4Cs of Diamond Quality: Diamond Color Grading by GIA. GIA created the 4Cs of diamond quality, the universal standard for assessing diamond value. Diamond color grading of most gem-quality colorless diamonds is based on the absence of color. A truly colorless diamond has no hue, and therefore a higher value. As the industry's most widely accepted diamond color grading system, GIA’s diamond D-to-Z color-grading system assesses the degree of colorlessness by comparing a stone under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions against masterstones of established color value. The scale begins with the letter D, representing colorless, and continues, with increasing presence of color, to the letter Z. Let GIA help guide you through the D-to-Z diamond color-grading scale with this one-minute video, which features tools like a diamond color chart and more.

Color – How White Is White?

Clarity – Nature’s Fingerprints

Cut – The Sparkle Factor

Cut – The Sparkle Factor

Carat – Size and Weight

These short video from GIA clearly explains how the 4 Cs affect a diamond’s beauty and value.

At D’or Jewelry, we proudly work with GIA-graded diamonds and are always happy to explain the 4 Cs in person.