Diamond Guide

A Guide to Understanding Diamonds

Choosing a diamond is one of the most important decisions when selecting fine jewellery. Diamonds are prized for their rarity, brilliance, and enduring beauty, making them the perfect gemstone for engagement rings, anniversary gifts, and heirloom jewellery. At Clarindon Jewellers, we believe that understanding the characteristics of a diamond helps you select a stone that reflects both exceptional quality and personal style.

Diamonds are typically evaluated using four internationally recognised characteristics known as the Four Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat weight. These qualities determine the overall appearance, brilliance, and value of a diamond.

With over 35 years of combined experience in fine jewellery, Clarindon Jewellers carefully selects diamonds that meet the highest standards of beauty and craftsmanship. This guide explains the key factors that influence a diamond’s quality and helps you understand how to choose the perfect diamond.

Diamond Cut

Diamond cut is often considered the most important of the Four Cs because it has the greatest influence on a diamond’s brilliance. A well-cut diamond reflects light through its facets, creating the sparkle and fire that diamonds are famous for.

When a diamond is cut with precision, light enters the stone and reflects internally before returning to the eye, producing exceptional brilliance. Poorly cut diamonds allow light to escape through the sides or bottom, reducing sparkle and visual impact.

Common diamond shapes include:

  • Round Brilliant

  • Oval

  • Cushion

  • Emerald

  • Princess

  • Pear

  • Marquise

Each shape offers a unique aesthetic while maintaining the brilliance and elegance expected of fine diamonds.

Diamond Colour

Diamond colour refers to the natural presence of colour within a diamond. Most diamonds appear colourless, though subtle variations may be present.

Colour is graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light colour). Diamonds with less colour are typically rarer and more valuable because they allow more light to pass through the stone.

However, many diamonds within near-colourless ranges still appear perfectly white to the naked eye while offering excellent value.

Diamond Clarity

Clarity measures the natural internal characteristics, known as inclusions, present within a diamond. These inclusions are formed naturally during the diamond’s creation deep within the earth.

Clarity grades range from Flawless (FL) to Included (I).

Most diamonds contain very small inclusions that are only visible under magnification and have little impact on their beauty. Many diamonds offer exceptional brilliance while remaining visually flawless to the naked eye.

Diamond Carat Weight

Carat weight refers to the weight of a diamond and often influences its perceived size. Larger diamonds are rarer and therefore more valuable, though carat weight alone does not determine a diamond’s beauty.

A well-balanced diamond with excellent cut, colour, and clarity can often appear more brilliant than a larger stone of lower quality.

When selecting a diamond, it is important to consider the balance of all Four Cs rather than focusing on carat weight alone.

Choosing the Right Diamond

Selecting the perfect diamond involves balancing personal preferences, design style, and budget. At Clarindon Jewellers, our specialists are available to guide you through the process of selecting a diamond that reflects both exceptional quality and individual style.

Whether choosing a diamond for an engagement ring, a fine jewellery piece, or a bespoke design, our carefully curated diamonds ensure every customer receives a gemstone of lasting beauty.