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Buying a diamond is an emotional and financial decision most people make only a few times in life. With the right knowledge you can get a brighter, more valuable stone for the same budget. Here are the 4Cs explained from our workshop experience.

1. Carat: weight, not size

One carat equals 0.20 grams. Because larger diamonds are rarer, prices rise exponentially. Stones just below popular thresholds (e.g. 0.45 or 0.90 ct) look almost identical to 0.50 or 1.00 ct stones but cost noticeably less.

2. Colour: from D to Z

D–F are colourless and G–J near-colourless. In white gold, G–H looks white to the naked eye and offers the best value; yellow or rose gold settings allow I–J.

3. Clarity: don’t pay for what you can’t see

Clarity runs from IF through VVS, VS and SI to I. We usually recommend VS1–VS2, whose inclusions are visible only under 10x magnification. Step cuts such as baguette and emerald need higher clarity.

4. Cut: the source of sparkle

Cut has the biggest impact on beauty. A well-cut G/VS2 can outshine a poorly cut E/VVS1. Choose Excellent/Ideal or Very Good for round brilliants.

Certificates

GIA, IGI and HRD reports document the 4Cs independently — recommended for solitaires of 0.50 ct and above.

Budget summary

1. Never compromise on cut.
2. G–H colour in white gold, I–J in yellow gold.
3. Look for eye-clean VS2–SI1.
4. Spend the rest on carat, just below round thresholds.