THE 4 C’s

Diamonds are one of the most sought-after gemstones, celebrated for their brilliance, durability, and timeless beauty. Whether you're shopping for an engagement ring or simply want to understand what makes a diamond valuable, learning the 4Cs - Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight - is essential. This guide will walk you through the key factors that determine a diamond’s quality and value, helping you to make an informed decision when choosing the perfect diamond.

CARAT

'Carat' is the measurement of the physical weight of the diamond. Many confuse carat weight with the actual size, however, how large a diamond looks is actually a combination of the weight and how it is cut (if the table, the top facet, is larger or smaller).

CLARITY

'Clarity' focuses on the inclusions within a diamond and their visibility. Diamonds with fewer inclusions are more rare and can have signficantly more value. The clarity of a diamond is graded on a scale from 'Flawless' (FL) to 'Imperfect 3' (I3).

COLOR

'Color' is actually measuring the absence of color, in other words, how white is the diamond. The color is graded on GIA’s 'D-to-Z' system, D being colorless and gradually moving toward noticeable color which comes from natural sediments that are found within the earth.

CUT

'Cut' is how the diamond was cut. The better the cut, the more the shine, the fewer inclusions visible and the more brilliant the diamond. The cut of a diamond is graded based on a scale from 'Excellent' to 'Poor', and is the most important measurement for overall beauty of the diamond.

Natural vs Lab-Grown Diamonds

What Are The Differences?

Diamonds come in two forms—natural and lab-grown—but how do they compare? While both share the same stunning beauty and physical properties, their origins, rarity, and pricing set them apart. Understanding these differences can help you decide which type of diamond best fits your style, values, and budget. Explore the key distinctions between natural and lab-grown diamonds.

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DIAMOND CERTIFICATION

Not all grading labs are created equally. Some apply more lenient standards, leading to inflated grades and overvalued diamonds. That’s why industry professionals - jewelers, insurers, and banks - trust GIA (Gemological Institute of America). As the world’s foremost authority on diamond grading, GIA sets the strictest standards, ensuring accuracy and protecting buyers from misleading assessments.

At Genesis Diamonds, we offer GIA-certified diamonds - because when it comes to quality and transparency, nothing else compares.

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ABOUT

GENESIS DIAMONDS

Since opening in 2005, Genesis Diamonds has become the region’s leading jewelry retailer. With the largest selection of high-quality diamond jewelry from world-renowned designers and unmatched customer service, it’s no surprise we’ve been voted the Best Jewelry Store and The Best Place to Buy an Engagement Ring for 15 years and counting.

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