Carat

A diamond's true weight is measured in carats, and its price generally rises with the number of carats it has. However, it's important to note that carats only indicate a diamond's weight, not its size, and since no two diamonds are exactly alike, carat weight is just one factor in evaluating a diamond's value.

Color

Diamond color is assessed on a scale from D to Z, with D representing a flawless, colorless diamond and Z indicating a slight yellowish tint. While the D-Z scale is commonly used, it's important to note that in longer diamond shapes like oval and radiant, color variations can be more apparent. However, it's crucial to understand that diamond color is primarily a matter of personal preference and doesn't necessarily reflect the diamond's quality.

Clarity

Clarity in diamonds pertains to the presence of internal or external flaws that can be seen under magnification. These imperfections, including natural marks, feathers, pinpoints, and clouds, are generally considered undesirable because they can diminish the diamond's overall beauty and sparkle.

Cut

The cut of a diamond significantly influences its beauty and brilliance, regardless of its shape. Cut quality is assessed based on factors like symmetry, polish, angles, and proportion ratios. Unlike some other diamond aspects, cut grading is subjective, as there are no universally accepted standards for vendors to follow. For round diamonds, cut control through precise polishing techniques is relatively straightforward, making cut grading less critical. However, irregularities in cutting can have a more pronounced impact on other diamond shapes, especially fancy cuts with intricate faceting patterns.