When purchasing a diamond, it is imperative to understand the 4 C’s—Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat weight. These characteristics determine the diamond's value and quality, aiding you in making an informed decision. Here, we provide an in-depth explanation of each of these aspects to guide you comprehensively.

Cut

The cut of a diamond pertains to the precision with which its facets interact with light. This is the most critical factor in determining a diamond’s brilliance and sparkle. Even with perfect colour and clarity, a poorly cut diamond may appear lacklustre. The cut is assessed on a scale ranging from Excellent to Poor. An excellently cut diamond reflects light internally from one facet to another, dispersing and reflecting it through the top of the gemstone, thus achieving maximum brilliance and fire.

Colour

Colour is the second most significant characteristic to consider. Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). A truly colourless diamond is exceedingly rare. The lesser the colour, the higher the diamond's value. Diamonds in the D to F range are considered colourless, while those in the G to J range are nearly colourless and may appear colourless to the naked eye. Understanding this grading scale can assist you in selecting a diamond that balances both quality and budget.

Clarity

Clarity evaluates the number, size, and location of internal 'inclusions' and external 'blemishes.' The clarity scale ranges from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions and/or blemishes visible to the naked eye). Although no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes to this ideal, the greater its value. Inclusions can impact the diamond’s brilliance and durability, making it essential to consider this factor when making your purchase.

Carat Weight

Carat weight measures the diamond's size, with one carat equalling 200 milligrams. While carat weight influences the price, it is crucial to balance it with the other C’s to ensure the acquisition of a well-rounded diamond. Larger diamonds are rarer and thus more valuable, but a smaller, excellently cut diamond may be more desirable than a larger one with inferior colour or clarity.