Diamond Buying Guide - The Four C's

Diamond Buying Guide - The Four C's

There are many factors that affect the appearance and value of a diamond.

The most common dimensions by which a diamond's excellence is measured are the "Four C's" - Colour, Clarity, Cut and Carat. Each of these factors have their own effect on the brilliance and fire of a diamond.


Colour

The colour of a diamond is measured on a scale from D (entirely colourless) upwards. Perfectly colourless diamonds are sought after for their brilliance and are valued higher than diamonds of lower colour grades.

Diamond Colour Chart


Clarity

Diamonds are a naturally occurring gemstone, and as such can exhibit physical imperfections (called inclusions) which influence their clarity. A diamond with large, or several, inclusions will allow less light to pass through it and produce less of the "fire" that an internally flawless diamond will.

Diamond Clarity Chart


Cut & Shape

The cut of a diamond has the greatest effect on the sparkle of a diamond. The better a diamond is cut, the more light is reflected back out and the more glittering brilliance it will radiate.

Diamond Cut Chart

The cut of a diamond is different from its shape, which represents the visual form of a diamond, the most classic example being the round brilliant cut, but including other such shapes as princess cut, cushion cut, oval cut, pear cut and more.

Round Brilliant Cut Diamond

Round

Princess Cut Diamond

Princess

Oval Cut Diamond

Oval

Pear Cut Diamond

Pear

Cushion Cut Diamond

Cushion

 

Emerald Cut Diamond

Emerald

Marquise Cut Diamond

Marquise

Heart Cut Diamond

Heart

Radiant Cut Diamond

Radiant

Asscher Cut Diamond

Asscher

 


Carat

The weight of a diamond is expressed in "carats" and not to be confused with the measurement of gold purity (for example 18ct white gold).

One carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams and is divided into "points" - a 50 point diamond weighs 0.1g and has a 0.50 carat weight.

When a diamond is cut, the cutter maps the largest diamond possible from the rough stone with the least physical imperfections that affect its colour, clarity and integrity.

All diamonds over half a carat in weight from Anthonys Manufacturing Jewellers are laser inscribed and certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

Diamond Carat Chart