To make it simple, when it comes to diamonds:
Quality + Beauty = Value.

You may have heard or read somewhere that the value of a diamond is determined by it quality or grade. The fact of the matter is, that while quality is very important to a diamond’s value, it’s real value can’t be determined without considering how it looks to you – the buyer – and whether or not you find its beauty appealing. No matter how high the grade, if you don’t fall in love with the diamond you’re buying, it’s not a good value.

With that said, below are a collection of articles to help you review the quality factors that go into grading a diamond. These factors are collectively known as the four Cs – cut, clarity, color and carat weight.

Diamonds have been graded using the four Cs for about fifty years. The Gemological Institute of America pioneered the system back in the 1950s. The system has steadily gained acceptance worldwide. In fact, every major diamond grading laboratory in the world uses the GIA diamond grading nomenclature or something very similar on the reports they issue.