Home / Diamonds Guide
Diamonds Guide
Choosing a diamond is a matter of balance. The four characteristics below — the “4 Cs” — determine how a stone looks, performs and is valued.
Carat
Carat measures a diamond’s weight — one carat equals 0.20 grams. Two stones of equal carat can differ greatly in value depending on their clarity, color and cut.
Clarity
Clarity grades describe the presence of internal inclusions and external blemishes, viewed under 10× magnification.
| Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| IF | Internally Flawless — no inclusions visible under 10× magnification |
| VVS1 / VVS2 | Very, very slightly included — extremely difficult to detect |
| VS1 / VS2 | Very slightly included — minor inclusions, invisible to the naked eye |
| SI1 / SI2 | Slightly included — noticeable under magnification |
Color
White diamonds are graded from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). The closer to D, the rarer the stone.
Cut
Cut is the only characteristic shaped entirely by human hands — and the one with the greatest impact on brilliance. From Round Brilliant to Oval, Pear and Trillion, each cut interacts differently with light.
All Luisant gold jewelry and stones are accompanied by an IGL certificate. Diamonds over 0.30ct carry GIA certification.