The Four Cs

Diamonds are judged on several factors that determine their beauty. Most diamonds never reach the consumer market because they are too flawed. Often, these diamonds are used for industrial purposes -- as an abrasive, for drill bits or for cutting diamonds and other gems. If you've ever purchased a diamond, you've heard of the "4 Cs:"

   1. Cut - This is the geometric proportions of a diamond and how it was cut. When a diamond is cut, facets are created and finite form of diamond is determined.
   
 2. Clarity - This is the measure of a diamond's flaws, or inclusions that can be seen in diamond. purity levels flawless start moving down and very very small (VVS), very slight (VS) and small inclusions (SI).

   3. Carat - The weight of a diamond. One carat equals about 200 milligrams.

   4. Color - In referring to transparent diamonds, the color scale ranges from D to Z, beginning with Icy White - the color of diamonds more expensive transparent - and ending with a light yellow.

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