Diamond Education
Understanding the 4 Cs of Diamonds
The internationally recognised standards used to assess a diamond's quality and value: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat Weight.
Choosing a diamond can feel overwhelming at first, but understanding the 4 Cs makes it much easier to compare options and find the perfect stone.
At Norah Light, we believe choosing a diamond should be simple. That's why we've already done much of the work for you by selecting diamonds that meet our strict quality standards.
The First C
Cut
Cut is the most important factor affecting a diamond's sparkle. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, creating the brilliance, fire and scintillation that diamonds are known for. Even a diamond with excellent colour and clarity can appear dull if it is poorly cut.
When choosing a diamond, prioritising cut quality will have the greatest impact on its overall appearance.
The Second C
Colour
Diamond colour refers to how colourless a diamond appears. The industry colour scale ranges from D to Z, with D being completely colourless and increasingly noticeable warmth appearing further down the scale.
Colour Grades
| D – F | Colourless: Exceptionally bright and icy white. |
| G – H | Near Colourless: Appears white to the naked eye and offers excellent value. |
| I – J | Slightly Warm: May show a subtle warmth, particularly in larger stones. |
The Third C
Clarity
Clarity measures the presence of natural internal characteristics known as inclusions and external characteristics known as blemishes. Most inclusions are microscopic and cannot be seen without magnification.
Common Clarity Grades
| FL / IF | Flawless or Internally Flawless: The rarest clarity grade. |
| VVS1 / VVS2 | Very Very Slightly Included: Extremely difficult inclusions to detect even under magnification. |
| VS1 / VS2 | Very Slightly Included: Minor inclusions that are typically invisible to the naked eye. |
| SI1 / SI2 | Slightly Included: Inclusions may be visible under close inspection. |
The Fourth C
Carat Weight
Carat refers to a diamond's weight and is often associated with its size. As carat weight increases, a diamond generally appears larger and becomes increasingly rare. Shape and proportions also affect how large a diamond appears.
Finding Your Perfect Size
| 1 Carat | Classic and elegant. |
| 2 Carat | Noticeably larger with impressive presence. |
| 3 Carat | Bold, luxurious and one of today's most sought-after sizes. |
| 4+ Carat | Exceptional statement diamonds with remarkable impact. |
The Norah Light Difference
At Norah Light, we believe buying an engagement ring should be exciting, not overwhelming.
Rather than offering endless combinations of diamond grades, we carefully select diamonds that meet our strict quality standards so you can shop with confidence.
Every Norah Light diamond is:
- D, E or F Colour
- VS1 Clarity or Higher
- Expertly Cut for Maximum Brilliance
- Independently IGI Certified
- Lab-Grown and Ethically Created
Need help choosing?
Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you find the perfect diamond for your ring.
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