The 4Cs

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The 4Cs

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cut

clarity

colour

carat

certifications

JUMP TO SECTION:

cut

clarity

colour

carat

certifications

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.

Cut

A diamond’s cut determines how its facets interact with light. An excellent-cut diamond is a diamond that is cut to excellent proportions and angles that reflect back the maximum possible amount of light which enters it. It is among the rarest cuts, and is the benchmark for grading all other diamonds.

Clarity

A diamond's clarity is a measure of the purity and rarity of a diamond.

Colour

A diamond's colour refers to the natural tint inherent in diamonds. This should not be confused with fluorescence. A diamond's colour indicates its natural hue, separate from fluorescence, which is its glow under UV light.

Carat

A diamond's carat denotes its weight rather than its size.

Certifications

Our diamonds at Love & Co. are certified by the De Beer Group’s Institute of Diamonds, bringing in professional experience and heritage of more than 120 years of experience in the industry. Find them sparkle across our selections, from rings to pendant necklaces.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE 4Cs OF DIAMONDS

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.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE 4Cs OF DIAMONDS

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE 4Cs OF DIAMONDS