Buying a diamond can be a big decision - so make sure it’s an informed decision. Cut, color, clarity, and carat are essential standardized measures to understand any diamond’s value. However, unlike with white diamonds, the value of colored diamonds is determined primarily by the intensity and saturation of color: diamonds with a more intense or deeper color are more rare, and thus more valuable.

The second most important factor in determining colored diamond prices is the carat, the measure of a diamond's weight. As large gems occur much more rarely in nature than smaller stones, the larger the size and higher the carat, the more valuable a diamond is.

Finding large colored diamonds is even more rare, and colored diamond prices rise exponentially with an increase in carat. Clarity, which refers to the level of imperfections or inclusions in the diamond, is also a significant indicator of the stone’s value.

A diamond’s cut, the final of the 4 Cs used to assess the value of stones, is measured differently for white diamonds and for natural colored diamonds. While white diamonds are cut to emphasize their brilliance or sparkle, colored diamonds are cut to maximize their color.

Our diamond guides will help you understand the unique characteristics, values, prices, and investment opportunities to ensure the diamond you buy is the one perfect for you.