Diamond Jewelry basics

How to buy a diamond	Diamond FAQ's
A diamond dictionary	Diamond jewelry

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A good understanding of diamonds is necessary before you begin shopping. We've put the basics together here to help guide you. Learning about diamonds is really learning about the "four Cs" of diamonds - cut, clarity, color and carat weight. These are the criteria jewelers use when grading diamonds, and they're the ones you'll need to understand to find the right diamond for you.

Diamond cut: Cut is probably the most important, and most challenging, of the four Cs to understand. The brilliance of a diamond depends heavily on its cut. This guide will show you how to select a diamond with the best cut that your budget allows. Read more about diamond cut >

Diamond Clarity: Most diamonds contain some inner flaws, or inclusions, that occur during the formation process. The visibility, number and size of these inclusions determine what is called the clarity of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance, and thus are more highly prized, and priced. This guide shows you how to find the best grade of clarity for you. Read more about diamond clarity >

Diamond Color: Colorless diamonds are the most desirable since they allow the most refraction of light (sparkle). Off white diamonds absorb light, inhibiting brilliance. Read on to understand diamond color >

Carat Weight: A carat is the unit of weight by which a diamond is measured. Because large diamonds are found less commonly than small diamonds, the price of a diamond rises exponentially to its size. Read more about carat weight >

Diamond Certificates: The diamond certificate, which is sometimes called a grading report, is a complete evaluation of your diamond that has been performed by a qualified professional with the help of special gemological instruments. Each stone bears its own recognizable, individual characteristics, which is listed on the certificate. Read on about diamond certificates >