Diamonds 101: Introduction to Loose GIA & AGS Certified Diamonds
The Four Cs
No primer on diamonds would be complete without discussing the 4 Cs-the measures that determine the value (and cost) of your diamond. We'll keep it quick and painless. By the end, you'll know enough to make a smart decision.
 | 1. Color is the most important factor in figuring a diamond's value. The standard color grading scale from the Gemologists Institute of America (GIA) assigns alphabet letters to indicate color quality, from near colorless to increasing tints of yellow that you can see unaided. Get brighter about Color here. |
 | 2. Carat measures a diamond's weight, not its size. For those of you following along in the metric system, there are five carats in one gram. The heavier the diamond, the greater the value. Heavier stones are also harder to find, so supply and demand principles apply. Bulk up your knowledge about Carat Weight here. |
 | 3. Cut deals with a diamond's proportions and angles, which determine how much it sparkles. A properly cut diamond will bring light in and return it through the top as a sparkle, then make her eyes well up with tears of joy. Cut is different from shape (round, princess, opal, etc.) There are five cut grades, ranging from ideal to poor. Slice into a bit more Cut information here. |
 | 4. Clarity refers to the number of spots and flaws in a stone. Most diamonds have some internal inclusions. Generally speaking, fewer inclusions means a more valuable diamond, but flaws don't necessarily reduce a diamond's beauty, especially if you can't see them with your naked eye. Again, there's a grading system to help you out. Get clearer about Clarity here. |
But Wait, There's More...
We couldn't send you away without mentioning the other 2 Cs you always have to consider.
Certification - Unless you like throwing caution and cash to the wind, buy only certified diamonds preferably GIA or AGS, because their standards are the highest. A certification gives the consumer greater confidence in their purchase of a diamond, by identifying quality characteristics in a uniform laboratory environment. This gives you a standard by which to gauge price, quality, and therefore value. The proof is in the paperwork--a grading report from an accredited gem lab that ensures you're getting the level of quality you're paying for.
Confidence - It's hard to say goodbye to thousands of hard earned dollars, but you will feel better about doing so when you have the confidence that comes with education, guidance, fair prices, and a large selection of quality diamonds. To have the confidence to make a great choice of diamond, we strongly recommend a personal and pressure-free consultation with our jewelry professionals.