What are the 4Cs of Diamonds?

The 4Cs are the defining characteristic of every diamond: Cut, Carat, Color & Clarity.


CUT

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Among the 4Cs of diamond characteristics, cut is the most important as it impacts the overall beauty of a diamond and also the only attribute that can be crafted by man. A diamond’s cut does not refer to its shape, it refers to the diamond’s proportion, symmetrical facets and polish achieved by the diamond cutter. When a diamond has been cut correctly, its facets’ ability to reflect and refract light is greatly enhanced to produce strong light performance.


CARAT

carat

What is Diamond Carat? 
A carat is the unit of measurement used to describe a diamond’s weight. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams, or 0.2 grams.

What is the diamond carat weight scale?

The diamond carat weight scale measures the weight of a diamond, with 1 carat divided into 100 points. For example, a 0.5-carat diamond is equal to 50 points, while a 1-carat diamond is 100 points. Carat weight can vary widely, from small accent stones to large diamonds weighing hundreds of carats.

COLOR
Color

What Is Diamond Color?

Diamond color is about what you don’t see. The closer a diamond is to being colorless, the higher its value. Truly colorless diamonds, with no detectable hue, are extremely rare and therefore the most expensive.

Diamonds are graded on a color scale from D to Z, where:

D, E, and F are considered colorless, with D being the highest grade.As the scale moves toward Z, diamonds show increasing yellow or brown tints. These subtle color differences are often invisible to the untrained eye, but they have a significant impact on value and price. To determine a diamond’s color, experts compare it to master stones under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions, usually against a white background. Each letter grade on the scale represents a clearly defined range of color appearance.


CLARITY

visual-clarity
Diamond clarity refers to the absence of inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (external imperfections) in a diamond, as viewed under 10-power magnification. 

Clarity Grades (from Highest to Lowest):

  • Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification.
  • Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions; only minor blemishes visible under 10x.
  • Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 & VVS2): Tiny inclusions, extremely difficult to detect.
  • Very Slightly Included (VS1 & VS2): Small inclusions, slightly easier to detect under magnification.
  • Slightly Included (SI1 & SI2): Noticeable inclusions under 10x magnification; often still eye-clean.
  • Included (I1, I2 & I3): Inclusions visible to the naked eye, potentially affecting brilliance and durability.

Factors Affecting Clarity:

  • Inclusions: Internal features such as crystals, feathers, clouds, or needles.
  • Blemishes: Surface imperfections like scratches, nicks, or extra facets.

Why Clarity Matters:

  • Rarity: Diamonds with fewer or smaller inclusions are rarer and more valuable.
  • Appearance: Many VS and some SI diamonds appear eye-clean, meaning inclusions are not visible to the unaided eye.
  • Durability: Large or poorly positioned inclusions may compromise the diamond's strength.
  • Value: A diamond with slightly lower clarity but excellent cut can still look stunning and offer excellent value.
  • Personal Preference: Some buyers prioritise clarity, while others focus on size, cut, or colour within their budget.


After selecting your ideal 4Cs, we’ll help transform your vision into a timeless piece tailored to your preferences and budget.