Understanding Diamonds: Colour, Clarity, Cut, and Carat — Explained Simply
Posted by Brookelynn Dean on
Choosing a diamond shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring, anniversary gift, or upgrading a cherished piece, understanding the basics can help you feel confident and excited about your purchase. At The Vault, we’ve spent decades helping families choose diamonds that suit their style, budget, and the moments that matter most.
Here’s a simple guide to the Four Cs—the universal system used to grade diamonds.
1. Colour: How White is the Diamond?
Diamond colour actually refers to the absence of colour. The less colour a diamond has, the more rare and valuable it is.
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D–F: Colourless (most rare)
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G–H: Near colourless (great value + bright appearance)
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I–J: Slight warmth that can still look white in the right setting
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K+: Noticeable warmth, often chosen for vintage looks
2. Clarity: How Clean is the Diamond?
Clarity refers to tiny natural inclusions formed inside the diamond as it developed underground.
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VVS1–VVS2: Very, very slight inclusions (extremely hard to spot)
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VS1–VS2: Very slight inclusions (generally invisible to the naked eye)
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SI1–SI2: Slight inclusions (great value; many still eye-clean)
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I1–I3: Visible inclusions (budget-friendly)
3. Cut: How Sparkly is the Diamond?
Cut is not the diamond shape—it’s how well the stone has been crafted.
A well-cut diamond:
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Sparkles more
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Reflects light evenly
Grades include:
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Excellent
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Very Good
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Good
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Fair
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Poor
4. Carat: How Big is the Diamond?
Carat refers to the weight, not the size—but size often increases with weight.
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0.25–0.50 ct: Dainty and delicate
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0.75–1.00 ct: Popular for classic engagement rings
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1.25–2.00 ct+: Statement and luxurious
Still Unsure? We’re Here to Help
Our team has experience selecting and working with diamonds. Whether you're browsing, learning, or ready to design something custom, we’re always happy to walk you through your options and help you choose a stone you’ll love for life.