To establish a diamond's quality, jewelers examine each of the 4Cs--Cut, Clarity, Carat weight, and Color. The combination of the 4Cs determines the value of a particular diamond. Strive for a stone that offers the best combination of the 4Cs. Knowing a diamond's place in the Diamond Quality Pyramid will help you to make an informed decision.
The Diamond Quality Pyramid--How To Measure A Diamond's Value
The Diamond Quality Pyramid is a framework to help you compare diamonds. Those closest to the top of the pyramid--possessing the best combination of cut, clarity, carat weight and color--are the earth's rarest, most valuable and most beautiful to the eye.
Cut--The Better Cut a Diamond, The More Brilliant
A well cut or faceted diamond, regardless of its shape, scintillates with fire and
light-offering the greatest brilliance and value.
While nature determines a diamond's clarity, carat weight and color, the hand of a master craftsman
is necessary to release its fire, sparkle and beauty. When a diamond is cut to good proportions,
light will reflect from one mirror-like facet to another and disperse through the top of the stone,
resulting in a display of brilliance and fire.
Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow lose light that spills through the side or
bottom. As a result, poorly cut stones will be less brilliant and beautiful and certainly
less valuable than well cut diamonds higher on the Diamond Quality Pyramid.
