The 4Cs of Diamonds

When selecting a diamond, you’ll often come across the term “The 4Cs” — a universal standard used to evaluate a diamond’s quality and value: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. Each of these characteristics plays a vital role in a diamond’s beauty and brilliance. Gaining a clear understanding of the 4Cs empowers you to choose a diamond that truly reflects your style, priorities, and the significance of the moment it represents.

When purchasing a diamond, certification provides peace of mind and confidence in the quality and value of your stone. Two of the most respected gemological laboratories in the world are the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is renowned for its scientific accuracy, stringent grading standards, and global authority in gemology. As the creator of the “4Cs” (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat Weight), GIA is considered the gold standard in diamond grading and education. A GIA-certified diamond assures you of unmatched objectivity and precision in evaluation.

IGI (International Gemological Institute) is also a globally respected laboratory known for its consistent grading and detailed reports. IGI certifications are especially common with lab-grown diamonds and provide a comprehensive analysis that is both reliable and accessible.

At Cushion Cut Company, we proudly rely on certifications from both GIA and IGI to ensure the integrity and quality of every diamond we offer. These trusted institutions help us provide complete transparency and confidence in every piece we craft, whether natural or lab-grown.

Both certifications uphold rigorous standards, and choosing between the two often comes down to preference or diamond type. Rest assured, with either, you're receiving a diamond of verified excellence.

Cut

The cut of a diamond is one of the most important factors in revealing its brilliance and beauty. More than just the shape, cut refers to how well a diamond has been precisely crafted — including its proportions, symmetry, and polish.

A well-cut diamond reflects light from every angle, creating that unmistakable sparkle and fire. Even a diamond with excellent color and clarity can appear dull if the cut is poor. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of a round brilliant or the modern edge of an emerald cut, choosing the right cut enhances not only a diamond’s appearance but its ability to shine with life and light.

Cut Grades Explained

  • Excellent Cut
    Crafted with exceptional precision, an Excellent Cut diamond maximizes brilliance, fire, and scintillation. Light enters through the top (table), reflects perfectly from one facet to another, and returns through the top — creating the iconic sparkle associated with the finest diamonds.
  • Very Good Cut
    A Very Good Cut reflects most of the light that enters the diamond, offering impressive brilliance with only minimal loss of light. To the untrained eye, these diamonds often appear nearly as radiant as Excellent Cuts.
  • Good Cut
    A Good Cut diamond reflects a substantial amount of light, though less than higher grades. It offers a balanced blend of beauty and value, making it a popular choice for those seeking quality at a more accessible price point.
  • Fair or Poor Cut
    Diamonds in this category allow light to escape through the sides or bottom, resulting in a noticeable reduction in brilliance. These cuts may appear dull or lifeless and are generally less desirable for fine jewelry.

Color

A diamond’s color refers to the natural tint visible within a stone, most commonly seen as subtle hints of yellow or brown. The GIA grades diamond color on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light color) — with D–F being considered colorless, G–J near-colorless, and further down the scale showing increasing warmth.

While completely colorless diamonds are prized for their rarity and purity, many near-colorless diamonds offer exceptional beauty and value, with little to no visible difference to the naked eye. The best color choice ultimately depends on your personal preference, the diamond’s setting, and how the color interacts with the surrounding metal.

  • D-F: Colorless
  • G-J: Near colorless
  • K-M: Faint color
  • N-R: Very light color
  • S-Z: Light color

Whether you prefer the icy brilliance of a colorless stone or the gentle warmth of a near-colorless diamond, understanding color grading helps you select a diamond that’s perfect for you.

Clarity

Clarity measures the presence of natural inclusions (internal features) and blemishes (external features) within a diamond. These tiny characteristics are formed during the diamond’s creation deep within the earth — making each stone truly one of a kind.

Clarity is graded on a scale ranging from Flawless (FL) — with no visible imperfections under 10x magnification — to Included (I), where inclusions may be visible to the naked eye. Most diamonds contain slight inclusions that are microscopic and do not affect the stone’s beauty or brilliance.

GIA Clarity Scale

  • Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification — extremely rare and prized.
  • Internally Flawless (IF): No internal inclusions, only minor surface blemishes detectable under magnification.
  • Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 & VVS2): Inclusions are extremely difficult to detect, even under magnification.
  • Very Slightly Included (VS1 & VS2): Minor inclusions that are difficult to see under 10x magnification — nearly always eye-clean.
  • Slightly Included (SI1 & SI2): Noticeable inclusions under magnification; some may be visible to the naked eye, especially in SI2.
  • Included (I1, I2 & I3): Inclusions are obvious under 10x and often visible to the naked eye, which may affect transparency and brilliance.

Most diamonds have some inclusions, but those that are Flawless or Internally Flawless are extremely rare and valuable. Choosing the right clarity grade depends on your priorities — whether you value perfection under magnification or eye-clean beauty at an exceptional value. At Cushion Cut Company, we help you find the balance that best suits your style, budget, and vision.

Carat Weight

Carat weight refers to the measurement of a diamond’s physical weight, with one carat equal to 200 milligrams. While carat influences a diamond’s size, it’s only one part of the overall picture — two diamonds of the same carat weight can look quite different depending on their cut and proportions.

Larger carat weights are often associated with luxury and presence, but a well-cut diamond of a lower carat can appear equally brilliant and striking. Whether you’re drawn to a delicate sparkle or a bold statement, choosing the right carat weight is about finding the perfect balance between size, budget, and personal style.

Because larger diamonds are rarer in nature, the price per carat increases exponentially with size. However, a smaller diamond with exceptional brilliance, pristine clarity, and colorless beauty can often be more desirable and valuable than a heavier stone with lower overall quality.

Remember, while carat weight is important, it's the interplay of all 4Cs that determines a diamond's overall beauty and value. At Cushion Cut Company, we're here to help you find the perfect balance of these qualities to suit your preferences and budget.