Cut
The proportions, symmetry and polish that influence how a diamond interacts with light. Shape describes its outline, such as round or oval.
THE KARATS GUIDE
Your guide to diamonds.
Understand the details, compare your options and find what matters to you. Start with the 4Cs, then explore diamond origins, grading reports and metals.
01 / THE ESSENTIALS
Start with the 4Cs
Four characteristics help describe a diamond. Consider them together, alongside its shape, measurements and how it looks to you.
Color
The D–Z scale describes the amount of color in the normal diamond color range, from colorless to light color.
Clarity
A measure of internal inclusions and surface blemishes, assessed at 10× magnification. Review the individual stone as well as its grade.
Carat
Carat measures weight: 1 ct equals 0.2 grams. Compare dimensions too; diamonds of equal weight can look different in size.
Explore color & clarity grades
Use these categories to read a report. A diamond’s appearance also depends on the individual stone, its setting and the lighting.
Color
- D–F
- Colorless
- G–J
- Near colorless
- K–M
- Faint color
- N–R
- Very light color
- S–Z
- Light color
Clarity
- FL / IF
- Flawless / internally flawless
- VVS1 / VVS2
- Very, very slightly included
- VS1 / VS2
- Very slightly included
- SI1 / SI2
- Slightly included
- I1 / I2 / I3
- Included
02 / DIAMOND ORIGINS
Natural or laboratory-grown
Both are diamonds, with essentially the same chemical, physical and optical properties. Their growth origins differ; specialist testing can distinguish them.
Natural diamonds
- Formed through geological processes within the earth.
- Individual stones vary in color, clarity and other characteristics.
- Check the report for natural origin and any treatments.
Laboratory-grown diamonds
- Created using a controlled technological process.
- Share the essential material properties of natural diamonds.
- Check the laboratory-grown disclosure and the specific assessment supplied.
03 / GRADING REPORTS
Know what you are looking at
A laboratory report describes a particular diamond. The information supplied depends on the laboratory and report type.
Report formats can differ. GIA uses Premium and Standard assessments for eligible colorless-to-near-colorless laboratory-grown diamonds. Read GIA’s guidance.
Issuing laboratory
Check who issued the report and use that laboratory’s own verification service.
Report number
Match the report details to the stone. If a laser inscription is present, ask to check it too.
Stone details
Review the shape, weight, measurements and quality information listed on that report.
Origin & treatments
Read the origin disclosure and any treatment comments instead of relying on appearance alone.
04 / METAL PURITY
Get to know your metal
Karat describes the gold content in an alloy, on a scale of 24 parts. It is different from carat, which measures diamond weight.