Diamonds, the hardest known natural material, are often used in jewelry because of their brilliance and durability. When choosing a diamond, there are several factors to consider, including the 4Cs: carat, cut, clarity, and color.
Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, with one carat equaling 200 milligrams. Cut refers to the way the diamond has been shaped and polished, which affects its brilliance and fire. Clarity refers to the number and size of inclusions (imperfections) in the diamond. Color refers to the natural tint of a diamond, with colorless diamonds being the most valuable.