DIAMOND EDUCATION
Understanding diamonds is the first step to making an informed choice. Learn about the 4Cs, diamond shapes, certifications, and what makes each diamond unique.
THE 4CS OF DIAMONDS
The internationally recognized standard for assessing diamond quality. These four characteristics determine a diamond's beauty and value.
What is Diamond Cut?
Cut refers to how well a diamond's facets interact with light. A well-cut diamond reflects light from one facet to another and disperses it through the top of the stone, creating that signature sparkle and brilliance.
Cut Grades
Excellent / Ideal
Maximum brilliance and fire. Only 3% of diamonds achieve this grade.
Very Good
Reflects most light that enters. Excellent value with superior beauty.
Good
Reflects a majority of light. Good balance of quality and value.
Fair / Poor
Allows light to escape from sides and bottom. Less brilliance.
Why Cut Matters Most
- •A well-cut diamond appears larger and more brilliant than a poorly cut diamond of the same carat weight
- •Cut is the only "C" influenced by human craftsmanship
- •A diamond with excellent cut can make color and clarity imperfections less visible
DIAMOND SHAPES
Shape refers to the outline of the diamond when viewed from above. Each shape has unique characteristics that affect brilliance, size appearance, and style.
The most popular and brilliant diamond shape. Maximizes light return with 58 facets.
- • Most brilliant cut
- • Classic and timeless
- • 75% of all diamonds sold
- • Premium pricing
Square shape with brilliant sparkle. Modern and geometric.
- • Exceptional brilliance
- • Contemporary style
- • Better value than round
- • Corners need protection
Square with rounded corners. Vintage appeal with modern brilliance.
- • Soft, romantic look
- • Larger appearance
- • Excellent fire
- • Antique charm
Elongated shape that flatters the finger. Trending and elegant.
- • Appears larger
- • Elongates finger
- • Similar brilliance to round
- • Very popular
Rectangular with step-cut facets. Sophisticated hall-of-mirrors effect.
- • Art Deco elegance
- • Shows clarity well
- • Less brilliant, more luster
- • Unique sophistication
Teardrop shape combining brilliance and uniqueness.
- • Distinctive and elegant
- • Slenderizing effect
- • Versatile setting options
- • Unique personality
Elongated shape with pointed ends. Maximizes carat weight appearance.
- • Largest appearance
- • Royal heritage
- • Dramatic and bold
- • Points need protection
Rectangular with trimmed corners. Brilliant faceting creates intense sparkle.
- • Maximum brilliance
- • Durable corners
- • Versatile style
- • Modern elegance
Square emerald cut with art deco charm and vintage appeal.
- • Vintage glamour
- • Mesmerizing depth
- • Unique personality
- • Requires high clarity
Ultimate symbol of love. Unique and romantic shape.
- • Most romantic
- • Distinctive choice
- • Best at 1ct+
- • Requires expert cutting
DIAMOND CERTIFICATION
A diamond certificate (or grading report) is an independent assessment of a diamond's characteristics.
The world's most respected and consistent diamond grading authority. GIA created the 4Cs grading system.
- •Most stringent and consistent standards
- •Internationally recognized
- •Non-profit organization
- •Industry gold standard
Known for their scientific approach and strict cut grading. Uses a 0-10 scale (0 being ideal).
- •Pioneered ideal cut grading
- •Scientific and precise
- •Highly respected in industry
- •Consumer protection focus
- ✓Unique report number
- ✓Diamond shape and cutting style
- ✓Measurements and carat weight
- ✓Color and clarity grades
- ✓Cut grade (for round diamonds)
- ✓Polish and symmetry grades
- ✓Fluorescence
- ✓Diagram of inclusions
OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS
Fluorescence is the visible light some diamonds emit when exposed to UV light. Most diamonds have no fluorescence, but some glow blue (occasionally yellow, orange, or white).
Impact on Value:
- •None to Faint: No impact on appearance or value
- •Medium to Strong: Can make lower color grades (I-M) appear whiter, excellent value
- •Very Strong: Rarely causes haziness, inspect before buying
These grades assess the quality of a diamond's finish and how precisely aligned its facets are.
Polish
Refers to the smoothness of the diamond's surface. Excellent or Very Good polish is recommended for optimal light reflection.
Symmetry
Measures how precisely aligned and shaped the facets are. Good symmetry contributes to better light performance.
These measurements affect how light travels through the diamond and impacts brilliance.
Depth %
Height of diamond from culet to table, expressed as a percentage of average diameter.
Ideal: 59-62.5% (round)
Table %
Width of the top facet in relation to the widest part of the diamond.
Ideal: 54-58% (round)
EXPERT BUYING TIPS
A well-cut diamond will appear more brilliant and can make other factors (color, clarity) less noticeable. Always choose Excellent or Very Good cut grade.
The best value is often in G-H color, VS2-SI1 clarity, and just below whole/half carat weights (0.90ct instead of 1.00ct). These look identical but cost significantly less.
Fancy shapes cost 20-40% less than round diamonds of equal quality. Elongated shapes (oval, pear, marquise) appear larger than their carat weight suggests.
Only buy diamonds with GIA or AGS certification. These independent reports guarantee the quality you're paying for and protect your investment.
Allocate 60-70% of your budget to the diamond and 30-40% to the setting. A beautiful setting can enhance a modest diamond, but can't save a poor-quality stone.
When possible, view diamonds in various lighting conditions. What looks good in store lighting should also look good in natural daylight and home lighting.
READY TO FIND YOUR PERFECT DIAMOND?
Our diamond experts are here to guide you through every step of your journey. Book a consultation to explore our collection and find the perfect diamond for you.