Brilliant triple

The 4 Cs of diamonds

When choosing a natural white diamond, it helps to understand the 4 Cs—the universal grading standards established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to assess diamond quality and value.

Color_ Even though they look “white”, the color in diamonds is graded by its absence. A perfect diamond is completely colorless, similar to a drop of clear water. The GIA color scale rates diamonds from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow).

Clarity_ Clarity assesses the purity of a diamond by examining it for natural internal inclusions or external blemishes. Inclusions are tiny particles or air bubbles formed as the diamond develops. The GIA clarity scale ranges from “Flawless” (no visible inclusions) to “Included” (visible inclusions that may affect sparkle).

Cut_ Cut refers to how well a diamond has been shaped and polished, impacting its ability to reflect light and display “fire”—a colorful sparkle seen within the stone. The GIA cut scale ranges from “Excellent” to “Poor.”

Carat_ Carat measures a diamond’s weight, with 1 carat equaling 200 milligrams. Carat weight often correlates with size, but it’s important to consider the other Cs as well. A well-cut, lower carat diamond can be far more brilliant than a higher carat one with a bad cut.

The 4 Cs at CdK

At CdK, we follow clear standards for each of the 4 Cs to ensure they’re well balanced, delivering top quality and great value.

Color_ F to H (colorless to near-colorless)
Clarity_VS1 to S1 (very slight inclusions, not visible to the naked eye)
Cut_ Excellent to Very Good
Carat_Varies by design

If you are interested in a more specific type or quality of diamond for your ring, please contact us and we will try to help you with your search.