Understanding the 4C’s (and More):
What to Know Before You Buy a Diamond
If you’re new to diamond shopping, the process can feel intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be! At Joe Kassab Jewelers in Happy Valley, we keep things simple and approachable, starting with the basics: the 4C’s — Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat.
These four qualities help you understand a diamond’s value and beauty. You don’t need to memorize the details — we’ll guide you through it in-store. Here’s a quick preview of what we’ll explore together:
Color
Diamonds naturally range from completely colorless to warm shades of yellow or brown, graded from D (colorless) to Z (light color).
- D–F: Icy white and highly sought after
- G–J: Near colorless, excellent value
- K and beyond: Noticeable warmth
Joe Kassab Jewelers Tip: We often recommend F–H color diamonds. They offer great beauty without the premium price.
Clarity
Clarity refers to what’s inside the diamond — tiny internal features called inclusions. Most can’t be seen without magnification, and some customers love knowing their diamond has its own "fingerprint."
Clarity grades range from:
- FL–IF: No visible inclusions under magnification
- VVS1–VVS2: Inclusions only seen under a microscope
- VS1–VS2: Inclusions hard to find with a loupe
- SI1–SI2: Small inclusions visible under magnification
- I1–I3: Inclusions visible to the naked eye
Joe Kassab Jewelers Tip: We find VS2 to SI2 offers the best balance of clarity and value.
Cut
Cut determines how well a diamond reflects light — aka sparkle! Light should enter the top (table), bounce off the inner facets, and return through the top. Poor cuts allow light to escape out the sides or bottom.
- Ideal: Best light performance
- Very Good: Great sparkle with slight variations
- Shallow or Deep: Can reduce brilliance significantly
Joe Kassab Jewelers Tip: A well-cut diamond can outshine a heavier one. It’s where the magic really happens.
Carat
Carat refers to weight, not size. A well-cut diamond may appear larger than a heavier, poorly cut one.
Joe Kassab Jewelers Tip: Bigger isn’t always better. We’ll help you find the perfect balance of size, brilliance, and budget.
Natural & Lab-Grown Diamonds
At Joe Kassab Jewelers, we offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds — available to view as loose stones in-store. Both are real diamonds, and both can be used in custom designs.
What makes us different? We also offer full trade-ins and trade-ups for both lab and natural diamonds — something most jewelers don’t.
- Bought a lab-grown or natural diamond from us? You can trade it in later and apply its full value—doubled—toward the purchase of your next diamond.
- Want to trade lab for natural? We can do that too.
- Exclusions may apply to special orders.
Whether you’re choosing your first stone or upgrading, we’ll help you understand every option.
Want to See the 4C's in Action?
There’s no need to memorize the details. When you visit, we’ll walk you through the 4C’s in person. We’ll compare real diamonds side-by-side, letting you use a loupe, and helping you understand what gives each stone its unique value.
You don’t have to come in knowing it all. Just come in. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
Stop by Joe Kassab Jewelers at Clackamas Town Center and let us make diamonds make sense.