Characteristics of a Quality Diamond

If you’re not sure how to determine the value and quality of a diamond, Leonard Jewelry is here to help you. The value of a diamond is determined by the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat weight.


Not to be confused with the shape of the diamond, cut refers to the arrangement of a diamond’s facets. Cut is the most important of the 4Cs because it determines the optimum combination of brilliance, scintillation and fire. This combination has the greatest effect on a diamond’s beauty. Cut is the only “C” under man’s control.




Diamonds range in color from colorless, which is the most rare and valuable, to varying degrees of a presence of yellow. There is a spectrum of shading between colorless and a light yellow. Color can only be seen with proper lighting against a white background.




Clarity is the degree to which identifying characteristics known as inclusions are present in a diamond. All diamonds are graded under 10-power magnification as to the size, number and location of inclusions located within the diamond. A “flawless” diamond is both rare and valuable, and has no inclusions visible under magnification.



Carat Weight

This is the standard measurement for diamond size and weight. The most obvious “C,” carat weight has the least importance in determining the value, brilliance and beauty of the diamond.