Carat-Weight – Bigger is Bigger – not necessarily better. This is the weight of the diamond measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 "points", so a diamond of 75 points weighs .75 carats. Carat-weight is the easiest of the 4C’s to determine. But two diamonds of equal weight can have very unequal value, depending on their cut, color and clarity. Fine quality can be found in diamonds of all shapes and sizes. And a fine quality diamond is a little extra weight she’d be pleased to put on!

Clarity – A rarity. To determine a diamond’s clarity it is viewed under 10-power magnification by a trained eye. Most diamonds contain very tiny natural birthmarks known as inclusions. The fewer and smaller the inclusions, the less likely it is to interfere with the passage of light through the diamond and the more beautiful the diamond will be.

Color – Good color is no color. Diamonds are found with a range of colors, from faint yellow or brown through to rare pinks, blues, greens and other colors known as fancies.

Cut – Many people confuse cut with the shape of a diamond. Diamonds are cut into a number of shapes, depending on the nature of the rough stone. When cut to good proportions, the diamond is better able to reflect light, creating more scintillation, more sparkle.

Diamonds are the hardest substance, but they do require care. Learn how to keep your diamond safely set and secure in your Fine Jewelry.

When purchasing a diamond whether via website or in a retail store, you are purchasing a look, a dream, a lifetime of enjoyment. What you see is not exactly what you will get. The average consumer does not have the ability to determine the exact color, clarity, cut grading, carat weight or whether the diamond has been treated or color enhanced. This is where the Master IJO Jeweler and diamond Certificate play a major role in helping you determine the “unseen” conditions that impact the look, value and longevity of the diamond you buy.