Buying a diamond can be an overwhelming process, as you want to make sure you’re choosing the best possible stone for your budget and taste. The 4 ‘C’s’ – carat, colour, clarity and cut – are the main things to take into account when selecting a diamond.
Carat
This refers to the weight, rather than the size of a stone – the heavier a diamond is, the more carats it has, and therefore it is of greater value.
Colour
Conventional diamonds come in a range of colours, from clear and colourless to subtle shades of yellow and brown. The best diamonds are colourless – they let in more light, increasing the diamond’s sparkle and shine. However, there are also rare ‘fancy’ diamonds on the market, which come in hues such as pink, black and blue.
Clarity
Clarity essentially means a consideration of any flaws or imperfections on a diamond. This is important as even small blemishes can affect the flow of light, and therefore have an impact on the diamond’s brightness. The fewer inclusions a diamond has, the more desirable and valuable it is.
Cut
Cut is the only one of the 4 C’s that is not determined naturally – once the diamond has been mined, skilled craftsmen shape the stone into one of many popular cuts, from the classic round cut to the feminine princess cut or bold Asscher cut. A good cut will optimise the brilliance of the stone, so take the time to choose the right one for you.
