April 8, 2026 · 6 min read
Understanding the 4Cs of a diamond — Carat, Color, Clarity, Cut
The four criteria that drive a diamond’s value, explained simply by a Tel Aviv diamond dealer.
Every diamond dealer uses the 4Cs — Carat, Color, Clarity, Cut — to appraise a diamond. Here is what each means and how each affects the buying price.
Carat (weight)
One carat equals 0.2 g. At equal quality, the price per carat rises more than linearly as weight increases.
Color
GIA scale D (colourless) → Z (yellowish). D, E, F are "colourless"; G, H, I are "near-colourless"; from J-K the tint becomes perceptible.
Clarity
IF → I3. VS1 and VS2 offer the best price/quality ratio.
Cut
Often underestimated. Yet it defines the brilliance. Scale: Excellent → Poor. An Excellent cut can partially offset a slightly weaker color or clarity.
