Build your own Ring
Diamond Guide
Understanding the 4Cs — Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat — helps you compare diamonds clearly and choose with confidence.
Each “C” affects a diamond’s appearance and value in a different way, and the best choice is usually a balance between them.
Cut (Cut): How a Diamond Reflects Light
Cut does not mean the diamond’s shape (round, oval, pear). It refers to the precision of the facets, angles and proportions. A well-cut diamond reflects light internally and returns it through the top of the stone, creating brightness and sparkle. If a diamond is cut too shallow or too deep, light leaks out and the stone can appear dull — even if it has good colour or clarity.
What “Cut Grade” Means:
Cut is typically graded from Excellent to Poor. For strong sparkle, many buyers look for Very Good or Excellent.
Ratio (Ratio): Length-to-Width Proportion
Ratio refers to the relationship between a diamond’s length and width.
It is especially important for fancy shapes such as oval, pear, emerald, or marquise.
A balanced ratio ensures the diamond looks proportional and visually pleasing.
Preferences vary — some buyers prefer elongated shapes, while others prefer a more compact appearance.
Table (Table): The “Window” of the Diamond
The table is the large, flat facet on the top of the diamond.
Its size affects how light enters and exits the stone.
A well-proportioned table contributes to both brilliance and fire.
Polish (Polish): Surface Finish
Polish describes how smooth the diamond’s facets are after cutting.
Higher polish grades allow light to move cleanly across the surface,
supporting maximum brightness and sparkle.
Symmetry (Symmetry): Facet Alignment
Symmetry refers to how precisely the facets are aligned.
When symmetry is excellent, reflections appear balanced and crisp.
Lower symmetry may slightly reduce sparkle or visual harmony.
Colour (Color): The Absence of Tint
Diamond colour measures how colourless a diamond appears. Generally, the less visible tint, the rarer the diamond. Many grading systems use a letter scale from colourless to light yellow or brown.
- Colourless: very bright and icy-looking.
- Near-colourless: a small amount of warmth that is often hard to notice once set in jewellery.
- Faint to light colour: a more noticeable warm tone.
The “best” colour depends on personal preference, metal choice and budget. In many settings, near-colourless diamonds can look beautifully white while offering excellent value.
Clarity (Clarity): Natural Characteristics Inside the Stone
Clarity describes the natural features found within a diamond (inclusions) and on its surface (blemishes). Most are microscopic and do not affect the diamond’s beauty.
Diamonds with fewer or less visible inclusions are typically more rare and valuable. Importantly, many diamonds can be “eye-clean” — meaning no inclusions are visible without magnification — even if they are not the highest clarity grades.
Clarity is usually assessed under magnification (often 10x) and graded from very clean stones to those with inclusions that may be visible.
Carat (Carat): Diamond Weight
Carat is a measure of a diamond’s weight — not its exact size. 1 carat = 0.2 grams. As carat increases, diamonds become rarer, so price typically rises significantly.
Two diamonds with the same carat weight can look different in size depending on their cut and proportions. A well-cut diamond may appear larger than a heavier diamond with a poor cut.
When choosing carat, consider overall balance: the style of the ring, the diamond’s shape, and the proportions that create the most flattering look on the hand.
Fluorescence (Fluorescence): Reaction to UV Light
Fluorescence describes how a diamond reacts to ultraviolet (UV) light. Around one-third of diamonds emit a soft glow — usually blue — under UV exposure.
In most cases, fluorescence has no visible effect in normal lighting. Very strong fluorescence may occasionally make a high-colour diamond appear slightly hazy, while in lower-colour diamonds it can sometimes make the stone appear whiter.
Diamond Certificate (Certification)
A diamond certificate is an independent grading report issued by a recognised gemological laboratory. It confirms the diamond’s characteristics, including the 4Cs and additional details such as fluorescence and proportions.
Well-known international laboratories include GIA (Gemological Institute of America), IGI (International Gemological Institute), and HRD (Hoge Raad voor Diamant).
Certification provides transparency and confidence when purchasing a diamond.
Estimated Delivery
2–3 weeks
Quality takes a little time — and it’s worth it.
Returns & Refunds
Each ring is custom made for you and is therefore non-returnable, except in the case of a manufacturing defect.
We recommend carefully checking size and details before checkout.
ORBIT™
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