Diamond education
Diamonds are not all equal. In fact, there are some significant differences in quality and price. To understand a diamond’s value, you must evaluate the diamond under internationally recognised standards - Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat Weight. Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat Weight are a very important part of every diamond and known throughout the world as the 4Cs.
#1 Cut
Cut refers to the quality of the cut, not the diamond's shape. It is the single most important aspect of any diamond. The ratio, finish, and balance of the external facets of a diamond determine its beauty, brilliance, fire, and sparkle. The higher precision in the cut the more sparkle visibility. A diamond can be colourless and flawless, but if not cut well, it will appear dull and lifeless.
#2 Carat
A diamond’s weight is measured in Carats, abbreviated ct and represents the overall size. One carat is to be divided into 100 points. Therefore, a diamond weighing one quarter of a carat can also be referred to as 25 points. The larger a diamond, the more rare it is and therefore more expensive. That’s why a diamond with a full carat (1ct) will cost more than twice the price of two half (0.50ct) carat diamonds of the same quality.
#3 Colour
A diamonds colour is determined on a scale from “D” (colourless) to “Z” (yellow/brown). Completely colourless diamonds are graded “D” and are treasured for their rarity. As such they are extremely valuable and highly sought after. Whilst most diamonds appear to have no colour by the human eye, in actual fact they have hints of colours as shown on the colour scale.
# 4 Clarity
Clarity represents how many invisible birthmarks your diamond has. These birthmarks are often uncrystallised carbon created when the diamond was born 3 billion years ago. In all cases we use a 10x magnification loupe to find these inclusions. Diamonds can be blemish free and are considered Flawless (FL). Very Very Slight (VVS), Very Slight (VS), or Slight (SI) or obvious blemishes (Inclusions) easily seen with the naked eye (I1-13).
Carat size guide
