When shopping for a diamond or moissanite, the most important tool in your toolbox is understanding the 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. These four characteristics determine a stone’s overall quality, beauty, and value. At Scott Bonomo Diamond Setting, we believe that an informed client is an empowered one—so here’s everything you need to know.
Cut: The Sparkle Factor
Contrary to what many believe, cut doesn’t refer to shape (like round or oval)—it refers to how well a diamond or moissanite has been faceted and proportioned to reflect light.
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Excellent cut stones deliver maximum brilliance and fire.
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A poorly cut stone, even with high clarity or carat, will appear dull.
✨ We specialize in precision-set stones to ensure the cut brings out the full brilliance of your center gem.
Color: Pure vs. Warm Tones
Diamond color is graded from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The less color present, the higher the grade—and the rarer and more valuable the diamond.
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Colorless (D-F): Premium brilliance and icy white tones.
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Near-colorless (G-J): Excellent value and still visually stunning.
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Moissanite naturally tends to be in the colorless range, making it an affordable and beautiful alternative.
🌟 Want a vintage vibe? Slightly warmer tones (J-K) pair beautifully with yellow gold settings.
Clarity: Inside the Stone
Clarity refers to inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (surface flaws). Most imperfections are microscopic and don’t affect beauty—only price.
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Flawless (FL): No visible imperfections under 10x magnification.
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VS1–VS2: Very slight inclusions, invisible to the naked eye.
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SI1–SI2: Slight inclusions that may be visible on close inspection.
💡 We help you find the perfect balance—eye-clean stones that maximize beauty and value.
Carat: Size & Weight
Carat is the measurement of a stone’s weight, not its size—but the two are closely related.
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One carat = 200 milligrams
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Two diamonds can have the same carat but look different in size depending on cut and shape
🔍 Pro tip: A well-cut 0.90 carat stone can appear as large as a 1.00 carat—at a more attractive price.
The Scott Bonomo Diamond Setting Advantage
We guide every client through the 4Cs to ensure you make a confident, informed choice—whether you’re designing a custom engagement ring or selecting a pair of elegant earrings. We also offer lab-grown diamonds and moissanite, giving you high-quality sparkle without compromise.
Ready to find your forever stone?
Visit scottbonomodiamondsetting.com or schedule a private consultation to experience the 4Cs up close and personal.