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When you’re sealed in the temple for time and all eternity, your engagement and wedding rings become more than just jewelry—they’re daily reminders of your sacred commitment.

But how do you choose a diamond that truly fits the beauty and symbolism of your covenant?

It all starts with understanding the 4 C’s—cut, color, clarity, and carat. These four elements determine how a diamond looks and how much it costs. Learning what each means will help you make a confident, informed decision before saying yes to the ring that will shine with you through your journey together.

Cut: Where Brilliance Begins

Out of all the C’s, cut has the biggest impact on how a diamond sparkles.

But here’s the surprise—cut isn’t the same as shape. Shape refers to the outer outline (like round, oval, or princess), while cut describes how many facets are in the diamond and how well they reflect light.

Some popular cuts include:

• Round brilliant: known for maximum sparkle

• Princess: modern and elegant

• Oval or marquise: flattering shapes that make the diamond look bigger

Cut quality is ranked from Ideal (the top) to Poor. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully and feels alive. A poorly cut one? Even a large carat weight won’t help it look radiant. So if you're on a budget, prioritize a great cut over size—you’ll thank yourself every time it catches the light.

Color: More Than Meets the Eye

Most “white” diamonds actually have some tint—usually yellow or brown. The less color a diamond has, the more rare (and expensive) it is.

Diamonds are graded on this scale:

• D-F – Colorless (rare and brilliant)

• G-J – Near colorless (a great budget-friendly sweet spot)

• K-M – Faint color visible to most eyes

• N-Z – Noticeable color

Fun fact: sparkly cuts like the round brilliant can mask color better, while large or step-cut stones (like emerald) show color more clearly. So your ideal color may depend on the style you love most.

Clarity: Tiny Imperfections, Big Decisions?

Nearly every diamond has microscopic imperfections—nature’s little fingerprints. Clarity measures how many of these “inclusions” and “blemishes” appear under 10x magnification.

The clarity scale includes:

• FL (Flawless) – no visible flaws inside or out

• IF (Internally Flawless) – flawless on the inside

• VVS, VS, SI – varying degrees of small, often invisible marks

• I1, I2, I3 (Included) – visible inclusions, may affect brilliance

Here’s the good news: clarity has the least impact on a diamond’s appearance to the naked eye. You might save a lot by choosing a lower clarity grade that still looks perfect to you!

Carat: Weight vs. Wow Factor

Carat is the measurement of a diamond’s weight. One carat equals 200 milligrams. But remember—carat isn’t the same as size.

Depending on how a diamond is cut, one might look larger than another with the same carat weight!

Price usually jumps at every half-carat mark (0.50, 1.00, etc.), so a 0.47-carat diamond might cost significantly less than a 0.50-carat stone—yet look almost identical.

Pro tip: If you want more sparkle for your dollar, consider a cluster ring or halo design that makes smaller stones look grander.

Never Buy Without a Diamond Report

Before you purchase, ask for a Diamond Grading Report—sometimes called a certificate. This verifies the 4 C’s and confirms the diamond’s quality and authenticity.

Top grading organizations include:

• GIA – Gemological Institute of America

• EGL – European Gemological Laboratory

• IGI – International Gemological Institute

Each report includes unique identifiers and lab-certified data so you can be confident in what you’re buying. If a jeweler refuses to provide a report… walk away.

A Symbol of Eternity, Chosen with Care

Your ring is more than a diamond. It’s a symbol of forever love, eternal promises, and the beginning of your life together.

By understanding the 4 C’s, you’re not just choosing a stone—you’re selecting something meaningful, personal, and full of light. Just like your relationship.