Understanding Diamond Clarity and Colour: A Comprehensive Guide
Choosing a diamond is more than love at first sparkle. Whether you’re shopping for a proposal ring, pendant, or self-love treat, understanding the 4Cs—Clarity, Colour, Cut, and Carat—can make all the difference between a good choice and the perfect one.
In this guide, we break down the essential details (minus the technical jargon) so you can pick a diamond that’s not only beautiful but brilliantly valued.
1. Diamond Clarity: What’s Inside Matters
Clarity refers to the natural inclusions or internal characteristics within a diamond. These are like birthmarks from the diamond’s formation process. Fewer inclusions = higher clarity = higher price.
Clarity Grades (from highest to lowest):
• FL (Flawless) – No inclusions even under 10x magnification
• IF (Internally Flawless) – No internal flaws
• VVS1-VVS2 – Very, very slight inclusions
• VS1-VS2 – Very slight inclusions
• SI1-SI2 – Slight inclusions (sometimes visible to the naked eye)
• I1-I3 – Included (visible inclusions)
What to look for:
• For maximum sparkle without overpaying, VVS2 to VS1 is ideal for most buyers.
• In lab-grown diamonds, you can often get higher clarity for less compared to mined ones.
2. Diamond Colour: The Less, the Better
When it comes to white diamonds, less colour = more value. The GIA grades diamonds on a D (colourless) to Z (light yellow/brown) scale.
Colour Grades:
• D-F: Colourless
• G-J: Near colourless
• K-M: Faint tint
• N-Z: Noticeable tint
What to look for:
• D to F range is best for icy brilliance, especially in white gold or platinum settings.
• If you’re setting your diamond in yellow or rose gold, you can go with G or H without sacrificing appearance—smart and budget-friendly!
3. Diamond Cut: The Sparkle Factor
Cut is the most important of the 4Cs when it comes to beauty. Even a flawless diamond can look dull if poorly cut. Cut refers to how well a diamond’s facets reflect light.
Popular Cuts:
• Round Brilliant – Classic & most sparkly (most expensive due to demand & cutting loss)
• Princess – Modern and edgy
• Asscher – Vintage glam with stepped facets
• Cushion, Radiant, Oval, Pear, Emerald, Heart, Marquise – Each offers unique brilliance and character
What to look for:
• Choose Excellent or Ideal cut for the best light performance
• Fancy shapes (like emerald or cushion) are typically 10–30% more affordable than round cuts—great for a bigger look on the same budget
4. Carat: Size vs. Style
Carat refers to a diamond’s weight, not its size. A higher carat usually means a bigger diamond, but cut and shape can influence how large it looks.
What to look for:
• Consider going just below “magic numbers” like 1.0ct, 1.5ct, or 2.0ct—e.g., 0.90ct instead of 1.00ct can save you 10–20% with little visual difference.
• Lab-grown diamonds make larger carats more affordable, so you don’t have to compromise on size or quality.
Clarity vs. Price: What Affects the Cost the Most?
Here’s the inside scoop:
• Cut has the most influence on beauty and should be prioritised.
• Clarity and colour affect price, but many inclusions are invisible to the naked eye.
• For smart buyers, aim for VS1 clarity, G-H colour, Ideal cut—you’ll get exceptional brilliance without overpaying.
Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Are the Smarter Choice
Lab-grown diamonds give you the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds—without the inflated prices or ethical concerns.
With Éternité Diamonds, you get:
• Higher clarity and colour grades for your budget
• Stunning 3-carat Asscher Cuts or Princess Cuts without paying a “mined” premium
• Diamonds that sparkle with purpose—not environmental damage
Final Tips When Choosing Your Diamond:
1. Set a budget—lab-grown gives you more flexibility
2. Pick your ideal shape—round for max sparkle, fancy cuts for style and value
3. Focus on cut—it’s what makes a diamond shine
4. Check the grading report—look for IGI or GIA
5. Shop with ethical confidence—know where your sparkle comes from
Whether you’re buying for love, celebration, or legacy, make your diamond choice with both heart and mind. Because beauty means more when it’s born from love—not conflict.
