Diamonds have captivated hearts for centuries, symbolising love, commitment and timeless elegance. But what truly makes a diamond exceptional? The answer lies in the 4Cs—Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat. These four characteristics define a diamond’s beauty and value, helping you choose the perfect stone for your jewellery. At Vera McCullough Jewellery, we believe in making this process as personal and meaningful as possible, ensuring each diamond tells a unique story. Let’s break down the 4Cs in a way that’s easy to understand.
Cut: The Sparkle Factor
Cut is arguably the most important of the 4Cs because it directly influences how much light a diamond reflects. It refers both to its Shape and its Facet Style. The light performance of a Diamond is made up of three optical effects:
Brilliance (reflected white light)
Fire (refracted light or dispersion)
Scintillation (sparkle)
A well-cut diamond maximises brilliance, creating that signature sparkle.
Brilliant Cut (Round) – The most popular cut, designed for maximum sparkle.
Emerald Cut – Elegant and sophisticated with a hall-of-mirrors effect.
Oval, Pear, and Marquise – Unique and elongating, offering a modern touch.
Cushion and Princess Cut – Classic shapes with a blend of brilliance and charm.
💡 Tip: A well-cut diamond can appear larger and more vibrant than a poorly cut diamond of the same carat weight!
Colour: The Subtle Tones of Diamonds
Diamonds naturally occur in a range of colours, from icy white to warm tones. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades them on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
D-F (Colourless) – Rare and highly sought after.
G-J (Near Colourless) – A balance of beauty and value, barely perceptible warmth.
K-M (Faint Colour) – A subtle warmth that can be stunning in vintage-style settings.
Fancy Colours – Diamonds also come in naturally occurring hues like pink, blue, and yellow.
💡 Tip: Colour is less noticeable in yellow or rose gold settings, so you can choose a slightly lower grade without compromising on beauty!
Clarity: Nature’s Signature
Clarity refers to the presence of internal inclusions or external blemishes within a diamond. Most are microscopic and don’t affect beauty to the naked eye.
Flawless (FL) & Internally Flawless (IF) – Extremely rare, with no inclusions.
VVS1-VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included) – Minute inclusions, difficult to detect.
VS1-VS2 (Very Slightly Included) – Minor inclusions, invisible to the naked eye.
SI1-SI2 (Slightly Included) – Inclusions visible under magnification, some might be visible to the naked eye.
I1-I3 (Included) – More visible inclusions that may affect durability.
💡 Tip: A well-placed inclusion can be hidden by a setting, allowing you to prioritise size or cut over clarity!
Carat: Size and Weight
The word Carat comes from the ancient Greek name for the Carob Seed (Keration), which was once widely used as a counterweight for weighting Diamonds and Gemstones, due to its consistent seize and weight.
Carat refers to a diamond’s weight rather than its size, though the two are closely linked.
1 Carat = 1/5 (0.2) Gram
The Carat is further divided into Points, a unit of weight used only for Diamonds.
1 Point = 1/100 (0.01) Carat
Each of the 4Cs is considered when determining the Carat Value of a finished Diamond. For each step of improvement in Clarity or Colour, the value is increased. As the Carat weight increases, the premium factors for both Colour and Clarity are also increased.
Larger diamonds are rarer, making them more valuable.
0.25 - 0.50ct – Delicate and elegant, perfect for minimalist styles.
0.75 - 1.00ct – A timeless choice, offering both presence and practicality.
1.50 - 2.00ct+ – A bold statement, reflecting luxury and significance.
The quality of the Cut can have the greatest influence on value. Superior Cuts take more time, skill and yield lower finished weights, adding to the overall cost and ultimate per Carat Value.
💡 Tip: A well-cut diamond can make a smaller carat weight appear larger, so cut quality is key!
Finding Your Perfect Diamond
At Vera McCullough Jewellery, we handpick every diamond with care, ensuring a perfect balance of the 4Cs to suit your vision. Whether you’re choosing an engagement ring, a bespoke piece, or redesigning an heirloom, our expertise ensures you find a diamond that reflects your personal story.
✨ Ready to find your perfect diamond? Explore our bespoke services and let’s create something truly special.
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