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4Cs of lab diamonds
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Jan 26, 2023
Diamonds
The 4CS – When choosing a diamond, what really matters?
In this article, our most senior gemmologist his opinion and tips on the 4Cs for today’s savvy buyers out there.
 
 
 

• CARAT- Does size matter? 

 
The most important!    
Out of the 4Cs “Carat” takes the first spot for many reasons.
1.  The size of the diamond is the first thing you see.
2.  The first question asked by all her friends will be “What size is your diamond?”.
3.  It makes the biggest difference in price out of all the 4Cs.

Tip 1: Go as big as your budget allows. You will never regret getting a diamond that is too big. But you will regret getting one that is too small. 

Tip 2: About 20% of all the diamonds we sell are for couples upgrading their original diamond ring. So, going for a bigger diamond initially, usually means not needing to upgrade in the future. 


• COLOUR- Is it better to go for size or colour?

 
Colour is the second most important as it is noticeable to the naked eye. When the budget allows, try to go for G colour and higher. 
 
D-F are very white colourless diamonds. G-J are near colourless. K and below are slightly yellow. The lower the colour, the more yellow it will be and more noticeable. 

Tip 1: If you want to save some money or want to get a bigger diamond still within your budget H colour is a great option. 

Tip 2: If you happen to choose a ring that is all yellow gold, you can easily go down to an I (India) colour, as the yellow will bring out the white in the diamond, making it look about a G colour because of the contrast.
Carat and Colour grades of man made diamonds.

• CLARITY- Important or overblown?

Most of the time clarity cannot be seen by the naked eye. 

Tip 1: If you are on a budget the best clarity for a diamond, up to 1.00ct, would be “SI1” or “SI2”.  For diamonds above 1.00ct, we recommend a “VS2” or “SI1”.  This applies to all shapes, except for an Emerald Cut.  


Tip 2. For an Emerald cut, we would recommend an “SI1” or “SI2” for diamonds up to 1.00ct and “VS2” for diamonds above 1.00ct. 


• CUT – Why is it controversial to some?

The importance of the cut “Cut” can be the most controversial out of all the 4Cs. This is because some will say it is the most important, but this is highly debatable. So why is it taking the last position in this guide? 

Our gemmologist has decided to put it in this guide as least important, because to most people the difference in “Cut” will be not visible to the naked eye. The reality is that only a trained person can actually tell the difference in the cut of a diamond. We don’t even think your typical salesperson at a jewellery store can tell the difference. 

The least important of the 4Cs is the “CUT” which is usually exaggerated in importance by many. 

Tip 1: Stick to “Ideal” and “Excellent” cut if budget allows. 

Tip 2: If on a budget, you can go down to “Very Good” but do not go any lower.

By following the above guidelines, you will be certain to have the perfect sized diamond that is white, with no inclusions visible to the naked eye and with an excellent cut, you are sure to have a dazzling lab grown diamond full of sparkle. Next we recommend you read our lab diamond rings guide. And when you are ready choose from our large stock on hand of over 620 lab grown diamonds in UK.

 

In summary

When choosing a lab created diamond in UK, consider the 4Cs: carat, color, clarity, and cut. Carat size and color are most noticeable, while clarity and cut may be less visible. Opt for larger carats and near-colorless grades to maximize impact. Novita Diamonds offers over a huge selection of lab grown diamonds in UK, ensuring you find the perfect, dazzling gem.

Cut and Clarity grades of lab made diamonds.

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