The 4Cs Explained: How to Read a Diamond Report

Not All Diamonds Are Created Equal

If you’ve ever shopped for a diamond, you’ve probably heard the jeweler talk about the four C’s — cut, color, clarity, and carat. They likely mentioned why these factors are important, but have you ever really taken a moment to understand what's important to you when it comes to your diamond?

Today, we’re doing a quick crash course on the 4Cs of diamonds and what makes a diamond truly valuable! Not just so you don't get scammed, but also so you can get something she really loves! That's what it's all about, after all!

A diamond certificate (or report) is the document that comes with your lab-grown diamond. It outlines everything you need to know about your stone — including its cut, carat weight, color, and clarity. You’ll also see a report number at the top, usually starting with “LG” followed by a set of numbers. That same number is laser-inscribed onto your diamond (so tiny you can barely see it even with a professional tool!). This ensures the diamond matches the report exactly — and provides verification and transparency.

Cut

“Cut” refers to how well a diamond is shaped and polished — not the shape itself, but the quality of how it was made. A well-cut diamond reflects the light well, creating that sparkle everyone loves.

If a diamond isn't cut well, it won’t shine nearly as bright, even if it has great color or clarity. Here at Direct Diamonds, we only sell excellent-cut diamonds! With lab-grown diamonds, getting that level of precision is totally possible with the technology available, so there’s no reason to settle for less.

Color

Diamond color is graded on a scale from D to Z:

• D–F: Colorless (brightest, most rare)

• G–J: Near colorless

• K–M: Faint yellow

• N–R: Very light yellow

• S–Z: Light yellow

Colorless diamonds are typically the most valuable, but beauty is subjective. Some people actually prefer the warmer color. Look at images of both to see what you prefer!

Good news! Again, lab-grown diamonds often have great color quality because they’re formed in controlled conditions rather than deep underground. This makes them both stunning and affordable. When shopping lab grown, you will have the price flexibility to really get what you want!

Clarity

1.91 Carat, D Color, VS1 Clarity, Marquise

Clarity refers to how “clean” a diamond is—basically, how many tiny imperfections (called inclusions or blemishes) it has. Inclusions are natural marks inside the diamond, such as small crystals, gas bubbles, or fractures.

These imperfections are usually only seen with a microscope. They don’t affect the sparkle unless they’re large or poorly positioned.

We recommend diamonds in the VVS1–VVS2 range (Very, Very Slightly Included), Even VS1-Vs2 can be good. Going higher in clarity (like Flawless) doesn’t usually change the visible beauty—and it raises the price a ton. Why waste the money for something you can't see?

Your diamond report will also show a diagram with small marks showing where inclusions are located. It’s fascinating to look at, but remember: most of these imperfections are invisible to the naked eye, so don't fret if you can see it on paper. It can be helpful to look at a video of the diamond itself, like this one shown here. You will be able to see if the diamond is eye clean easier this way. At Direct Diamonds we always include this as part of the buying experience, becuase you deseerve to see what you are getting, literally.

Carat

Carat measures weight, not size. Two diamonds can both weigh 1 carat but look different depending on their cut proportions.

If you’re buying a larger diamond (like 3 or 5 carats), pay attention to how the weight is distributed. A diamond with more weight toward the top (the “table”) often looks larger and more balanced.

Pro tip: Diamond prices jump at full carat marks (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, etc.). Buying just below—say, 0.9 carat instead of 1.0—can save you hundreds, plus it's going to look nearly identical.

And if you’re buying through Direct Diamonds, you’ll save even more because our prices are wholesale, not retail. Lab-grown diamonds aren’t rare to produce, which allows us to pass on those savings directly to our customers.

Certification

Diamond certificates matter. They’re your diamond’s proof of authenticity and quality.

Most lab-grown diamonds are certified by either GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute). GIA is often seen as the stricter grading lab, but both are respected.

Keep your certificate in a safe place—it’s your diamond’s official identity card.

In Conclusion

When buying a diamond, understanding the 4Cs helps you decide what’s most important to you—whether it’s sparkle, size, or value. Once you know how to read a diamond report, you’ll feel confident and empowered to shop smarter.

If you want to learn more or see how much you can save buying diamonds wholesale, click here to contact us. You can also find more of our diamond content on Instagram and Facebook.

Thanks for reading—and happy diamond hunting!

-Braylee