Learn About Diamonds
Understanding what makes a diamond truly brilliant — from its origins to the 4Cs that define its quality and value.
What is a Diamond?
Diamonds are more than just stunning gemstones; they're symbols of love, luxury, and enduring strength. Formed over millions of years under immense pressure and heat, they possess an unmatched fire and brilliance that has captivated humanity for centuries.
But did you know that this brilliance can be ethically sourced too? Lab-grown diamonds offer the same mesmerising beauty without the environmental impact of traditional mining. With advancements in technology, lab-grown diamonds are indistinguishable from mined diamonds — providing a guilt-free choice that doesn't compromise on quality or beauty.
Unveiling the 4Cs
A diamond's value is determined by four characteristics — carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut quality — known as the 4Cs. This global method transformed the diamond industry, allowing quality to be expressed in a universal language so buyers know exactly what they're purchasing.
Cut
The cut of a diamond impacts how efficiently it interacts with light, and relates to how well it is faceted, proportioned, and polished. Cut has the most significant influence on a diamond's beauty and sparkle, and is often regarded as the most essential and difficult of the 4Cs. It is distinct because it is the only one of the four Cs unaffected by nature. Investing in a well-cut diamond ensures maximum brilliance and beauty — a timeless symbol of elegance and sophistication.
Carat
Simply put, the carat weight of a diamond tells how much it weighs. A metric carat is 200 milligrams, about one-fifth of a gram, abbreviated as "ct." Each carat is made up of 100 points, just like a dollar is made up of 100 cents. So when you see "1.45ct," the diamond weighs one carat and 45 points. Larger carat weights are rarer and, all else being equal, more valuable.
Clarity
The clarity grade of a diamond shows how free it is of flaws and imperfections. Nature doesn't make many "perfect" things — most diamonds have internal marks called inclusions and external marks called blemishes. Trained diamond graders examine these traits under 10X magnification and judge them based on how many there are, their size, how they stand out, their nature, and their location. Understanding clarity helps buyers appreciate the uniqueness of each stone and select the perfect diamond for their piece.
Colour
Colour measures how colourless a diamond is. Most "colourless" or "white" diamonds contain tiny amounts of yellow, brown, or grey. On a scale from D to Z, a diamond with no colour is a D, while a diamond with a "light" colour is a Z. Genuinely colourless diamonds are very rare and make up only a small portion of all diamonds found — so most jewellery is made with near-colourless diamonds. Understanding colour empowers buyers to select a stone that meets their preferences for both appearance and budget.
Put Your Knowledge to Use
Now that you understand the 4Cs, explore our certified lab-grown diamonds and find the perfect one for you.