The most important thing to remember about the 4Cs — cut, color, clarity, and carat weight — is that one rule does not apply to all diamonds. Select your diamond shape and engagement ring setting first to know which of the 4Cs to prioritize. Cut A high quality diamond cut is important as it will affect how light enters and exits a diamond. We encourage customers to select an Excellent cut for all diamond engagement ring shapes, or Ideal and Ideal + Hearts for Rounds, for maximum shine. Color Diamond color is graded on the absence of color. Colorless diamonds are ideal for those wanting a platinum or white gold engagement ring setting that will not imbue the diamond with additional color. For yellow or rose gold settings, Near Colorless diamonds are a wonderful choice. Clarity Clarity measures the visual purity of a diamond and takes inclusions and blemishes into account. Very, very slightly included (VVS) or Very slightly included (VS) diamonds feature inclusions that are invisible to the naked eye. These grades are a wonderful choice for your engagement ring. Carat Carat refers to a diamond’s weight. Certain shapes maximize carats, making a stone appear larger than its weight. Engagement rings featuring Marquise, Pear, Emerald, and Oval shaped diamonds tend to look bigger on the finger than a Round Brilliant diamond that weighs the same.