Diamond Buying Guide
Understanding The 4 Cs Of Diamonds
Every diamond is as unique as a snowflake, and it’s the cut, colour, clarity and carat that defines every stone’s true quality.
Explore the guide:
Diamond Cut
The cut directly affects the sparkle of a diamond
We hold the cut in the highest regard because it has the greatest influence on a diamond’s sparkle. Only a well cut diamond will demonstrate a diamond’s true fire, brilliance and scintillation, ensuring the light reflects back through the crown and creates breathtaking sparkle.
Even if a diamond has a large carat weight, perfect clarity and colour grade, if it has a poor cut the diamond will appear dull with minimal sparkle.
A diamond cut too shallow won't reflect light through the crown.
A well cut diamond will reflect the ideal light, creating breathtaking sparkle. Only the most beautiful diamonds become Beaverbrooks diamonds.
A diamond cut too deep won't reflect light through the crown.
What’s the difference between a diamond cut and diamond shape?
A diamond’s cut focuses on its symmetry, proportions and how its facets interact with light. A diamond shape, on the other hand, only describes the geometric appearance of a diamond. This is why diamond shapes are often interchangeably referred to as cuts. If you want to find out more about diamond shapes discover our diamond cuts & shapes guide.
There are three main diamond cutting techniques which help inform the shape of diamonds, they are:
DIAMOND COLOUR
The measure of how colourless or “white” a diamond is
A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond will have no colour and will therefore be rarer and more valuable. The Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond colour on a scale of D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
“Most of our Beaverbrooks diamonds are G colour, which is within the near colourless range (D-G), meaning your diamond will appear bright, white and with no visible colour.”
- Lorna, Head of Diamond Buying
Diamond Clarity
Inclusions and blemishes in a diamond
Formed deep under the earth, diamonds are exposed to huge heat and pressure which results in unique internal characteristics called inclusions and external characteristics called blemishes.
Very, very small inclusions
Very small inclusions
Small inclusions not visible to the naked eye
Visible inclusions
Notable inclusions
Prounounced inclusions
“All diamonds have inclusions; it’s what makes them unique, like a fingerprint. We choose diamonds with no inclusions visible to the naked eye for our core range, ensuring there are no inclusions that disrupt the passage of light, and therefore the sparkle of the diamond”
- Lorna, Head of Diamond Buying
Diamond Carat
How much a diamond weighs
The carat is a unit of weight, not size. One carat is divided into 100 points, so a diamond of 50 points is described as half a carat or 0.50ct. It’s important to remember that two stones of equal carat weight can differ in value depending on the other 4 Cs: clarity, colour and most important of all, cut.
Our 5th C
Our 5th C gives you the Beaverbrooks difference – Confidence. We don’t just tick off the 4 Cs, for us it’s about genuine passion and making sure your diamond sparkles beautifully.
Learn more about diamonds
Browse the other sections in our Diamond Buying Guide
Inspiration & Advice
Discover more inspiration & adviceWedding Ring Buying Guide
When it comes to creating Beaverbrooks wedding rings, we look at all the details of our engagement rings to help create the perfect fit, look, and feel for both to sit on your finger.
Engagement Ring Buying Guide
With expert advice in our engagement ring guide and beautiful rings to choose from, we know that you’ll choose the ring they’ll treasure for a lifetime
A Guide To Eternity Rings
We’re here for all those “you mean the world to me moments” and that’s why we want to help you show that special someone your love is never-ending with a beautiful eternity band.