Diamond 4C's + 1
Understand Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity—so you buy with Confidence
Clarity
Modern diamond clarity is graded at 10× magnification on the GIA scale:
FL (Flawless), IF (Internally Flawless), VVS1–VVS2 (minute inclusions), VS1–VS2 (minor), SI1–SI2 (noticeable), and I1–I3 (obvious).
The grade reflects the size, number, nature, relief, and position of inclusions/blemishes.
Common features include crystals, feathers, needles, clouds, pinpoints, and twinning wisps; they can influence transparency, durability, and sparkle.
Many VS2–SI1 stones are “eye-clean” in normal viewing, while step-cuts (emerald/asscher) often benefit from higher clarity.
Colour
Modern diamond color uses GIA’s D–Z scales.
D–F are colorless, G–H near-colorless, I–J show gentle warmth, K–M faint yellow, and N–Z visibly warm (light yellow/brown).
Fancy colors (yellow, pink, blue) are graded separately for hue, tone, and saturation. Appearance varies with cut quality, metal color, and lighting—compare stones side-by-side under neutral daylight (D65).
Cut
Modern diamond cut uses GIA’s grading scale for round brilliants.
Excellent/Ideal(EX/ID) cuts maximize brilliance, fire, and scintillation—reflecting nearly all light through the crown for exceptional sparkle .
Very Good(VG) cuts deliver strong light performance with slight compromises in proportions, still offering impressive brilliance .
Good cuts show acceptable sparkle but with more dark spaces visible, appearing noticeably less brilliant .
Fair to Poor cuts fail to retain light properly, resulting in dull, lifeless stones .
Shallow cuts allow light to escape through the pavilion instead of reflecting back, creating a washed-out appearance .
Deep cuts trap light inside, causing it to leak through the sides and producing a dark, “dead” center .
Cut quality impacts perceived color and clarity—superior cuts mask color tints through enhanced brilliance and can minimize visible inclusions through strategic facet placement .
Round brilliants best conceal body color; step cuts (emerald, asscher) reveal more warmth due to broader, mirror-like facets
Carat
Carat is one of the four key pillars of diamond grading established by the GIA 4Cs — Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. It measures a diamond’s weight, not its size, though larger carat weights usually appear bigger face-up.
1 carat equals 0.2 grams, and as carat weight increases, the diamond’s diameter grows non-linearly — meaning a 2-carat diamond isn’t twice as large in appearance as a 1-carat stone but is significantly rarer and more valuable.
While size draws attention, GIA emphasizes that cut quality plays an even greater role in brilliance and fire. A well-cut 1-carat diamond can look more dazzling than a poorly cut 1.5-carat one.
Confidence
Beyond Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat, the fifth C represents Confidence — your assurance that the diamond you purchase is authentic, accurately graded, and ethically sourced.
A GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute) certificate is a globally recognized guarantee of integrity and precision. These laboratories are completely independent and use rigorous scientific methods to assess every aspect of a diamond’s quality — from its proportions and polish to its color and clarity.
Buying a diamond with a GIA or IGI certificate means you’re receiving an unbiased, verifiable assessment, not a sales claim. It allows you to compare stones on equal footing and protects you from inflated grades or misrepresentation.
Equally important is purchasing from a trusted jeweller — one who values transparency, provides full certification, and stands behind every diamond offered. Together, a reputable certificate and a trustworthy jeweller give you what matters most in your diamond journey: complete confidence.