The 4 C's Diamond Buying Guide

What is a 'Carat'?

The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. 1ct is equal to 0.2 grams. Price increases with carat size.

What 'Colour' Diamond Can I Get?

Colour is measured on a scale of D to Z with D being the rarest and most expensive. Most quality retailers offer stones within the range of D to I as these are all considered ‘white’ and the finest available. Most laymen will not be able to tell the difference in whiteness between a D or a G stone unless compared side by side. Colour grades J and below are slightly less white with colour tinting increasing down the scale.

D E F G H I J K L M N-Z
Colourless Nearly Colourless Slightly Tinted Tinted

What is Diamond 'Clarity'?

Very few diamonds are flawless and most include some form of small inclusions or defects. Price increases the more perfect the stone, but it is important to remember only the poorest stones have defects that are visible to the naked eye and the flaws of most quality diamonds can only been seen at x10 magnification. A diamond that is the same size, colour and cut but flawless will have a much higher perceived value than a stone which appears the same to the naked eye, but under a jeweller’s loupe will display small flaws. Grades IF to SI2 are categorised ‘eye clean’ and difficult to tell apart by the naked eye.

The transparency of the diamond is very important. At biggerdiamonds4less we only select the clearest, cleanest, most sparkling white diamonds. We will NEVER sell you dull, lifeless, milky stones like these below.

IF VVS1 VVS2 VS1 VS2
Internally flawless Very, very small inclusions, very hard to see under 10x magnification. Not visible to the naked eye. Very small inclusions, difficult to see under 10x magnification. Not visible to the naked eye.
SI1 SI2 PI1 PI2 PI3
Small inclusions, relatively easy to see under 10x magnification. Not visible to the naked eye. Piqué (inclusions visible to naked eye)

What is The 'Cut' Of A Diamond?

The cut of a diamond is the only characteristic which is not natural, but is directly influenced by man. The cut is not just the shape and style of the polished stone it also includes the proportions, symmetry and quality of polish of the finished gem. Cut is often under-estimated in importance by the layman.

It is cutting of the diamond that determines its sparkle, known as brilliance, and the rainbow of colours known as fire. An equally proportioned, symmetrically cut diamond bounces light around internally from facet to facet, acting like a prism and a mirror, before returning the light back through the top or ‘table’ of the diamond.

To achieve this maximum return of light, the pavilion depth, crown angle and table size must all be cut within a range of ideal proportions. If these proportions are not correct, total internal reflection does not occur, and light leaks from the pavilion facets reducing fire and brilliance. It is very difficult for a layman to asess the cut of a diamond and how it might effect value. However, we have done the hard work for you and you can be sure any diamond you buy from us has been subjected to close scrutiny by our expert gemologists and cut for optimum brilliance, sparkle and radiance.

BURSCARF - Buy with confidence and celebrate your love with the world's most desirable gemstone!