4Cs Diamonds

Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat

Understanding 4Cs

At DBT Diamonds, we believe that choosing the perfect diamond starts with understanding the 4Cs—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. As a proud member of the Diamond Board of Trade, we’re committed to ensuring every gem meets the highest ethical standards. These four pillars of diamond quality define its overall beauty and value, helping you make a confident, informed decision.

Round diamond held by tweezers against a gray background.

CUT

Cut is crucial for a diamond’s brilliance and sparkle.

Nine popular diamond shapes (marquise, princess, oval, round, heart, asscher, emerald, radiant, pear) with schematic outlines on a black background.

When a stone is cut to ideal proportions

it reflects light more effectively, enhancing its radiance.

Round diamond placed next to a diamond size gauge with various carat measurements.

The industry usually grades cut from

“Excellent” to “Poor,” with an excellent cut maximizing the diamond’s potential shine.

Why the 4Cs Matter

From Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat (4Cs)—these essential factors define a diamond’s quality and beauty. Understanding the 4Cs ensures you make an informed choice that aligns with your personal style and budget. Whether selecting a natural or lab-grown diamond, considering these four fundamentals helps you balance brilliance, rarity, and value for the perfect gem.

Color

Color refers to how clear or tinted a diamond appears. The color scale ranges from D (completely colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colorless diamonds are exceptionally rare and often command higher prices. However, some individuals prefer the unique allure of fancy-colored diamonds, such as pinks, blues, or yellows.

A variety of colorful gemstones in different shapes and hues on a light background.
Heart-shaped diamond held by tweezers in front of a jeweler’s loupe.

Clarity

Clarity gauges the presence of internal inclusions and surface blemishes. Ranging from “Flawless” (no visible inclusions under 10x magnification) to “Included,” clarity grades help determine a diamond’s rarity and value. Yet many inclusions remain invisible to the naked eye, so it’s essential to balance clarity with other factors when selecting your stone.

Carat

Carat measures a diamond’s weight, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams. While larger diamonds tend to be rarer and more sought after, carat is just one part of the diamond’s overall value. A balanced approach to Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat ensures you find a stone that meets both your style preferences and budget.

Five different diamond shapes (cushion, pear, round, oval, and marquise) displayed on a light background