Diamonds: The 4Cs

Jewellery designer, Georgina Yvonne, explains the 4Cs of diamond grading: colour, clarity, cut and carat weight, to ensure you have all information you need before making placing your order.
The Berry engagement ring design by London jewellery designer, Georgina Yvonne. 18ct yellow gold with pear lab grown diamond centre stone, and lab grown diamond accent stones.

The 4Cs

Colour

A diamond’s color grade measures its absence of color. The less color, the higher the grade and value. Truly colorless diamonds are rare and highly prized, but subtle differences can add charm and character.
Color Grading Scale:
D-F: Colorless. The highest grade, showing no detectable color.
G-H: Near-colorless. Slight warmth, often imperceptible to the untrained eye.
J-M: Faint color, visible to those with a discerning eye.
N-Z: Noticeable color, typically light yellow or brown.
For engagement rings, near-colorless diamonds (G-H) are popular for their excellent balance of beauty and value. The choice also depends on the metal setting, as certain metals like yellow gold can complement warmer tones.
18ct yellow gold and diamond toi et moi engagement ring by award winning London jewellery designer, Georgina Yvonne

The 4Cs

Clarity

Every diamond is unique, and its clarity reflects its natural formation process. Clarity evaluates the presence of inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (surface flaws).
Clarity Scale:
Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. Extremely rare and valuable.
Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions, only minor surface blemishes.
Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1-VVS2): Tiny inclusions, difficult to detect even under magnification.
Very Slightly Included (VS1-VS2): Minor inclusions, invisible to the naked eye.
Slightly Included (SI1-SI2): Noticeable inclusions under magnification, sometimes visible to the naked eye.
Included (I1-I3): Visible inclusions that can affect durability and beauty.
Many inclusions are microscopic and do not detract from a diamond’s beauty. For exceptional value, consider diamonds ranging from VS2 and above.

The 4Cs

Cut

The cut of a diamond determines how well it interacts with light, creating the brilliance and fire we all adore. Contrary to popular belief, "cut" doesn’t refer to the shape (like round or princess) but the precision of the diamond’s proportions, symmetry, and polish.
A well-cut diamond will reflect light internally and externally, creating a dazzling display of brightness, fire (the dispersion of light into colors), and scintillation (sparkle when the diamond moves).
Cut Grades: Diamonds are graded from Excellent (or Ideal) to Poor. Opting for an Excellent or Very Good cut ensures maximum brilliance, regardless of other factors like size or color.
Popular Shapes and Cuts: Round brilliant diamonds are renowned for their sparkle, but shapes like oval, pear, and cushion offer unique appeal. Each cut has its characteristics, but quality craftsmanship makes all the difference.
18ct yellow gold Ivy hexagon diamond engagement ring by London jewellery designer, Georgina Yvonne. Twist band design and your choice of either lab grown or natural diamond

The 4Cs

Carat Weight

The carat weight of a diamond refers to its size, with one carat equivalent to 0.2 grams. While larger diamonds make a bold statement, carat weight is only one aspect of a diamond’s allure.
Carat and Size: A diamond’s cut greatly affects its apparent size. A well-cut 1-carat diamond can appear larger than a poorly cut diamond of greater weight.
Budget Considerations: Carat weight significantly impacts price. To maximize value, consider slightly lower weights (e.g., 0.9 carats instead of 1.0) for a noticeable price difference with minimal visual impact.

The 4Cs Working Together

The beauty of a diamond lies in the interplay of these factors. For example, a diamond with a lower color grade but an exceptional cut can still appear brilliant and stunning. Similarly, clarity becomes less critical if inclusions are invisible to the naked eye.

The 4Cs and You

Understanding the 4Cs empowers you to choose a diamond that reflects your personal style, meets your budget, and becomes a cherished piece for years to come.