Cut - is the most important C. Not only does it describe the shape of a diamond - round brilliant cut, oval cut, princess cut, emerald cut to name a few but more importantly it tells you how well a diamond is cut, about it's proportions, symmetry and finish. A well cut diamond radiates with brilliance and fire. Light interacting with the diamond's angles/facets is what makes a diamond sparkle when it or it's wearer moves.

 

Colour - the 2nd of the famous cs. All white diamonds are graded as one of 23 shades, ranging from D-Z in colour, D diamonds are truly colourless and very rare. At Ryan Thomas we offer diamonds ranging from D-H in colour, the top of the family and the brightest diamonds.

 

Clarity - 98% of natural diamonds have microscopic inclusions. These tiny inclusions formed in diamonds during their formation, a million years ago. We like to think of inclusions as diamond finger prints, no two diamonds will have the same inclusions in the same place. We stock diamonds ranging from IF to SI2 in clarity. Most diamonds from VS2 to SI2 have inclusions that are not visible with the unaided eye.

 

Carat - its the measurement of diamond size. Diamonds of large scale and excellent quality are truly rare and are therefore more expensive.  We always say don't go for a size alone, the quality matters. Smaller, but better quality diamonds will always look better than the bigger poorer quality diamond.

For more information on the Four c's read our Guide to Diamonds here.