Beginner’s Guide to Diamond Clarity, Cut, Carat & Colour
Buying a diamond for the first time? Understanding the 4Cs — Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat — is the key to finding the right stone for your style and budget. In this beginner-friendly guide, we explain each of these characteristics in simple terms, so you can shop confidently at Pookie Jewellers.
💎 Cut: The Sparkle Factor
Cut refers to how well a diamond has been shaped and faceted. It directly affects how the stone reflects light and sparkles.
- Excellent/Ideal Cut – Maximum brilliance and fire
- Good Cut – Bright and sparkly, but not top-tier
- Poor Cut – Dull appearance, less light return
The cut is the most important “C” — even more than carat or clarity when it comes to beauty.
🎨 Colour: From D to Z
Diamond colour is graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow/brown).
- D–F: Colourless (most valuable)
- G–J: Near colourless (excellent value)
- K–Z: Noticeable warmth or tint
Many shoppers choose G–H grades for a balance between quality and price — especially when set in white gold or platinum.
🔬 Clarity: Flawless or Slightly Included?
Clarity measures how free a diamond is from internal (inclusions) or external (blemishes) marks.
- FL/IF: Flawless or internally flawless
- VVS1–VVS2: Very, very slightly included
- VS1–VS2: Very slightly included (great value!)
- SI1–SI2: Slightly included (eye-clean in many cases)
Most buyers choose VS or SI for a brilliant look at a better price.
⚖️ Carat: The Size of the Stone
Carat is the weight of the diamond. Larger carat = larger diamond, but remember that cut and proportions impact how big it appears.
- 1 carat = 0.2 grams
- Most engagement rings range from 0.50ct to 2ct
- Well-cut 0.90ct can look like 1ct but cost less
📝 Quick Summary: Diamond 4Cs
- Cut – Affects sparkle most
- Colour – D to Z grading (D is best)
- Clarity – Fewer inclusions = better quality
- Carat – Size/weight of the stone
Understanding the 4Cs helps you compare diamonds and find the best fit for your style and budget.
💖 Shop Certified Diamonds at Pookie Jewellers
We handpick each of our diamonds for beauty, value, and ethical sourcing. Whether you prefer a natural or lab-grown diamond, we’ve got the perfect sparkle for you.
🙋♀️ FAQs
Cut — it directly affects sparkle and overall beauty.
VS1 or SI1 offer great looks without the high price of flawless diamonds.
Yes, all our diamonds come with certification (GIA, IGI, or similar).