Skip to main content
  • Search
  • Wishlist
  • Account
Gala Jewelers Inc. logo
  • Diamonds
  • Bridal
  • Jewelry
  • Estate
  • Jewelry on Sale
  • Our Brands
    • Allison Kaufman
    • Ania Haie
    • Citizen
    • Gabriel & Co
    • Gabriel & Co Flipbook
    • Gems One
    • HL Manufacturing
    • IDD
    • INOX
    • Lafonn
    • Lashbrook Designs
    • Malo Bands
    • Midas
    • Mixables
    • Overnight
    • Parle
    • Revelation
    • Rhythm of Love
    • Samuel B.
    • TI SENTO - Milano
    • Twogether
  • Our Store
    • About Us
    • Our Staff
    • Our Services
    • Custom Design
    • Gold Buying Guide
    • Financing
  1. Home
  2. The 4Cs of Diamonds

The 4Cs of Diamonds

0.25 Carat

4.1 mm

0.50 Carat

5.0 mm

0.75 Carat

5.8 mm

1.00 Carat

6.5 mm

1.50 Carat

7.4 mm

2.00 Carat

8.2 mm

The Carat Weight

The word carat derives from the word carob, a Mediterranean seed, which has an extremely consistent weight for measuring. The greater the carat weight, the rarer, and more valuable the diamond becomes. Five metric carats weighs exactly 1 gram.

Some people want the largest diamond possible. If size is a priority, we at Gala Jewelers Inc. can help you classify the proper cut, color and clarity to fit your budget economically, and fit your jewelry beautifully. Many of our engagement rings can fit diamonds up to 5.00 carats, but each ring has different size constraints based on its size and the type of setting. Prong settings can be manipulated to fit virtually any size diamond, but tension-set diamonds and bezel set diamonds have more limitations on size.


Too Shallow

Ideal Cut

Too Deep

The Cut

The true definition of cut is the quality of the proportions and symmetry of the diamond. Your diamond's proportions make a vast difference on how brightly your diamond shines. An 'ideal cut' diamond is one that allows the maximum amount of light to return through the top of the diamond, which takes into consideration the depth, table size, crown height and angle, girdle thickness and more. Our diamond professionals will be happy to assist you in selecting the best diamond cut.

After a rough diamond is mined, it is evaluated to determine its best possible cut, in order to maintain the maximum clarity, color, and carat weight. The term 'cut' is often confused with diamond 'shape', such as round brilliant or princess cut.


D

E-F

G-J

K-M

N-R

S-Z

The Color

Diamonds range from colorless to yellow or light brown, and are sometimes found in a spectrum of fancy colors, including yellow, blue, and even red diamonds. The less color, the rarer the diamond.

D - Colorless
E-F - Colorless
G-J - Near Colorless
K-M - Faint Yellow
N-R - Very Light Yellow
S-Z - Light Yellow

After 'Z' on the color scale, diamonds become fancy yellow, which cost more because of their rarity.


F-IF

VVS1-VVS2

VS1-VS2

SI1-SI2

I1

I2-I3

The Clarity

Diamonds are composed of mostly carbon. During the heating process, other elements become trapped inside, giving each diamond its own unique fingerprint. These inclusions help identify the clarity of your diamond.

F - No inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader.
IF - No inclusions and only blemishes are visible to a skilled grader.
VVS1-VVS2 - Inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see.
VS1-VS2 - Inclusions are clearly visible but can be characterized as minor.
SI1-SI2 - Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader.
I1-I3 - Inclusions are obvious and may affect transparency and brilliance.

*All diamonds are viewed through a 10x magnification lens by diamond graders.

The 4Cs of Diamonds
Gala Jewelers Inc.
Gala Jewelers
2001 Lincoln Way
White Oak, PA 15131
(412) 672-9631
Store Information
Hours
Monday:Closed
Tues - Fri:10:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday:10:00am - 3:30pm
Sunday:Closed
Shop Jewelry
  • Engagement
  • Rings
  • Earrings
  • Pendants & Necklaces
  • Bracelets
  • Watches
  • Charms
  • Chains
  • Sterling Silver Jewelry
  • Estate Jewelry
  • Pearl Pendants
  • Gemstone Pendants
  • Silver Pendants
  • Bridal Sets
Collections
  • Allison Kaufman
  • Ania Haie
  • Citizen
  • Gabriel & Co
  • Gabriel & Co Flipbook
  • Gems One
  • HL Manufacturing
  • IDD
  • INOX
  • Lafonn
  • Lashbrook Designs
  • Malo Bands
  • Midas
  • Mixables
  • Overnight
  • Parle
  • Revelation
  • Rhythm of Love
  • Samuel B.
  • TI SENTO - Milano
  • Twogether
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Signup for special offers and discounts.

© 2023 Gala Jewelers Inc.. All Rights Reserved. Website designed, maintained, and hosted by Punchmark. Accessibility Statement.