Diamond buying guide 101
Learn about loose diamonds, the 4Cs, and the variety of diamond shapes Gems Mart Jewellers offers.
The four Cs of a diamond
Carat
Diamonds are sold by the carat (ct), which is a unit of weight, not size. One carat weighs 200 milligrams, the world standard since 1914. A carat is divided into 100 points, with one point corresponding to .01 carat.
Clarity
The clarity refers to the purity of the diamond and is based on the absence or presence of internal characteristics. Some inclusions or birthmarks can be visible to the naked eye or only noticeable under 10x magnification.
Color
Refers to the depth of color or how noticeable it is. Normal color range is colorless to varying degrees of yellow or light brown. Diamonds are graded for color by comparing them to a master scale of diamonds. The "master stones" represent the absolute least amount of color accepted for diamonds.
Cut
Cut refers to the polish of a diamond coupled with balancing the proportions and symmetry to maximize light return. Even diamonds with a lower color or clarity with a supreme cut are going to have maximum sparkle to the naked eye.
Beyond the 4Cs
There are several other factors — fluorescence, symmetry, polish, girdle thickness, inclusions, and certification — that shape a diamond's brilliance and price. See our Other factors guide for the details Gems Mart Jewellers considers alongside the 4Cs.