What Makes Diamonds So Exquisite?
Diamonds have captivated humanity for centuries, symbolising love, luxury, and timeless elegance. Formed from carbon atoms under immense heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s mantle—around 100 miles below the surface—diamonds emerge after natural forces propel them upwards. Once discovered, these raw treasures are carefully cut and polished to reveal their breathtaking brilliance.
“Diamond is the most valuable, not only of precious stones, but of all things in this world.”
– Roman Naturalist, Pliny (1st Century AD)
The 4Cs of Diamond Quality
The globally recognised diamond grading system, established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), evaluates diamonds based on the 4Cs: Colour, Clarity, Carat, and Cut. These factors determine a diamond’s beauty, rarity, and value.
Colour
A diamond’s colour grade is assessed on a scale from D (colourless, exceptionally rare) to Z (tinted yellow or brownish hues). The closer a diamond is to D, the rarer and more valuable it becomes. Choosing a near-colourless or colourless diamond ensures maximum brilliance and purity.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (external imperfections). Diamonds are graded from FL (Flawless) to I3 (Visible Inclusions). While flawless diamonds are incredibly rare, even diamonds with slight inclusions can still appear stunning to the naked eye.
Carat
Carat weight measures a diamond’s size, with 1 carat equalling 0.2 grams. Larger diamonds are rarer and, therefore, more valuable. However, carat weight should be balanced with cut quality to maximise brilliance.
Cut
Cut is the most crucial factor influencing a diamond’s sparkle. A well-proportioned cut enhances a diamond’s ability to reflect light, resulting in unmatched brilliance. A diamond’s cut is assessed on:
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Table – The flat top facet
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Crown – The upper part above the girdle
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Girdle – The thin edge dividing the crown and pavilion
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Pavilion – The lower part of the diamond
A precise cut ensures light is optimally reflected, creating the signature fire and brilliance that diamonds are renowned for.
“Better a diamond with a flaw, than a pebble without.”
– Confucius
Find Your Perfect Diamond – Browse Our Wholesale Collection
At Robert Cliff Master Jewellers, we offer an exclusive range of wholesale diamonds, allowing you to inspect and select your perfect stone based on the 4Cs. Whether you’re searching for an investment-grade diamond or the centrepiece for a bespoke jewellery design, our collection ensures you receive exceptional quality at competitive prices.
Explore our HUGE diamond range here.
Next time you choose a diamond, consider the 4Cs to ensure a piece that meets your standards of brilliance and beauty while fitting your budget.
