When determining the value of a diamond, the appraisal changes depending on the diamond's color, clarity, cut, finish, polish, and shape. The 4Cs are used worldwide to determine the value and quality of diamonds.

Color

While colorless diamonds are the most highly valued, those with a yellowish hue are relatively less expensive. DEF diamonds are highly valued due to their colorless transparency, whereas the GHIJ category is nearly colorless, KLM has a barely noticeable yellow tint, NOPQR has a slight yellow color, and STUVWXYZ is a faint yellow, resulting in a lower valuation. Diamonds are not only white but also come in 12 other colors, including red, yellow, orange, green, blue, pink, purple, brown, gray, and black. These colored diamonds are specially categorized as FANCY DIAMONDS and are sold at high prices.

Clarity

The value of a diamond increases depending on its clarity and absence of flaws, spots, inclusions, or fractures. Flawless diamonds are very clear and pure. VVS, or very very slight, indicates imperceptible flaws. VS (very slight) appears flawless to the naked eye, while S (slight) and I (included) categories have visible flaws, spots, or fractures. Flawless diamonds are extremely rare and very expensive globally. In jewelry, classifications above VS1 are considered high-grade, while I1-VS2 are average, and diamonds below the I2 classification are considered below average or economic in value.

Cut

Not only for diamonds, but for any stone, how it is cut directly affects its brilliance and perceived value. Cutting too deep, too shallow, or unevenly reduces the stone's value. The shape (round cut, princess cut, radiant cut, emerald cut, pear, heart, etc.) and the type of cut also influence its appraisal. Cuts are rated as Excellent, Very good, Good, Fair, or Poor. In the 21st century, relying on technology, diamonds can be cut perfectly and flawlessly using laser methods. Furthermore, machines can now appraise diamonds and automatically suggest the shape, form, and cut that will yield the highest rating.

Carat / Carat

Carat refers to weight, not size. Two diamonds of the same carat weight may appear to be different sizes if one is cut deeper than the other. In other words, it is important to note that carat weight does not necessarily indicate size.

One carat is 200 mg, or 0.20 grams. Due to the fact that one carat of natural diamond is extracted from 250 tons of rock, its cost is high. The largest diamond ever found on Earth weighed 3106 carats, or 6.12 kg, and was first discovered in 1902 at the Cullinan mine in South Africa.