Introduction: Your Guide to Diamond Quality
Whether you're shopping for an engagement ring or a timeless piece of fine jewelry, understanding the 4Cs: Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat is essential. These four attributes determine a diamond's beauty, rarity, and value.
Let’s break down what each C means and how it affects your decision, especially when shopping for a lab-grown diamond.
Cut: The Sparkle Factor
What it is: Cut refers to how well a diamond has been shaped and faceted, not its shape (like round or oval).
Why it matters: A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, creating brilliance, fire, and scintillation. In other words: sparkle.
Yoona Tip: Always prioritize cut over the other Cs. An excellent cut can make even a smaller diamond shine brighter than a larger, poorly cut one.
Clarity: The Purity of the Stone
What it is: Clarity measures the presence of internal inclusions and surface blemishes.
Grading Scale (GIA):
- Flawless (FL)
- Internally Flawless (IF)
- Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2)
- Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2)
- Slightly Included (SI1, SI2)
- Included (I1, I2, I3)
Yoona Tip: We recommend VS1 or better for a clean, eye-visible diamond that still offers excellent value.
Color: Icy White or Warm Hue?
What it is: Color refers to the absence of color in a diamond. The less color, the more valuable (with exceptions for fancy colors).
Grading Scale (D to Z):
- D, E, F: Colorless
- G, H, I, J: Near Colorless
- K and below: Noticeable warmth
Yoona Tip: D–F offers the whitest brilliance. G–H can offer value with minimal visible difference, especially in warm metal settings.
Carat: Size and Weight
What it is: Carat refers to a diamond’s weight, not its physical size. One carat equals 0.2 grams.
Important Note: A heavier diamond doesn’t always look bigger, if it's poorly cut, it may appear smaller than a well-cut lighter stone.
Yoona Tip: Don’t get stuck on the number. Choose the size that fits your style and budget, while maximizing cut and sparkle.
How the 4Cs Work Together
Think of the 4Cs like ingredients in a recipe. Each one contributes to the final result. The best diamond isn’t necessarily the highest in every category, it’s the one that’s balanced to your taste, budget, and aesthetic.
Why the 4Cs Matter with Lab-Grown Diamonds
The 4Cs apply to lab-grown diamonds just like mined ones. All Yoona diamonds are certified and graded by IGI or GIA, ensuring transparency and quality.
We apply strict standards to every stone we offer, only the top 3% make it into our collection.
Final Thought: Knowledge Is Power (and Sparkle)
Understanding the 4Cs puts you in control. It helps you make a confident, informed choice and ensures you’re investing in something that truly shines.
If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember: start with cut, then balance the rest based on what matters most to you.
