The Four C's - A Guide To Diamonds

As lovers of and professionals in all things diamond we've devised a step by step guide on our 4 essentials to look at when picking out the right gem for you. These include Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat, all important factors when considering the right diamond for you.

1. Cut

The only changeable factor of a diamond and the highest proportion of a diamond's value. The ideal cut, created by a highly experienced craftsman is what brings out that gorgeous diamond sparkle.

• Ideal cut - a well cut diamond will reflect light back through the crown of the diamond and into the observer's view.
• Shallow cut - if a diamond is cut too shallow light will escape through the lower part of the diamond, the pavilion, reducing the diamond's sparkle to the observer.
• Deep cut - a deep cut diamond will have a similar effect to the shallow cut, refracting light through the pavilion again.

2. Colour

Graded in colour on a scale from D to Z going from colourless (D) to a light yellow/brown colour (Z). The closer to colourless a diamond is, the more light is able to enter and therefore the greater that brilliant sparkle.

3. Clarity

Refers to the amount of imperfections a diamond holds, with a flawless or internally flawless diamond being very rare.

4. Carat Weight

A simple scale on which how much a diamond weighs is determined.