When choosing a diamond, you need to know the 4 C's:

Carat

A diamond's size is measured in carat weight. The larger a diamond, the more rare it is.

• Each carat is equal to 100 points.
• A .75 carat diamond is the same as a 75-point diamond or a 3/4 carat stone.
• Diamonds of the same carat size may vary widely in value and brilliance, depending on their qualities of clarity, cut, and color.

Clarity

Natural diamonds contain identifying characteristics, yet many are invisible to the naked eye.

Under the scrutiny of a jeweler's 10x-magnifying loupe or microscope, natural phenomena -- called inclusions -- may be seen. These are nature's birthmarks, and they may look like tiny crystals, clouds, or feathers. The number, color, type, size and position of surface and internal inclusions affect a diamond's value.

Diamonds categorized as internally flawless reveal no such inclusions. Flawless stones are treasured for their rarity and beauty.

The larger the inclusion, the lower the grade and the less rare the diamond is. Major inclusions can interfere with the path of light traveling through a diamond, diminishing its brilliance and sparkle and therefore its value.

Color

The more pure a diamond's color, the more rare it is. Diamonds are graded by color, starting with D for colorless and continuing through the alphabet increasing in obvious color. While many diamonds appear colorless, they may actually have subtle yellow or brown tones.

"Fancy" diamonds -- in well defined colors that include red, pink, blue, green and canary yellow -- are highly prized and particularly rare.

Cut

A well cut or faceted diamond, regardless of its shape, scintillates with fire and light -- offering the greatest brilliance and value.

While nature determines a diamond's clarity, carat weight and color, the hand of a master craftsman is necessary to release its fire, sparkle and beauty. When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light will reflect from one mirror-like facet to another and disperse through the top of the stone, resulting in a display of brilliance and fire. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow lose light that spills through the side or bottom. As a result, poorly cut stones will be less brilliant and beautiful.

And one more important "C"....

Certification

A diamond certification is an independent grading report of a diamond. A grading report scientifically analyzes the Carat weight, Clarity, Color, Measurements, and Proportions, and gives you a plot of the diamond's characteristics. From a certificate or grading report, any gemologist can positively identify your diamond. Two of the most highly regarded independent grading laboratories in the world are the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.) and the European Gemological Laboratory (E.G.L.). These institutions issue written documentation of the diamond's quality.

All diamonds purchased by Studio J Jewelry are certified and adhere to the Kimberly Process. For more information on Conflict Diamonds and the Kimberly Process, please visit www.diamondfacts.org.