How do I know I'm buying a quality stone?
This is an important consideration. You should know that the quality of a diamond has nothing to do with size or color alone. But it has everything to do with the 4Cs: Cut, Color Clarity and Carat-weight. These four characteristics are what determine a diamond's quality and value.

CUT: Many people confuse cut with shape. A diamond's cut is what gives it its fire and sparkle. When cut to good proportions, the diamond is better able to handle light, creating more sparkle and scintillation.

COLOR: The best color for a diamond is no color. A totally colorless diamond best allows white light to pass effortlessly through it and be dispersed as rainbows of color. Yes, there are very rare pink, blue and green diamonds. These are known as fancies.

CLARITY: Most diamonds contain very tiny natural birthmarks known as inclusions. However, the fewer and smaller the inclusions are, the less likely it is that they will interfere with the passage of light through the diamond. Diamonds, more than any other gemstone, have the capability to produce the maximum amount of brilliance. Most jewelers have a rating system that will help you understand the clarity of your stone.
 

CARAT-WEIGHT: This is the weight of the diamond measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 points. So a diamond of 75 points weighs .75 carat. Carat weight is the easiest of the 4Cs to determine. But two diamonds of equal weight can have very unequal value, depending on their other characteristics. Fine quality can be found in diamonds of all shapes and sizes. And a fine quality diamond is a little extra weight she'd be pleased to put on.