When shopping for a diamond, it is generally preferred to choose a stone with the least amount of color possible. Diamond color is graded on a scale from D-Z and is divided into five broad categories (colorless, near colorless, faint, very light and light).

The cut of a diamond not only refers to the diamond’s shape, it also refers to how effectively the diamond returns light back to the viewer’s eye. A well-cut diamond will appear very brilliant and fiery, while a poorly cut diamond can appear dark and lifeless, regardless of its color or clarity.

The clarity of diamonds refers to an assessment of small surface characteristics called blemishes and/or internal characteristics called inclusions. Clarity is often the least important consideration when buying a diamond because most inclusions are microscopic and not seen to the untrained, unaided eye.