4Cs

Arguably the most vital ‘C’ of them all, the first c is the diamond cut, which affects its ability to capture and reflect light. This masterful artistry transforms a rough diamond into a captivating masterpiece. There are many different diamond shapes: the round brilliant diamond is the classic choice, celebrated for its maximum sparkle. Yet, other shapes like emerald cut and kite-shaped facets in fancy cuts unveil unique dimensions of beauty.

However, a diamond’s cut grade primarily concerns the quality of its interaction with light. The best-quality diamond cuts are excellent at reflecting light, but when a diamond is poorly cut, it may exhibit lacklustre areas on coloured diamonds where light fails to shimmer. This deficiency significantly diminishes a diamond’s brilliance, ultimately affecting diamond quality and its coveted sparkle. Even a perfect diamond boasting the highest grades for colour or clarity will lack vibrancy if its cut is subpar.

One of the first aspects that often comes to mind is carat weight. This measurement, denoted by ‘ct’, pertains to a diamond’s size and mass. Larger diamonds above one carat are more desirable because they have a presence. However, it’s important to appreciate the allure of a well-cut diamond. Sometimes, a smaller diamond with a well-cut stone can give off the illusion of being larger than its actual weight to the naked eye.

Diamond size is quantified in millimetres (mm), whereas the diamond’s weight is gauged in carats (ct). While the carat weight of a diamond garners significant interest, it is not the sole determinant of its value. For instance, a flawlessly perfect one-carat diamond might hold a notably higher worth compared to a 3-carat diamond riddled with imperfections. In essence, size alone does not dictate a diamond’s value.

What hue does a diamond exhibit? While many claim they are devoid of colour, a closer inspection often reveals subtle hints of yellow, delicate pinks, and deep browns. To be precise, diamonds without discernible colour are commonly referred to as white diamonds, and they are exceptionally rare and prized.

The colour of a diamond is evaluated on a scale from D to Z. The letter D represents the most colourless state of a diamond, while Z indicates the presence of shades of light yellow, brown or pink. The letters D to Z cover a range of hues influenced by factors such as tone, brightness, darkness and intensity. This combination is referred to as the depth of colour, which measures how visible the hue is and affects overall diamond clarity.

Anything with flawless beauty is rare indeed. But it’s slight imperfections that make beauty unique. And so it is with diamonds. Diamond clarity refers to the assessment of the weaknesses of a stone. Virtually every diamond carries external and internal traits known as blemishes and inclusions. Blemishes manifest as surface marks, while inclusions represent imperfections concealed within the gem.

Diamonds, which form beneath the Earth’s surface under heat and pressure, rarely emerge completely flawless. While the remarkable diamonds come close to perfection, most have some shape or form of visible imperfections or inclusion. Interestingly, these characteristics add to their overall beauty and uniqueness since no two diamonds are exactly alike.

As you explore the world of diamonds, remember that each ‘C’ plays an essential role in the diamond’s ability and value. While some diamonds may boast an excellent range in clarity scale, others may dazzle with their high-quality cut. You’ll find that diamond shape can significantly impact how a diamond appears on the finger. So, whether you’re considering loose diamonds or already set stones, understand that these factors make each diamond a unique work of art.