In some ways, buying a diamond is like buying most things ' you'll make a better decision if you take the time to do at least a little homework. How much research did you do before you bought your golf clubs or your car? Now that your gears are turning, take a minute to learn about the "Four Cs." A diamond's value is determined by a combination of four qualities. The value of each quality and its concert with the other three is what makes every diamond as unique as the woman who wears it.

Understanding these four basic diamond qualities will ensure you select a diamond that is as stunning and individual as she is.

Cut

The cut of a diamond quite literally means how the diamond is physically cut. There are several popular finished diamond shapes ' round, oval, and pear ' just to name a few. These shapes are made by cutting the diamond. These cuts not only form the stone's shape, they create the facets. The more facets, or cuts, a diamond has, the greater the play of light that distinguishes a stone's brilliance.

Color

The term "color" is a bit of a misnomer. In the world of diamonds a lack of color, or transparency, is usually what is desired. Diamonds are made when carbon is subjected to extreme heat and pressure (think Superman making one by squeezing a lump of coal). A diamond of 100% carbon will be totally clear. Impurities can enter the equation and cause the diamond to be yellowish. Generally, the more yellow a diamond, the less valuable it is. This grade of yellowness is measured on a color scale from D to Z with D being "white" or completely transparent. Some impurities are actually desirable as they cause a diamond to appear blue, red, pink, or violet. Such diamonds are quite valuable as they are exceedingly rare.

Clarity

Every diamond, no matter how valuable, has tiny internal specks or imperfections that are called "inclusions." Diamonds with almost no inclusions are at the top of the scale and are termed "flawless." As you might expect, the greater a diamond's clarity is, the greater its value will be.

Carat Weight

Carat is simply a unit of weight measurement. One carat is approximately 200 milligrams (or about 1/5 the weight of a paper clip). The more carats a diamond has, the more valuable it is.