A diamond is judged by four distinct factors that combine in a number of ways to arrive at its value. These are called the 4C's. Carat Weight As with all precious stones, the weight of a diamond is expressed in carats. The word carat originated in a natural unit of weight: the seeds of the carob tree. Diamonds were traditionally weighed against these seeds until the system was standardised and one carat was fixed at 0.2grams. One carat is divided into 100 points so that a diamond of 25 points is described as quarter of a carat or .25ct. Clarity Almost all diamonds contain minute traces of non-crystallised carbon or small non-diamond crystals. Most are not visible to the naked eye and require magnification to become apparent. Called inclusions, they are nature's fingerprints and make every diamond unique. However, the fewer there are, the rarer the stone will be. Clarity, therefore, is the term that is used to indicate the extent to which the diamond you purchase is free of these natural phenomena.

Although the majority of diamonds appear to be colourless, others can contain increasing tinges of yellow or brown, some of which are referred to as champagne diamonds. Rare stones of exceptional colour - green, red, blue, pink or amber are known as 'fancies'.


Of all the 4C's, cut is the one most directly influenced by man. The other three are dictated by nature. The cut or make of a diamond will dramatically influence its fire and sparkle, for it is the polisher's skill that releases its beauty.


How to care for your diamonds