The 4Cs
Diamond Colour
Where colour is visible, where it is not, and how setting metal changes the result.
Colour grading measures the absence of colour. D, E and F are classified colourless; G through J are near-colourless. The difference between adjacent grades is subtle and is judged face-down against master stones under controlled lighting.
Where colour shows most
Larger stones show colour more readily than smaller ones. Step cuts such as emerald show body colour more than brilliant cuts, which break light into flashes that mask it. Elongated shapes can retain a little warmth at the tips.
Practical guidance
In white metals, D to G generally reads bright and icy. In yellow or rose gold, warmer grades blend naturally with the setting and can be an efficient use of budget.
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Diamond Shapes
How each outline behaves in the light, which proportions matter, and how shape influences perceived size.
The 4Cs
Carat, colour, clarity and cut — what each grade actually measures and where it matters most.
Diamond Certification
Why an independent grading report matters and how to read one with confidence.