Education

Beyond just the four C’s, browse our comprehensive diamond research and educational articles. Our diamond experts have collectively spent decades in the diamond industry to provide you with free and unbiased advice.

Each of the 4 Cs play a role in a diamond’s beauty, though it is difficult to decipher one component by itself.

Read our complete guide to 4Cs of diamonds

Diamond Color Chart & Buying Guide: Understand Grade Scale 9 Articles
Diamond Clarity Guide 17 Articles
The Diamond Cuts Guide 13 Articles
Understanding Diamond Size Chart 1 Articles

The Four C'sThe Complete Guide to Diamond Color ScaleWhat is Diamond Color? Diamond color refers to how clear a diamond is. The diamond color scale ranges from D (completely clear) to Z (a warm yellowish ting). Your intention with color should be to find a diamond that appearsJul 24, 2023
The Four C'sD Color Grade DiamondsThinking of buying a D color diamond? I think it would cross anybody's mind. After all, looking at a diamond like this one from Blue Nile that is incredibly clear is enticing. While D color diamonds look absolutely stunning inJun 29, 2023
The Four C'sE Color Grade DiamondsAre you thinking of buying an E color diamond for your fiancé-to-be’s engagement ring or other diamond jewelry? Does a diamond like this from Blue Nile seem like an absolutely perfect choice for you? Can you tell the difference between thatJun 29, 2023
The Four C'sF Color Grade DiamondsIf you’re looking to buy an engagement ring, you’re probably aware of the importance of color and how it can affect a diamond’s appearance. Here’s what we’ll cover in this article: What are F color diamonds?Comparison of F color andJun 29, 2023
The Four C'sG Color Grade DiamondsIf you’re thinking of buying a diamond, choosing the right color is one of several decisions you’ll need to make. Diamonds come in a range of colors, from D (colorless) to Z (visibly yellow). As the highest color grade inJun 22, 2023
The Four C'sH Color Grade DiamondsIf you are considering an H color diamond, you are right in the wheelhouse of our favorite color to recommend. After all, who wouldn't want a stunning diamond like this one from Blue Nile? Can you really tell the differenceJul 24, 2023
The Four C'sI Color Grade DiamondsThinking of buying an I color diamond? An I color diamond can look absolutely gorgeous, all while offering better value for money than a more expensive diamond with a higher GIA color grade. Just today I recommended this stunner ofJun 29, 2023
The Four C'sJ Color Grade DiamondsConsidering a J color diamond? J color diamonds can be a great choice in certain situations For example a diamond like this one from James Allen is stunning and will look perfect in certain engagement rings. Many people may gravitateJun 29, 2023
The Four C'sK Color Grade DiamondsA K color diamond is not always a bad choice. It can make a beautiful choice with the right shape, cut quality and setting style. For example, this 1.05 carat K color diamond from Blue Nile would look stunning inJul 17, 2023

The Four C'sDiamond Clarity GuideDiamond clarity refers to the grade we give a diamond based on the blemishes and inclusions found in a diamond. The fewer inclusions and blemishes a diamond has, the better its clarity grade will be based on the GIA diamondJun 22, 2023
The Four C'sEye-Clean Diamonds: Everything You Need to Know"Natural diamonds are the result of carbon exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth. This process can result in a variety of internal characteristics called ‘inclusions’ and external characteristics called ‘blemishes.’" "No diamond is perfectly pure. ButJul 14, 2023
The Four C'sIF and FL Diamond Clarity GradesFlawless and internally flawless diamonds represent less than half a percent of all diamonds worldwide. Without any visible inclusions even under 10x magnification, these diamonds are pristine, incredibly rare—and incredibly expensive. Take a look at this stunning one carat diamondJul 19, 2023
The Four C'sComplete VVS Diamond Clarity Buying GuideVVS Diamond Meaning VVS means Very Very Slightly Included. It is a measure of diamond clarity, which grades the visual appearance of a diamond, and how many flaws or blemishes there are. A VVS grade means the diamond has superJul 24, 2023
The Four C'sComplete VVS1 Diamond Clarity Buying Guide1.02ct G VVS1 Princess Cut Diamond VVS1 diamonds are absolutely stunning from a clarity perspective, but does that make them the right choice for you? Take a look at this VVS1 diamond from Blue Nile and compare it to thisJul 18, 2023
The Four C'sVVS2 Diamond: The Complete GuideVVS2 diamonds are exceptionally high-quality when it comes to looking at the diamond clarity chart. However, to the naked eye, a VVS2 clarity diamond may not look any different from one several grades lower, yet will come at a higherJul 17, 2023
The Four C'sVS Diamonds: Buyer's GuideBottom Line Recommendation: We think VS clarity diamonds are a great choice. Buying an eye-clean VS1 or VS2 diamond will give you a diamond that looks identical to a flawless (FL) clarity diamond to the naked eye, all at aJul 19, 2023
The Four C'sGuide to VS1 Clarity DiamondsBottom Line Recommendation: Generally, we recommend seeking a diamond with a clarity grade of VS1 to SI2. With a pretty VS1 or VS2 diamond, your stone will look identical to a flawless clarity diamond (assuming all else is equal), yetJul 17, 2023
The Four C'sA Complete Guide to VS2 Diamond ClarityBottom Line Recommendation: We recommend looking for a diamond with a VS1 to SI2 clarity grade. A beautiful VS2 or VS1 diamond will look identical to a flawless graded diamond, assuming all other grades and features are equal (yet will costJul 18, 2023
The Four C'sGuide to SI1 Clarity DiamondsHere’s what we’ll cover in this article: What are SI clarity diamonds?What is the difference between SI and VS diamonds?What is an SI1 clarity diamond?What tips should I follow to get a beautiful SI1 clarity diamond?Where is the best placeJul 19, 2023
The Four C'sUnderstanding SI2 Clarity GradeHere’s what we’ll cover in this article: What is the difference between SI1 and SI2 diamonds?Should I focus on SI2 clarity when buying a diamond?What tips should I follow to get a beautiful SI2 clarity diamond?Where is the best placeJul 19, 2023
The Four C'sA Guide to SI3 Clarity Grade DiamondsBottom Line Recommendation: We strongly encourage all readers to steer clear of diamonds with a clarity grade of SI3. The SI3 grade is used by lab entities that are not reliable—and you'll likely get a diamond with less beauty andJul 18, 2023
The Four C'sAn Expert Guide to I1 Clarity DiamondsI1 diamonds fall on the low end of the clarity scale. Clarity refers to the blemishes and inclusions present in the stone. Third-party labs, like the GIA, give out clarity grades when they issue a report for a diamond. ForJul 19, 2023
The Four C'sI2 Clarity DiamondsDue to the intense heat and pressure that diamonds face during their formation, they all have imperfections. Some imperfections are visible, while others are not. With I2 diamonds, inclusions and blemishes are easily visible under magnification and by the nakedJul 18, 2023
The Four C'sCloudy Diamonds Buyers GuideClouds are a type of inclusion that can develop in diamonds as they form naturally. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), a cloud consists of "many tightly grouped pinpoints that might be too small to distinguish individually butJul 17, 2023
The Four C'sDiamond Feather Inclusions: What to Watch For"Feather [is a] general trade term for a break in a gemstone, often white and feathery in appearance." "Feather inclusions in a diamond can be indicative of a rough ride from the earth’s mantle to the surface. These birthmarks areJun 22, 2023
The Four C'sTwinning Wisps & Everything You Need to KnowEvery diamond has its imperfections. Some are noticeable, while others are so tiny and faint that no one ever sees them. One type of diamond inclusion is twinning wisps. They can impact a diamond's brilliance and beauty, but not always.Jul 17, 2023

The Four C'sThe Diamond Cuts GuideDiamond cut is one of the four main quality characteristics known as the 4Cs. We would say that diamond cut is the most important characteristic. Diamond cut refers to the proportions and technical specs that determine how brilliant a diamondJul 24, 2023
The Four C'sHearts & Arrows Diamonds - Are they worth it?Hearts & Arrows diamonds are precision-cut diamonds that generally come with a premium price tag. These super-ideal cut diamonds can really stand out, but in some cases may not be worth the extra money. Knowing what to look for andMay 02, 2023
The Four C'sUnderstanding Diamond Depth and TableHere’s what we’ll cover in this article: Are depth and table important in a diamond?What is a diamond's table?What is the ideal table size for a diamond?What is diamond's depth?What is a good depth for a diamond? Bottom Line Recommendation:TheJul 24, 2023
The Four C'sDiamond Culet: Everything You Need to KnowThe "culet" of a diamond refers to the facet at its very bottom. Diamond culets can vary in size from nothing (referred to as a "pointed" culet) to a large culet. As the GIA explains: "Culet size is described asJul 24, 2023
The Four C'sDiamond SymmetryWhat is Diamond Symmetry? Diamond Symmetry refers to how well aligned the facets of a diamond are. For example, do the edges of the facets on the top and bottom of the diamond line up along the girdle? Are theApr 11, 2023
The Four C'sWhat Is Diamond Fluorescence (And Why It Matters)?So you're looking to buy a diamond and start hearing the word fluorescence thrown around. What does it mean? Some jewelers tell you it's a good thing, some tell you it's terrible. Who is telling the truth? Who is right?Jul 03, 2023
The Four C'sDiamond Polish: Grades & Impact on PriceWhat is Diamond Polish? Diamonds are cut from a rough diamond into a specific shape, with each shape featuring facets -- flat surfaces that are arranged in a specific pattern to absorb and reflect light. Diamond polish refers to theMar 30, 2023
The Four C'sTriple Excellent (GIA XXX) Diamonds: What You Need to Know”Triple X diamond is a trade term referring to stones that have Excellent cut, polish and symmetry on their GIA grading reports. GIA does not use this term but many jewelers do.” "X is short for Excellent, so Triple XJul 12, 2023
The Four C'sWhat are Spready (Spread) Diamonds?Many people envision a big diamond for their engagement ring. Whether it's a 1 Carat or 3 Carat diamond, they have their eyes set on a large stone. But a diamond's size isn't the only thing that matters. In fact,Mar 30, 2023
The Four C'sA Guide to Diamond ProportionsA diamond's proportions are incredibly important. While it may seem like a hodgepodge of digits and percentages, if you ignore it, you may end up with a diamond that has no sparkle whatsoever. The color and clarity grades are simpleJun 23, 2023
The Four C'sHow to Buy Old European Cut DiamondsThe old European cut is a "precursor to the modern round brilliant cut but with a higher crown and greater total depth than its modern counterpart." Even today, more than a century after it first caught on as a diamondMar 30, 2023
The Four C'sOld Mine Cut DiamondsBottom Line Recommendation: Old mine cut diamonds have a beautiful appearance that dates back to an era when diamonds were cut and polished by hand. Like other antique diamonds, old mine cut diamonds have a softer look than modern diamonds,May 02, 2023
The Four C'sRose Cut Diamonds: Buying GuideBottom Line Recommendation: Rose cut diamonds offer a warm, unique appearance that’s completely unlike any of the modern diamond cuts. As such, the right rose cut diamond can make for a truly special engagement ring if you’re looking for somethingMar 30, 2023

The Four C'sUnderstanding Diamond Size ChartWhen you look at a diamond ring, the first thing you see is the size of the diamond. When people say that size matters, it definitely does. While we notice the 'size' of a diamond we primarily measure diamonds byJul 24, 2023

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