The 4Cs is the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world. It is highly encouraged to understand the 4Cs before purchasing your diamond.
1. Carat
The first C, Carat needs no introduction. However, a common misconception is that carat = size of the diamond. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. Depending on the cut (which is the next C), a 0.5 carat diamond can look bigger than a 1 carat in terms of size!
2. Cut
If we were to pick the most important C out of the 4, it would definitely be the cut. Like we mentioned before, it is possible to make a 0.5 carat diamond look bigger than a 1 carat diamond with the right cut. A diamond cut refers to the quality of a diamond’s angles, symmetry, brilliance, and finishing details which all affect the diamond’s overall ability to catch light and sparkle.
3. Colour
The colour grading of a diamond ranges from D to Z, with D being the most colorless, and Z containing noticeable brown or yellow tint. Consumers tend to pick colours D/E/F as they are near colourless which means they look ‘shiniest’ to the naked eye. Naturally, it also means that these colours come with a premium. However, it is important to note that colour alone is not enough to give the ‘shiniest’ diamond as it depends on the other Cs especially Cut and Clarity.
4. Clarity
Last but not least, Clarity of a diamond which evaluates how clean a diamond is from inclusions and blemishes.
FL and IF are very rare, and most diamond retailers will sell diamonds from the VVS1 to VS2 range. Rather than sticking to a particular grade on the diamond clarity chart, review each diamond to see if you notice imperfections.
By now, you are familiar with the 4Cs and should be feeling confident about choosing your diamond. Do bear in mind that you should not look at the 4Cs individually. The 4Cs are interlinked and together, they will affect the overall appearance of the diamond. It is always wise to get your jeweller's advice to choose the ‘perfect’ diamond based on your needs.
