The 4Cs of Diamonds – Complete Guide
The 4Cs of Diamonds – Complete Guide
Learn the 4Cs of diamonds — Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat — with expert guidance from Cerrone Jewellery. Make informed decisions for your engagement ring or diamond purchase.
Introduction
Choosing a diamond is an emotional and meaningful journey. Many couples who visit our boutique often tell us the same thing: “We’re overwhelmed by all the information online — we just want to understand what truly matters.”
That’s why the 4Cs were created — Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat — a universal grading system developed to help you understand a diamond’s beauty and value.
At Cerrone, our master jewellers have spent over five decades hand-selecting diamonds. Every stone we choose is examined carefully so you can feel confident and informed when finding the perfect piece.
COLOUR
Colour refers to how colourless a diamond appears. The less colour present, the higher the grade.
Colour Grades
- D–F: Colourless, premium grade
- G–J: Near-colourless, excellent value
- K–M: Faint yellow, budget-friendly
- N–Z: Noticeable yellow or brown tones
( Learn more about diamond colour grading at the GIA: https://www.gia.edu/diamond-color )
Tips
- Metal choice affects how colour appears — yellow gold can make diamonds look whiter, while platinum and white gold show the true colour.
- Choose a grade that suits your eye, style and budget. Many customers find G–I diamonds beautifully balanced.
CLARITY
Clarity refers to natural inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external). Most are microscopic and have no impact on beauty.
Clarity Grades
- FL (Flawless): No imperfections under 10x magnification
- IF (Internally Flawless): Minor surface blemishes
- VVS1–VVS2: Very, very slight inclusions
- VS1–VS2: Very slight inclusions
- SI1–SI2: Slightly included, often clean to the naked eye
- I1–I3: Inclusions visible without magnification
( More clarity information from GIA: https://www.gia.edu/diamond-clarity )
Tips
- Most inclusions are invisible to the naked eye.
- At Cerrone, each diamond is inspected for the position, visibility and structural impact of inclusions — not just the grade on paper.
CUT
Cut has the biggest influence on how a diamond sparkles. Even a high-colour or high-clarity diamond can appear dull if poorly cut.
Why Cut Matters
- A well-cut diamond reflects and refracts light beautifully.
- Poor cut reduces brilliance, even if other grades are excellent.
Cut Grades
- Excellent/Ideal: Maximum sparkle
- Very Good: High performance
- Good: Adequate brilliance
- Fair/Poor: Noticeable loss of sparkle
Evaluation
We examine proportions, symmetry and polish to ensure every diamond meets strict performance criteria. This is often where customers see the biggest visual difference.
( Learn more about cut quality at GIA: https://www.gia.edu/diamond-cut )
LIGHT PERFORMANCE
- A beautifully cut diamond interacts with light through reflection, refraction and dispersion.
- Exceptional diamonds stand out instantly — even from across the room.
CARAT WEIGHT
Carat refers to weight (1 carat = 0.2 grams), not size. This is one of the most common points of confusion for first-time buyers.
Key Points
- Size varies depending on cut — a well-cut 0.90-carat diamond may look larger than a poorly cut 1.00-carat diamond.
- Prices increase significantly at “magic numbers” (0.50, 1.00, 1.50 ct). Choosing slightly below can offer excellent value.
- Consider your hand size, lifestyle and preferred look.
EXPERT DIAMOND EVALUATION AT CERRONE
- Our climate-controlled viewing rooms offer ideal lighting for diamond assessment.
- Every stone we recommend is conflict-free and GIA certified.
- Our consultants walk you through each characteristic so you understand exactly what you’re choosing.
Book a consultation to experience professional diamond evaluation and discover your ideal stone.
