The word 'Diamond' is derived from the Greek word 'Adamas', meaning 'unbreakable' and 'invincible', referring to it's extraordinary strength. It's durability and natural beauty has captivated the world for centuries and made it a unwavering symbol of love, commitment and luxury.

When it comes to selecting the perfect diamond for you, understanding the 4 Cs – Carat, Clarity, Color, and Cut – is essential. These four factors collectively determine a diamond's quality and overall beauty.

It is important to note that the 4 Cs apply for both lab-grown and naturally derived diamonds.

Carat

Carat is perhaps the most well-known of the 4 Cs. It refers to the weight of the diamond, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams. Larger, natural diamonds are generally rarer and often more valuable, but the overall impact on a diamond's beauty depends on how well the carat weight is distributed. A well-cut diamond may appear larger than its carat weight suggests, as light is effectively reflected, creating a brilliant sparkle.

Clarity

The clarity of a diamond is a measure of its internal and external imperfections, known as inclusions (think spots or blemishes). Graded on a scale ranging from Flawless (no imperfections visible under 10x magnification) to Included (imperfections visible to the naked eye), clarity impacts a diamond's brilliance. While a flawless diamond is exceptionally rare, many diamonds with slightly lower clarity grades are still stunning to the naked eye.

Colour

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamonds on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colourless diamonds allow more light to pass through, creating a captivating play of colours. 

Cut

Arguably the most critical of the 4 Cs, the cut of a diamond determines how well it reflects light. Cut is graded from Excellent to Poor, with factors such as symmetry, proportions, and polish taken into account. A well-cut diamond will maximize light return, creating brilliance, fire, and scintillation. Even a diamond with exceptional colour and clarity may appear lackluster if the cut is subpar.

Summary

In summary, the 4 Cs work in harmony to define a diamond's beauty and value. When selecting a diamond, it's crucial to consider the interplay of carat weight, clarity, colour, and cut to find the perfect balance for your preferences and budget. Armed with knowledge about the 4 Cs and guided by the expert knowledge of professional jeweller, Geordan, you can confidently choose a diamond that not only dazzles the eye but also symbolizes enduring beauty and love.