary industry lingo, and guide you in finding the perfect piece of jewelry.
TL;DR: Why the 4Cs Matter
When you’re shopping for a diamond engagement ring or any fine jewelry piece, understanding the 4Cs, specifically Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat is essential. These characteristics directly impact how your diamond looks, sparkles, and is valued in the market. A diamond grading chart can be a helpful tool to visualize these qualities side by side and make an informed choice.
Whether you're looking for a statement piece or something timeless and subtle, diamond grading helps you find a stone that’s not only beautiful but also the right investment.
Understanding the 4Cs of Diamonds: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat
If you’re looking to buy a diamond, you may have some questions. Maybe you know about carat, but you aren’t sure what cut, color, and clarity mean when choosing a diamond. You may be wondering: how are diamonds graded anyway, and what distinguishes higher quality diamonds from lower quality ones? These four diamond characteristics are really most important to consider when purchasing a stone that is 1 carat or greater (such as a center stone for a diamond engagement ring). For a stone of this size, you'll want to make sure to purchase a diamond that comes with a grading report from a reputable lab such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or International Gemological Institute (IGI). For melee stones (stones that weigh less than 0.2 carats), you'll find that diamond color and clarity are what's most important. These stones typically will not come with any type of grading reports or certifications due to their small size.
Cut
Diamond cut grade is something that can only be determined by trained gemologists and is all about proportions. Poorly cut diamonds do not catch and refract light as effectively as well-cut diamonds. The ideal cut of a diamond is symmetrical and neither too shallow nor too deep. Diamonds are typically cut with lasers and polished with diamonds (since diamonds are known as the world’s hardest material, no other material can polish them!). As you can see in the diagram below, a well-cut diamond will refract and reflect light to give it the perfect sparkle. Keep in mind, diamond cut is different from diamond shape (pear, round, etc.).
Color
Diamond color grading measures how colorless a diamond is. The clearer the diamond, the higher the grade. A diamond with a slight yellowish tinge will be less valuable than a perfectly crystal-clear diamond. That being said, some deeply colored diamonds can be extremely valuable. These are referred to by the GIA as “Fancy Colored Diamonds.”
Some fancy colors are more valuable than others - even though Rihanna loves “yellow diamonds in the sky,” a blue diamond is much rarer: there’s only a one in 200,000 chance that a diamond will be blue, and even then, most blue diamonds are extremely pale. A brilliant blue diamond (such as the Heart of the Ocean diamond from Titanic) would be extremely pricey! The grading scale for diamond color is determined alphabetically from D to Z, as shown in the graphic below.
Clarity
Diamond clarity grade is a measure of the imperfections on the surface and within a stone. Internal flaws are called inclusions while surface defects are called blemishes. Clarity grade can only be determined by a trained gemologist using a loupe at 10x magnification. The final grade depends on the size, nature, number, location, and relief of the inclusions/blemishes. Clarity rankings can be seen on the diamond clarity chart below, which varies from flawless (FL) to eye visual inclusions (I). Slightly included diamonds range from "very very slight inclusions" to "slight inclusions." Usually, SI and I diamond inclusions can be detected by the naked eye.
While typically the most desirable diamonds are those with the highest clarity, there is rising interest in “salt and pepper” diamonds, which have a high density of imperfections and are valued for these imperfections. Another famous diamond known for its imperfections is actually fictional - the Pink Panther Diamond (from the Pink Panther films). This diamond is pink (yes, it’s fancy colored!) and has an inclusion shaped exactly like a panther.
Carat
Carat is determined by the weight of the diamond. For reference, a carat weighs 0.2 grams, about as much as a paperclip. Mariah Carey’s engagement ring from ex-fiancé James Packer features a 35 carat diamond. You heard it here: Mariah Carey has a ring finger of steel.
Keep in mind: for a higher-carat diamond, clarity grade becomes more important (since the diamond is bigger, inclusions will be easier to identify!). Diamonds are priced per carat, but price per carat actually increases as diamond weight increases, since large rough diamonds without inclusions are more rare and difficult to find. Color is also more identifiable in larger diamonds.
At Holden, we offer most stone shapes from 1.0ct to 5.0ct with the option to choose the color, clarity, and cut grade of your stone. Check out the difference between the various sizes and shapes of our lab-grown diamonds in the image below.
Summary: What Are the 4Cs of Diamonds?
When buying a diamond—especially for an engagement ring—it’s essential to understand the 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. These are the globally recognized standards for assessing a diamond’s quality and value. If you’re wondering how diamonds are graded, the 4Cs are the key criteria used by gemologists to evaluate each stone’s overall quality.
- Cut refers to how well a diamond reflects light and sparkles. A well-cut diamond maximizes brilliance.
- Color grades how colorless a diamond is. The less color, the higher the grade (D is best).
- Clarity measures imperfections. Fewer inclusions or blemishes mean a higher clarity grade.
- Carat is the diamond’s weight. Larger diamonds are rarer and more expensive per carat.
A diamond grading chart can help you visualize and compare each of these factors more easily when making your decision.
At Holden, we offer lab-grown diamonds in various shapes and sizes—from 1.0ct to 5.0ct—so you can choose the perfect cut, color, and clarity to match your style and budget.
Now you’re an expert on cut, color, clarity, and carat weight! So get out there and buy diamond jewelry with confidence.
Questions? Give us a shout at help@hiholden.com or a ring (pun intended) at 646.722.6817.
FAQs
1. What is the most important of the 4Cs in a diamond?
It depends on personal preference and budget, but cut is often considered the most important because it directly affects how much a diamond sparkles.
2. What’s the difference between diamond cut and diamond shape?
Cut refers to the diamond’s proportions and light performance (brilliance), while shape refers to its physical form—like round, oval, or pear.
3. What does the diamond color grading scale mean?
Diamonds are graded from D (colorless) to Z (noticeable yellow or brown tint). The less color, the more valuable the diamond—unless it’s a Fancy Colored Diamond, like blue or pink.
4. How are diamonds graded?
Diamonds are graded based on the 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. Gemologists use standardized tools and criteria to evaluate how well a diamond is cut, how colorless it appears, the number and size of internal or external flaws, and its weight in carats. This grading process helps determine the diamond’s overall quality and value.
5. How much does a carat weigh?
One carat equals 0.2 grams, about the same as a paperclip. Larger diamonds not only weigh more but are also rarer and cost more per carat.
6. Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes! Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and visually identical to mined diamonds—but they’re more sustainable, ethical, and often more affordable.
7. Do lab-grown diamonds follow the same 4Cs grading?
Absolutely. Lab-grown diamonds are graded by the same standards (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat) and certified by reputable labs like the IGI or GIA.
8. Can I customize the 4Cs for my diamond at Holden?
Yes! At Holden, you can select the cut grade, color, clarity, and carat weight of your lab-grown diamond to suit your preferences and budget. Shop online or book an appointment with us today!
About Holden
At Holden, we know the best rings are the ones that feel like you. Our engagement rings and wedding rings are made-to-order, ethically crafted, and designed for individuality. Choose a timeless Classic ring, a radiant Gemstone piece, or a flowing Curved Band that fits your story.