The Four C's
THE 4Cs OF DIAMONDS - DIAMOND GRADING GUIDE
Every diamond is unique and has certain distinguishing characteristics. The 4Cs – Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat Weight are the globally accepted standards for assessing the quality of a diamond and its sparkle.
When a diamond is certified, a record of a diamond’s grades in the 4Cs is produced, allowing prospective buyers to make an informed decision. Together, these classification criteria also determine the value and, often, the price of the diamond.
What are the ratings for diamonds?
Diamond ratings are determined based on the 4Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat. For Cut, ratings typically range from Excellent to Poor. Colour is graded from D/E (colourless) to W-X/Y-Z (light yellow/brown). Clarity ranges from "Flawless" (FL) to "Included" (I1, I2, I3), with FL having no inclusions. Carat, meanwhile, is a measure of weight with 1 carat equal to 200 milligrams. Each of these factors collaboratively establishes a diamond's overall grade and price.
Which is the most important 4C for diamonds?
While all the 4Cs are critical in determining a diamond's overall quality, many experts consider the cut to be the most important of the chart. The cut impacts how the diamond reflects light, directly influencing its brilliance and sparkle. Even if a diamond scores high on colour, clarity, and carat weight, a poor cut can diminish its radiance.
Whether you’re selecting an engagement ring or looking for a jewellery gift for a loved one, consider the diamond’s cut first. You may check in with our team for the grading certificate to guide your purchase decision.
What clarity and colour is best for diamonds?
For clarity, diamonds graded between "Flawless" (FL) and "Very, Very Slightly Included" (VVS1 and VVS2) are considered the best, exhibiting minimal to no visible inclusions. For colour, the scale ranges from D to Z. D, E, and F grades denote the highest quality in terms of colour, with D being completely colourless.