All About Diamond Quality

There’s something enduring about diamonds. Universally recognised and forever celebrated, diamonds have long been a favourite in fine jewellery and are referenced everywhere from ancient symbolism to modern love stories. They are natural, rare and entirely unique. No two are the same, which is part of what makes each one so special.

But not all diamonds are created equal. Some sparkle more than others, some appear clearer or larger, and some are prized for characteristics so subtle you might not even notice at first glance. These differences affect everything from price to appearance. If you’ve ever wondered why one diamond costs more than another, this is what you need to know.

Understanding the 4 Cs

There are four main characteristics used to assess a diamond’s quality. These are known as the 4 Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat. Together, they provide a clear framework for comparing diamonds and choosing the right one for your style, preferences and budget.

Cut

The cut of a diamond determines how it catches and reflects light. This is what gives a diamond its sparkle. It is not about the shape of the stone but the precision of its angles and proportions.

When a diamond is cut well, light enters the top of the stone and reflects back through the surface. If it is cut poorly, the light may escape from the sides or bottom, dulling the brilliance. Cut is graded from fair or poor through to good, very good and excellent. The better the cut, the more the diamond will sparkle and the more valuable it becomes.

Colour

While diamonds can be found in a spectrum of shades, the ones most commonly used in jewellery are white diamonds. These range from colourless to light yellow and are graded from D to Z, with D being the most colourless and Z showing noticeable warmth or tint.

Colourless diamonds tend to reflect more light and sparkle more intensely. Most fine jewellery uses diamonds in the near-colourless range, from G to J, where the tint is minimal but the value remains accessible. The less colour present in the stone, the rarer and more costly it becomes.

Clarity

Clarity refers to the presence of natural inclusions within the diamond. These inclusions are internal characteristics that form during the stone’s natural development. Every diamond has its own pattern of inclusions, making each one unique.

Clarity is graded from flawless, where no inclusions can be seen even under magnification, through to included, where markings are visible to the naked eye. Most inclusions are so small that they don’t impact the beauty of the stone, particularly when well positioned or surrounded by a brilliant cut. A diamond with slightly lower clarity can still appear stunning if the cut and colour are strong.

Carat

Carat refers to the weight of a diamond. While a higher carat often results in a larger-looking stone, the cut and proportions can influence how big a diamond appears. Two diamonds of equal carat can look quite different depending on how they are shaped and set.

Carat weight plays a significant role in pricing. Larger diamonds are rarer and more valuable, but it is always worth considering how all four Cs work together. A beautifully cut half-carat diamond can often outshine a poorly cut full carat stone.

Choosing the Right Diamond for You

The perfect diamond comes down to what matters most to you. Some people are drawn to size, wanting something with bold presence. Others value clarity or the icy whiteness of a D-graded stone. Sparkle may be your top priority, or perhaps you’re looking for something timeless that suits your budget without compromise.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every diamond is a balance of attributes, and each one tells its own story. What matters most is how it makes you feel. If a stone catches your eye and brings you joy, then that is the right diamond for you.

Diamonds have captivated people for centuries. Their beauty lies not just in their brilliance but in their individuality. By understanding how cut, colour, clarity and carat work together, you can choose a diamond with confidence - one that reflects your style, your values and the story you want to tell.

We’re always here to guide you in choosing a piece that feels right for you. Whether you’re looking for a timeless solitaire or a stone to mark a milestone, we’ll help you find a diamond that shines for all the right reasons.