What are the “4 Cs” of diamonds?

The 4 Cs stand for cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight—a universal way to assess a diamond’s quality.

Do I need to buy the highest grades in each of the 4 Cs?

Not necessarily. It’s about finding the right balance that works for your taste and budget. Sometimes a small compromise in one area gives you more value overall.

How important is diamond certification?

Certification ensures your diamond’s qualities have been objectively graded. It’s an extra layer of security for your investment.

Is clarity or cut more important?

Generally, cut has a greater impact on how your diamond looks than clarity. A well-cut diamond will sparkle even if it has minor inclusions.

The Five Most Important Things to Consider When Buying a Diamond

A rose gold diamond pendant necklace sitting on a ladies neck with a white blouse — Floating diamond necklaces like this are one of our most popular custom diamond jewellery pieces, aside from rings.

What to Know Before Choosing a Diamond

Diamonds are a significant purchase and often hold deep sentimental value. When it’s time to choose one, understanding what you’re buying makes all the difference. Here are the five most important things to consider so you feel confident in your decision.

Diamond rings show commitment and lasting beauty. At Sara Handmade Jewellery, we design and make each ring, choosing the diamond on a project-to-project basis.

Cut: The Key to a Diamond's Sparkle

The cut of a diamond is arguably the most crucial element to consider. A well-cut diamond will appear brilliant and lively, reflecting light beautifully. Even with excellent colour or clarity, a poorly cut diamond can look dull. Pay attention to terms like “excellent,” “very good,” and “good” when reviewing cut grades—these grades give you a sense of how much the diamond will sparkle.

A microscope view of a round brilliant diamond shows the facets that make this cut so sought after.

Colour: Subtle Differences Matter

Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (completely colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). While truly colourless diamonds are rarer (and can be more expensive), many stones with a touch of warmth can still look stunning, especially once set in jewellery. Trust your eye and consider what appeals to you.

A chart showing the different clarity of diamonds and their colour range — This diamond chart shows the different grades of clarity and color.

Clarity: Natural Marks and Inclusions

No diamond is entirely free from internal marks, called inclusions. Clarity is about how visible these inclusions are. Ranging from “Flawless” to “Included,” most diamonds fall somewhere in the middle. Minor inclusions often can’t be seen without magnification and don’t affect the diamond’s beauty. It’s worth examining a diamond in person if possible to see if clarity characteristics are visible.

A square cushion shaped diamond being held by tweezers above a GIA certificate — A square cushion shaped diamond is inspected against its certificate before it’s used in a custom engagement ring.

Certification: Know What You're Getting

A diamond certificate from an independent organisation, like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), verifies its key characteristics. This certificate gives transparency and peace of mind, helping you understand exactly what you’re buying. Always ask to see a diamond’s certification before you make your choice—especially for larger stones.

Frequently Asked Questions: Diamonds

The 4 Cs stand for cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight—a universal way to assess a diamond’s quality.
Not necessarily. It’s about finding the right balance that works for your taste and budget. Sometimes a small compromise in one area gives you more value overall.
Certification ensures your diamond’s qualities have been objectively graded. It’s an extra layer of security for your investment.
Generally, cut has a greater impact on how your diamond looks than clarity. A well-cut diamond will sparkle even if it has minor inclusions.

Ready to find the perfect diamond? Talk to Sara Handmade Jewellery in Kiama, or get in touch today via our website.