Avita are proud of their reputation as industry experts, drawing on generations of experience to craft and create the perfect diamond ring or jewellery for you. It is an important decision you are about to make and we want to help you in every way we can.
The Four C's
When it comes to understanding the different aspects of a diamond, there are four main characteristics that are commonly used. These are collectively known as the four C's - cut, carat, color, and clarity. If you want to delve deeper into what each of these factors means and how they contribute to the overall value and beauty of a diamond, keep reading below for a comprehensive guide to the four C's.
DIAMOND CUT
The diamond cut affects how brilliant the stone is. This isn’t about shape (whether it’s pear or oval) but is dependent on the original shape of the rough stone. There will be flaws to be smoothed away without reducing its weight and maximising its appearance. Shape often changes depending on fashion and trends but cut is timeless. A well cut diamond reflects the light beautifully and gives it that famous sparkle.
The Importance of Cut Quality
The key to a diamond cut is to reflect light. With a high quality cut the light enters the diamond through the table and crown - it travels towards the pavilion and then reflects from one side to the other. Finally it bounces back from the diamond’s table to the observer’s eye. This is called “light return” and it affects the diamond’s brightness, brilliance and dispersion. Poor symmetry or a poor cut will cause light-leakage and will adversely affect the quality of light return.
The examples of “Shallow Cut” and “Deep Cut” show how light enters through the table of a modern round brilliant diamond, reaching the pavilion facets and then leaking out from the sides or the bottom of the diamond rather than reflecting back to the eye. Simply put, less light means less brilliance. In the “Ideal Cut” most of the light entering the diamond through the table is reflected back to the observer from the pavilion facets.
CARAT
The carat of a diamond is a measurement of both its size and weight. One carat is around 0.2 grams.
A carat can also be divided into points with one carat being equal to 100 points. Therefore, a 1/2 carat diamond would be 50 points, a 3/4 carat diamond is 75 points, and a 2 carat diamond is 200 points. Diamond carat is a great indicator for size when choosing a diamond. Generally, the higher the carat weight, the larger the diamond will be. However, it's important to note that even diamonds with the same carat weight can vary slightly in size. Additionally, different diamond shapes can also impact the perceived size of the diamond.
Here is a table giving you the approximate diameter of four round brilliant cut and princess cut diamond sizes;
CLARITY
Clarity means the absence of imperfections in your diamond, both within it and on the surface.
GIA CLARITY GRADING SYSTEM
These images explain the GIA grading system for inclusions and imperfections. Considerations in grading the clarity of a diamond include the type of stone, point size and the location of inclusions. Inclusions that are near to, or break the surface, may weaken the diamond structurally, therefore reducing its value significantly.
On the other hand, it may be possible to hide certain inclusions behind the setting of the diamond (depending on where the inclusion is located), thus minimizing any negative impact of the inclusion.
below SI clarity is I1 to I3 - Imperfect, with large Inclusions, fractures, and flaws. At Avita we always choose diamonds SI clarity or above. From this grade and above you should not see any inclusions with the naked eye.
COLOUR
Here’s the science bit. The colour of a diamond is affected by the nitrogen atoms within it.
Most natural diamonds contain small quantities of nitrogen atoms that displace carbon atoms within the crystal’s lattice structure. They are evenly dispersed through the stone and absorb some of the blue spectrum. This is why the diamond appear yellow. The higher the amount of nitrogen atoms, the yellower the stone will look.
The colour rating of a diamond is judged by a chart first defined by the Gemological Institute of America(GIA). It runs from “D” to “Z” with “D” being “Pure White” and “Z” “yellow”.
The colour chart explains the GIA grading system for diamonds.
D, E, F - Rare white
G, H - White
At Avita Jewellery we exclusively use diamonds graded between D-H, ensuring that we work with only the highest grade of diamonds. By choosing diamonds with less color, we guarantee that our customers receive the best value and quality in every piece of jewellery they purchase from us.
DIAMOND CUT
The diamond cut affects how brilliant the stone is. This isn’t about shape (whether it’s pear or oval) but is dependent on the original shape of the rough stone. There will be flaws to be smoothed away without reducing its weight and maximising its appearance. Shape often changes depending on fashion and trends but cut is timeless. A well cut diamond reflects the light beautifully and gives it that famous sparkle.
The Importance of Cut Quality
The key to a diamond cut is to reflect light. With a high quality cut the light enters the diamond through the table and crown - it travels towards the pavilion and then reflects from one side to the other. Finally it bounces back from the diamond’s table to the observer’s eye. This is called “light return” and it affects the diamond’s brightness, brilliance and dispersion. Poor symmetry or a poor cut will cause light-leakage and will adversely affect the quality of light return.
The examples of “Shallow Cut” and “Deep Cut” show how light enters through the table of a modern round brilliant diamond, reaching the pavilion facets and then leaking out from the sides or the bottom of the diamond rather than reflecting back to the eye. Simply put, less light means less brilliance. In the “Ideal Cut” most of the light entering the diamond through the table is reflected back to the observer from the pavilion facets.
CARAT
The carat of a diamond is a measurement of both its size and weight. One carat is around 0.2 grams.
A carat can also be divided into points with one carat being equal to 100 points. Therefore, a 1/2 carat diamond would be 50 points, a 3/4 carat diamond is 75 points, and a 2 carat diamond is 200 points. Diamond carat is a great indicator for size when choosing a diamond. Generally, the higher the carat weight, the larger the diamond will be. However, it's important to note that even diamonds with the same carat weight can vary slightly in size. Additionally, different diamond shapes can also impact the perceived size of the diamond.
Here is a table giving you the approximate diameter of four round brilliant cut and princess cut diamond sizes;
CLARITY
Clarity means the absence of imperfections in your diamond, both within it and on the surface.
GIA CLARITY GRADING SYSTEM
These images explain the GIA grading system for inclusions and imperfections. Considerations in grading the clarity of a diamond include the type of stone, point size and the location of inclusions. Inclusions that are near to, or break the surface, may weaken the diamond structurally, therefore reducing its value significantly.
On the other hand, it may be possible to hide certain inclusions behind the setting of the diamond (depending on where the inclusion is located), thus minimizing any negative impact of the inclusion.
below SI clarity is I1 to I3 - Imperfect, with large Inclusions, fractures, and flaws. At Avita we always choose diamonds SI clarity or above. From this grade and above you should not see any inclusions with the naked eye.
COLOUR
Here’s the science bit. The colour of a diamond is affected by the nitrogen atoms within it.
Most natural diamonds contain small quantities of nitrogen atoms that displace carbon atoms within the crystal’s lattice structure. They are evenly dispersed through the stone and absorb some of the blue spectrum. This is why the diamond appear yellow. The higher the amount of nitrogen atoms, the yellower the stone will look.
The colour rating of a diamond is judged by a chart first defined by the Gemological Institute of America(GIA). It runs from “D” to “Z” with “D” being “Pure White” and “Z” “yellow”.
The colour chart explains the GIA grading system for diamonds.
D, E, F - Rare white
G, H - White
At Avita Jewellery we exclusively use diamonds graded between D-H, ensuring that we work with only the highest grade of diamonds. By choosing diamonds with less color, we guarantee that our customers receive the best value and quality in every piece of jewellery they purchase from us.
DIAMOND CUT
The diamond cut affects how brilliant the stone is. This isn’t about shape (whether it’s pear or oval) but is dependent on the original shape of the rough stone. There will be flaws to be smoothed away without reducing its weight and maximising its appearance. Shape often changes depending on fashion and trends but cut is timeless. A well cut diamond reflects the light beautifully and gives it that famous sparkle.
The Importance of Cut Quality
The key to a diamond cut is to reflect light. With a high quality cut the light enters the diamond through the table and crown - it travels towards the pavilion and then reflects from one side to the other. Finally it bounces back from the diamond’s table to the observer’s eye. This is called “light return” and it affects the diamond’s brightness, brilliance and dispersion. Poor symmetry or a poor cut will cause light-leakage and will adversely affect the quality of light return.
The examples of “Shallow Cut” and “Deep Cut” show how light enters through the table of a modern round brilliant diamond, reaching the pavilion facets and then leaking out from the sides or the bottom of the diamond rather than reflecting back to the eye. Simply put, less light means less brilliance. In the “Ideal Cut” most of the light entering the diamond through the table is reflected back to the observer from the pavilion facets.
CARAT
The carat of a diamond is a measurement of both its size and weight. One carat is around 0.2 grams.
A carat can also be divided into points with one carat being equal to 100 points. Therefore, a 1/2 carat diamond would be 50 points, a 3/4 carat diamond is 75 points, and a 2 carat diamond is 200 points. Diamond carat is a great indicator for size when choosing a diamond. Generally, the higher the carat weight, the larger the diamond will be. However, it's important to note that even diamonds with the same carat weight can vary slightly in size. Additionally, different diamond shapes can also impact the perceived size of the diamond.
Here is a table giving you the approximate diameter of four round brilliant cut and princess cut diamond sizes;
CLARITY
Clarity means the absence of imperfections in your diamond, both within it and on the surface.
GIA CLARITY GRADING SYSTEM
These images explain the GIA grading system for inclusions and imperfections. Considerations in grading the clarity of a diamond include the type of stone, point size and the location of inclusions. Inclusions that are near to, or break the surface, may weaken the diamond structurally, therefore reducing its value significantly.
On the other hand, it may be possible to hide certain inclusions behind the setting of the diamond (depending on where the inclusion is located), thus minimizing any negative impact of the inclusion.
below SI clarity is I1 to I3 - Imperfect, with large Inclusions, fractures, and flaws. At Avita we always choose diamonds SI clarity or above. From this grade and above you should not see any inclusions with the naked eye.
COLOUR
Here’s the science bit. The colour of a diamond is affected by the nitrogen atoms within it.
Most natural diamonds contain small quantities of nitrogen atoms that displace carbon atoms within the crystal’s lattice structure. They are evenly dispersed through the stone and absorb some of the blue spectrum. This is why the diamond appear yellow. The higher the amount of nitrogen atoms, the yellower the stone will look.
The colour rating of a diamond is judged by a chart first defined by the Gemological Institute of America(GIA). It runs from “D” to “Z” with “D” being “Pure White” and “Z” “yellow”.
The colour chart explains the GIA grading system for diamonds.
D, E, F - Rare white
G, H - White
At Avita Jewellery we exclusively use diamonds graded between D-H, ensuring that we work with only the highest grade of diamonds. By choosing diamonds with less color, we guarantee that our customers receive the best value and quality in every piece of jewellery they purchase from us.
Diamond Certification
At Avita we will work with the top diamond grading laboratories of the world. All our diamonds over 0.30ct are graded by either GIA, IGI, HRD and other leading diamond grading laboratories from around the world.
If you have a preference on a particular certificate then please Contact Us to let us know and we will happily make your jewellery with your specifications.
Conflict Diamonds
Avita takes steps to ensure its diamonds have not come from conflict zones. We ask and inspect all our suppliers to make sure they do not handle conflict diamonds and that they have subscribed to the Kimberly process thus eliminating conflict diamonds.
Avita Jewellery will never sell or handle diamonds without having guarantees the diamond is conflict free.
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