The 4Cs of diamonds
When choosing a diamond, it is essential to understand the 4Cs: carat weight, cut, colour and clarity. Together they determine a diamond's quality and value. Here is a closer look at each.
Carat weight
Carat measures a diamond's weight — one carat equals 200 milligrams. Larger diamonds are rarer and therefore more valuable, but carat alone does not decide beauty: a smaller stone with an excellent cut, colour and clarity can outshine a larger one of lesser quality.
When weighing up carat, think of the wearer's style. Some prefer the subtle elegance of a smaller diamond; others, the bold statement of a larger stone.
Cut
Cut is perhaps the most important factor in a diamond's beauty. It describes how well the stone has been shaped and faceted to return light: a well-cut diamond sparkles brilliantly, while a poorly cut one can look dull despite excellent colour and clarity.
Cut grades run from Ideal and Excellent at the top down to Poor. An Excellent grade means precise proportions, for maximum light return and brilliance. Every white laboratory-grown diamond you choose at Le Diamève carries an Ideal or Excellent cut grade, with Excellent or Very Good polish and symmetry — this is one choice we have already made for you.
Colour
Colour refers to any tint present in the stone. The finest diamonds are completely colourless; slight hints of yellow or brown lower the grade. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades colour from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
Lab-grown diamonds span the same range as natural ones. At Le Diamève, every white diamond is within the colourless range, so this decision, too, is already made.
Clarity
Clarity assesses internal and external imperfections — inclusions and blemishes. Most diamonds have some, though many are invisible to the naked eye. The GIA scale runs from Flawless (nothing visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions visible unaided).
We guarantee a clarity of VS2 (Very Slightly Included) or better on every stone, white or coloured: minor inclusions, difficult to see even under 10x magnification, for a beautiful appearance without the premium of the very highest grades.
