The four Cs- color, cut. clarity and carat weight, are factors that will help you make an intelligent choice with confidence. Cut. color and clarity are quality or rarity factors. Though some aspects of quality seem subtle, they may have a major impact on value. Carat weight is a value factor. When making a purchase, a consumer must balance the three quality factors with size to obtain the best value within their budget.

Color
Diamonds range in color from colorless to yellow. Even though most diamonds appear colorless to the untrained eye. The majority of diamonds contain traces of yellow or brown. The closer the diamond is to colorless, the more valuable the diamond.

Clarity
Most diamonds contain very small natural birthmarks known as inclusions. The presence or absence of inclusions within the diamond and blemishes on its surface are known as clarity. A diamonds clarity is determined through examination by an experienced grader, using 10-x magnification. A diamond that is free of both inclusions and surface blemishes are very rare and therefore more valuable.

Cut
A diamonds beauty is well hidden; in it's rough form. Polishing reveals its optical beauty. Cut does not refer to the shape of a diamond. Round, pear oval, marquise, emerald, heart princess, triangle, and radiant are all shapes of diamonds. A diamonds cut refers to the right angles and proportions a master diamond cutter has used to reflect and refract light and to try to make sure it is maximized. The cut is the only factor to affect the ("ire and brilliance and scintillation of a diamond.

Carat Weight
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 "points". The carat measurement has been used for years and is only used in the weighing of diamonds and other gems. 1 Carat = 0.2 gram. Carat weight usually has the greatest impact on value base on rarity.