Learn About Diamonds
Everything you need to know to choose the perfect diamond — explained clearly, without the jargon. From the 4Cs to diamond shapes and metal choices.
The 4Cs of Diamond Quality
Every diamond is graded on four characteristics — Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat. Understanding these will help you choose the right diamond for your budget and priorities.
Cut
The most important of the 4Cs. Cut refers not to the shape of the diamond, but to how well it has been faceted — determining how much light it reflects and how brilliantly it sparkles.
A well-cut diamond will appear more brilliant and larger than a poorly cut diamond of the same carat weight. The GIA grades cut from Excellent to Poor.
Colour
Diamond colour is graded on a scale from D (completely colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The less colour a diamond has, the rarer and more valuable it is.
In practice, the difference between adjacent colour grades is very subtle and often invisible to the naked eye. Diamonds in the G–I range offer excellent value — they appear colourless when set in a ring.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the presence of internal inclusions (flaws) and external blemishes within a diamond. These are natural characteristics formed during the diamond's creation deep within the earth.
Most inclusions are invisible to the naked eye and only visible under 10x magnification. An eye-clean diamond (no visible inclusions without magnification) is all that matters for a beautiful ring.
Carat
Carat is the unit of weight used to measure diamonds. One carat equals 0.2 grams. Larger diamonds are rarer and therefore more expensive — but carat weight alone does not determine how impressive a diamond looks.
The visual size of a diamond depends on its cut and shape as much as its carat weight. A well-cut 0.90ct diamond can appear larger than a poorly cut 1.00ct stone. Consider buying just below round numbers (e.g., 0.90ct instead of 1.00ct) for significant savings.
Natural vs Lab-Grown Diamonds
Both are real diamonds — chemically, physically, and optically identical. The difference is how they were created.
Natural Diamonds
Formed over billions of years deep within the earth under extreme heat and pressure. Mined and brought to the surface, each natural diamond is a unique product of geological time.
- Rarity: Finite supply — each stone is genuinely rare
- Value: Historically retain value better over time
- Provenance: Traceable origin with conflict-free certification
- Price: Higher cost per carat than lab-grown
- Appearance: Identical to lab-grown diamonds
Ideal for: those who value rarity, heritage, and long-term investment
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Created in a controlled laboratory environment that replicates the natural conditions under which diamonds form. The result is a diamond that is chemically and visually identical to a mined diamond.
- Value: Typically 50–70% less expensive than natural diamonds
- Quality: Same 4C grading standards as natural diamonds
- Sustainability: Lower environmental impact than mining
- Appearance: Indistinguishable from natural diamonds
- Certification: Graded by the same labs (GIA, IGI)
Ideal for: those who want maximum size and quality within a budget
At Avita, we offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds across our full range. We will always guide you to the best option for your priorities and budget — there is no right or wrong choice.
Diamond Shapes
The shape of a diamond is one of the most personal choices you will make. Each shape has its own character, light performance, and style.
Round Brilliant
The most popular shape. Unrivalled brilliance and fire. Timeless and versatile — suits every setting style.
Oval
Elongates the finger and appears larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight. Elegant and increasingly popular.
Emerald
A step-cut rectangle with dramatic flashes of light. Sophisticated and architectural — requires higher clarity grades.
Princess
A square shape with brilliant-cut facets. Modern and geometric with excellent light performance.
Cushion
A square or rectangular shape with rounded corners and large facets. Romantic and vintage-inspired with a soft glow.
Pear
A teardrop shape combining the brilliance of a round with the elongation of a marquise. Unique and striking.
Marquise
A pointed oval that maximises carat weight appearance. Bold and dramatic — makes fingers appear longer and slimmer.
Heart
A romantic and distinctive shape. Requires skilled cutting to achieve perfect symmetry. A truly personal choice.
Choosing Your Metal
The metal you choose affects the look, durability, and maintenance of your ring. Here is a guide to the four most popular options.
Common Diamond Questions
For most people, a round brilliant cut diamond in G–H colour, VS2–SI1 clarity, with an Excellent or Very Good cut grade offers the best combination of beauty and value. However, the "best" diamond is the one that suits your partner's style and your budget — we are always happy to guide you through the options.
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. They are graded using the same 4C standards by the same gemological laboratories (GIA, IGI). The only difference is their origin — one was formed in the earth over billions of years, the other in a laboratory over a few weeks.
This depends on your budget and your partner's preferences. The average engagement ring diamond in the UK is between 0.5ct and 1.0ct. Rather than focusing on a specific carat weight, we recommend setting a budget and letting us find the best quality diamond within that budget. A well-cut 0.80ct diamond will often look more impressive than a poorly cut 1.00ct stone.
All diamonds sold by Avita Jewellery are sourced in compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which ensures diamonds are not used to finance armed conflict. We work exclusively with trusted suppliers who adhere to strict ethical sourcing standards.
For diamonds over 0.50ct, we strongly recommend purchasing a certified diamond — ideally graded by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute). A certificate provides an independent, objective assessment of the diamond's quality and is important for insurance purposes.
Ready to Choose Your Diamond?
Book a free consultation with Dijay and we will guide you through every step — from choosing the right diamond to designing the perfect ring around it.