[Mark O]

Originally Posted by Rocman

The 4 C's: Carat, Color, Clarity, Cut.

Color: D, E, & F are colorless. Those would be the best choices, but even G, & H diamonds are OK.

Carat: Obviously, that is preference and budget.

Clarity: Another preference. If it is for a ring, VVS or VS would be a good choice. SI or I is not a good choice for a ring. Of course IF is best, if you can find it and afford it.

Cut: Preference again. Round is the most brilliant of all cuts. The more facets the diamond has, the more it will sparkle. Ideal "Hearts & Arrows" cut is freakin amazing.

Always take a diamond out of the store and look at it in natural light. Certified diamonds are also better to get. If it is not certified, then you can almost guarantee that the grading it has is not accurate and usually graded a step or two higher than it should be.

My personal preference when buying diamonds is D or E, Ideal cut, VS or better.

When it comes to carats, Rocman sure knows his onions!