the 4 c's of diamonds
Cut
The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions, overall symmetry and finish – not its shape. The better the cut, the more brilliance, fire and sparkle a diamond has.
Clarity
During crystallization, tiny inclusions are left behind in most diamonds. The fewer the inclusions, the better the brilliance and dispersion of light. The GIA clarity grading system is a descending scale of Flawless, IF (Internally Flawless), VVS (Very, Very Small Inclusions), VS (Very Small Inclusions), SI (Small Inclusions and I (Imperfect eye visible inclusions).
Colour
Diamonds are graded for colour (or lack of colour) on an alphabet scale ranging from the most desirable “D” (totally colourless) down to light yellow or brown, represented by the letter “Z”. Diamonds that have a definite depth of colour are graded differently and classified as “fancies”. These fancy colours may include: black, blue, pink, green, and yellow.