Many gemmologists consider the cut of a diamond to be its most important characteristic. The beauty of a diamond depends more on cut than any other factor. Cut refers not only to a diamonds shape (e.g. round, oval, pear, etc.) but to a diamonds proportions, symmetry and polish.



Though extremely difficult to analyse and quantify, diamond cut has three primary effects on appearance: brilliance (the brightness created by the combination of all the white light reflections from the surface and the inside of a polished diamond), fire (the dispersion of light into the colours of the visible spectrum, seen as flashes of colour), and scintillation (the flashes of light and dark, or sparkle, when a diamond or light source is moved).

Master diamond cutters spend years perfecting their skills to craft diamonds where proportions, symmetry and polish unlock the maximum brilliance, dispersion and scintillation diamonds are famous for.

Diamond cut grade is assessed using a sophisticated system that measures all of the diamond proportions and determines which cut grades diamonds fall into. In other words, a diamond with a poor cut will appear dull, even if it has the perfect colour and clarity.

The Five cut grades are:
1) Excellent
2) Very Good
3) Good
4) Fair
5) Poor.
The most popular cut and shape for a diamond engagement ring is a round brilliant cut.

Many people think that all diamonds are colourless, when in fact diamonds occur in all colours of the spectrum. While some colours are fairly common, others like pinks, blues and greens are exceptionally rare and achieve prices well into the millions of dollars for the stones.



Diamonds that fall into the yellow to brown hues are measured by their absence of colour, in a colour grading system developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This is the colour grading system used around the world as a standard today.

The GIA colour grading system measures the absence of colour, diamonds are assigned a colour grade from D- Z. any diamonds that sit below a grade of Z are considered fancy colour diamonds.




Subtle differences in colour can impact a diamonds price significantly. Two diamonds can be identical in every way except colour, and there can be a huge difference in cost.

Its important you buy from a vendor you trust, who is qualified and understands the diamonds and can guide you in selection the best diamond for your budget and lifestyle.

Clarity is the measurement of the amount of inclusions within a diamond. But what is an inclusion? Because diamonds are formed deep within the earth, under extreme heat and pressure; most diamonds contain "birthmarks"; small imperfections inside the diamond (inclusions), or on its surface (blemishes). Clarity refers to the degree to which these imperfections are present.



Diamond inclusions are assessed depending on their size, type, nature, relief and location within a stone. Clean flawless diamonds are very rare and their price reflects their rarity. The presence of inclusions can help firstly identify a stone but also make it more affordable.

When inclusions are large or dark they can start to impact the refraction of light within a stone or they are very eye visible to the observer. It is important to purchase a stone that fits your needs and requirements.

A certificate is a good start but make sure your vendor can guide you on the subtle differences in clarity types and inclusion types. For example, a really desirable white inclusion located at the edges of the stone may actually be vulnerable to damage in a 4 claw setting however a secure bezel setting means it is safely protected.

The GIA Clarity Scale contains 11 grades, with most diamonds falling into the VS (very slightly included) or SI (slightly included) categories. In determining a clarity grade, the GIA system considers the size, nature, position, colour or relief, and quantity of clarity characteristics visible under 10× magnification.



• Flawless (FL) - No inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10× magnification
• Internally Flawless (IF) - No inclusions and only blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10× magnification
• Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) - Inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10× magnification
• Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) - Inclusions are minor and range from difficult to somewhat easy for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification
• Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) - Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader under 10x magnification
• Included (I1, I2, and I3) - Inclusions are obvious under 10× magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance

Of all the 4Cs used to grade diamonds, carat weight is the most obvious to determine. It does not require anyone’s opinion but is purely a measurement on a professional carat weight scale.




A diamond or gemstones "Carat" designation is a measurement of both the size and weight of the stone. One "Carat" is a unit of mass that is equal to 0.2 grams (200 milligrams). A carat can also be divided into "points" with one carat being equal to 100 points, and with each point being 2 milligrams in weight. Therefore, a 1/2 carat diamond would be 50 points, a 3/4 carat diamond is 75 points, and a 2 carat diamond is 200 points. When a single piece of jewellery has multiple stones, the total mass of all diamonds or gemstones is referred to as "Total Carat Weight" or "T.C.W."

As diamonds increase in carat size they become rarer and more valuable. A 1ct diamond will be considerably more than 2 x 0.50ct stones which are equal in weight. Carat weight cannot be used alone to determine cost. A smaller higher quality stone could be more valuable compared to a larger one of lower quality. Again the combination of the 4C’s need to be assessed to determine the value of the diamond. There is no right or wrong about whether to buy smaller and finer or larger and lower quality. The final decision need to be based on the purchaser’s budget and lifestyle in mind.