The Four C’s

If you’re looking for a simple and trustful guide to diamonds you’re on the right page.

The jewellery experts at Diamond Boutique have put together a guide about everything you need to know for that all-important purchase.

Let’s start off with the basics, the Four C’s.

Cut

The cut of a diamond is the most essential feature to consider when it comes to choosing a diamond and plays a large part in determining the price of a diamond. This cut is usually confused with the either the physical shape of a diamond or the type of cut process uses.

In reality the cut of a diamond refers to how well the finished diamond has been cut form its rough forms. If done correctly, the cut will determine the brilliance, fire and scintillation reflected by the diamond. In simple terms, the better the cut, the more it will sparkle.

Cut too shallow

Cut too perfection

Cut too deep

 

Clarity

The clarity of your diamond plays a big part in determining the quality and therefore price of your diamond. Diamond clarity is graded according to the inclusions in the stone. The size, amount, positioning and visibility of the inclusions determine the rank of the diamond in the GIA clarity scale.

The scale ranges from F (Flawless) to I (Included), with a total of 11 grades. Any diamond that is graded between IF and I would require a magnification to view the inclusions. To sum it up, the more inclusions there are, the less expensive the diamond will be.

 

 

Colour

Although diamonds look colourless to the clueless eye, they normally contain tints of yellow and sometimes brown. GIA set the industry standard for colour grading, where the grades scale from D to Z, with D being the most colourless and therefore most sought after.

In an ideal world, you’re looking for an absolutely colourless diamond between the grades D and F; however these are premium, rare and very costly. Further down the scale, you will find the G to I range, these are nearly colourless and a great value for money.

However, if you are struggling with your budget, there is the option of grade J and K diamonds. They have a prominent yellow tint, which makes them an affordable choice. Our top tip is to choose yellow gold settings, as it makes it harder to see the yellow tint. Affordable and beautiful!

 

Carat

First things first, the number of carats in a diamond does not relate to its size. Many customers tend to have this misconception, however the carat of a diamond refers to a diamonds weight not the size. Other factors like the cut and shape of a diamond are more likely to determine its size.