What are the four Cs of diamond evaluation, and how are they used to determine a diamond's value?

The four Cs of diamond evaluation are cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. These factors are used by diamond graders and jewelers to determine a diamond's quality and value.

1. Cut: The cut of a diamond refers to the way it has been shaped and the proportions of its various facets. A well-cut diamond will reflect light in such a way as to maximize its brilliance, fire, and sparkle. A poorly cut diamond will appear dull and lifeless. The cut is often considered the most important factor in determining a diamond's beauty.
2. Color: The color of a diamond is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (yellow or brown). The less color a diamond has, the more valuable it is considered to be. Diamonds with a higher color grade will also tend to appear more brilliant and reflective.
3. Clarity: The clarity of a diamond refers to the number and type of flaws, or inclusions, that are present in the stone. These can include tiny specks of other minerals, cracks, or bubbles. A diamond with fewer inclusions is considered to be of higher quality and value.
4. Carat weight: The carat weight of a diamond refers to how much it weighs, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams. Generally, larger diamonds are more valuable than smaller ones, but the other Cs also play a significant role in determining a diamond's value.

These four factors are often used in combination to determine a diamond's overall quality and value. A high-quality diamond will have excellent ratings in all four areas, while a lower-quality diamond may have lower ratings in one or more areas. Understanding the four Cs can help buyers make informed decisions when purchasing diamonds, and can also help sellers accurately price and market their diamonds.