The four most popular factors used to measure diamond quality are cut, carat, colour and clarity. De Beers introduced this set of criteria to consumers in 1939 in order to provide consumers with a reference for evaluating diamonds.

Nature dictates the characteristics of color, clarity and carat, while cut is directly influenced by humans. Although the 4Cs provide scientific guidelines for evaluating diamond quality, they do not necessarily measure diamond beauty.

Cut

Carat

Colour

Clarity

Diamond Facts

Most people are unaware of the role diamonds play in bringing real benefits to people in the countries around the world where diamonds are sourced. Nowhere is this more evident than in Africa. It is also in Africa that this same resource has been used to fund conflict. In 2000, a coalition of governments, non-governmental organizations and the diamond industry worked together to address this issue. In 2002, they established the Kimberley Process Certification System, a UN-backed process that has virtually eliminated the trade in conflict diamonds. Today, over 99% of the world's supply of diamonds is from sources free of conflict. Diamondfacts.org is dedicated to presenting the facts about conflict diamonds, along with how diamonds are driving economic growth and prosperity in countries around the world.