Looking for a Christmas or anniversary gift? How about a gift for her (or him)? Nothing makes a statement like the jaw dropping brilliance of diamonds. Although at first glance all diamonds may seem to have the same flawless sparkle there are four C’s to consider. Color, clarity, cut and carat. These are the four most important physical attributes of a diamond. She will ask, so you should know.

Before we get started there is some essential vocabulary. The EGL is the European Gemological Laboratory and the GIA is the Gemological Institute of America. These are the forerunners in diamond grading and certifying. So when you hear the words “EGL certified” or “GIA certified” it means that these leading authorities in gemology approve that particular diamond.

The first “C” is color. No, “clear” just isn’t going to cut it. The color of a diamond is measured by a letter system that begins at “D” and ends with “Z.” “D” signifies that a diamond it absolutely colorless. These diamonds are very rare and very expensive. Letters “E” to “F” signify a colorless diamond. Only a trained gemologist can determine the grade of these diamonds and they are almost as rare as “D” graded diamonds. “G” to “H” graded diamonds are also extremely hard to determine unless compared to a diamond of a higher grade. “I” to “J” means that the diamond may have a very faint hint of color. The color may be yellow or beige, but very faint. These diamonds are still exceptional and this color is almost unidentifiable. “K” to “M” graded diamonds have a noticeable change in color. The color is very light. Grades “N” to “Z” have the most color. These diamonds are not often sold at high end jewelry retailers. When buying that diamond tennis bracelet, solitaire necklace or any other piece of fine diamond jewelry you want to purchase diamonds as colorless as possible.

The second “C” is clarity. Clarity refers to the internal flaws and inclusions of a diamond. Inclusions are little marks, divots or flaws inside of the diamond. The numbers and letters used to determine this are based on the size and number of these small blemishes. The GIA clarity scale has eleven different grades, but don’t be overwhelmed, they are very simple. FL means flawless and free of any imperfections at all. IF means internally flawless, or free of any inclusions inside of the diamond. VVS1 and VVS2 stand for very, very slightly included. Without a gemologist microscope these flaws are virtually undetectable. VS1 and VS2 stands for very slightly included. This means that there are slight flaws within the diamond but they are rarely detectable to the naked eye and are prices accordingly. SI1 and SI2 diamonds are slightly included. Imperfections are faint, but still visible without the aid of a microscope. The last three grades are I1, I2, and I3. These grades signify visible inclusions. She wants a diamond that is as flawless as possible. Trust us.

The third and most easily identified “C” is cut. This is the fun part. Now when she says three stone emerald cut you will know what she wants. The first step in understanding the cut of the diamond is to know the shape, which is determined by the individual cuts of the stone. There are ten different shape options when choosing a diamond. Round cut diamonds are most popular and cut in a circular shape. Princess cut diamonds are square in shape with pointed corners. The classic emerald cut is rectangular in shape with rounded corners. Asscher cut diamonds are square shaped with rounded corners and rectangular facets similar to the emerald cut. Marquise cut is an elongated oval shape with a point at either end. These particular diamonds may appear larger because of the large surface area. Oval shaped diamonds have a brilliant and simple oval shape. Radiant cut diamonds are square in shape with rounded corners and are similar to the asscher cut. Pear shaped diamonds acquired their name because they resemble the shape of a pear which is round at the bottom end and pointed at the top. Heart shaped diamonds are shaped after the ultimate symbol of love, a heart. Lastly, cushion cut diamonds, or pillow cut diamonds, are symmetrical with rounded corners and large facets to best reflect light. Each of these shapes is determined by the size, length, angle, depth, height, and thickness of the table, crown, pavilion, girdle and star of the diamond. Some of the shapes may vary in price because of the complexity of the cut.

Lastly, the fourth “C” is carat. Diamonds and other gemstones are measured in metric carats. Carats are divided into 100 points. Because this refers to the diamonds weight the size may appear to vary. Two diamonds could have the same crown size but be different carat weights because of its depth. In diamond bracelets, necklaces or diamonds earrings you may encounter the letters “t.w.” These little letters stand for “total weight.” This means that if you combine all of the diamonds in the piece they will equal said weight. For example, if a pair of solitaire diamond earrings is 2.0 carats t.w. each earring is 1.0 carat in size.

With this concise guide to buying diamonds your search for the perfect round diamond or three stone earrings or pendant, key pendant, tennis bracelet, or other dazzling diamond jewelry will be simple.