Close-up of a sparkling, cut diamond against a white background.

Diamond Guide — Learn the 4Cs

Buying a diamond should be clear and simple. At Fine Diamond Jewellery by Sapphiro, we guide you through the 4Cs of Diamonds — Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight — the universal standard for judging diamond quality.

The 4Cs of Diamonds

 1. Cut

 • Most important C.

 • Determines sparkle, brilliance, and fire.

 • Grades: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor.

Three sparkling round-cut diamonds on a reflective surface, with light shining from behind, creating reflections and shadows.

EX-VG CUT

GOOD CUT

FAIR CUT

 2. Color

 • Refers to how colorless a diamond is.

 • Graded from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow/brown).

 • Fancy colors (pink, yellow, blue, green) are separate.

A collection of diamonds arranged in two rows labeled with corresponding letters from D to L and M to Z.
Diagram showing the visibility of inclusions in a spherical object under magnification, with labels for different magnification levels and their descriptions.

3. Clarity

 • Refers to internal (inclusions) and external (blemishes) flaws.

 • Grades: Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), VVS, VS, SI, I.

A chart showing five diamonds of different sizes with their weights: 0.50 carats, 0.75 carats, 1.00 carats, 2.00 carats, and 5.00 carats.

4. Carat Weight

 • Measures size/weight of the diamond.

 • 1 Carat = 0.20 grams.

 • Not the only factor — cut & proportions affect look.

Why It Matters

 • Helps buyers compare diamonds fairly.

 • Ensures transparency and authenticity.

 • Empowers clients to make informed decisions.

GIA Diamond grading report for a heart-shaped diamond, with details on measurements, carat weight, color, clarity, and grading scales.
 

Natural Diamond - GIA sample certificate copy

Lab Grown Diamond - IGI sample certificate copy

Laboratory diamond report showing a round brilliant cut diamond with measurements of 6.44 to 6.47 millimeters in width and 3.91 millimeters in depth. The report includes grading details for carat weight (1.00 carat), color grade (E), clarity grade (VS1), and cut grade (Excellent). The report also contains a diamond proportions diagram, a small image of the diamond, and additional grading information including polish, symmetry, and fluorescence.

Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds

Both Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds are 100% real diamonds — identical in beauty, hardness, and sparkle. The only difference lies in how they are formed.

  • Natural Diamonds are created deep inside the Earth over billions of years.

  • Lab-Grown Diamonds are created in laboratories in a matter of weeks, using advanced CVD or HPHT technology that replicates nature.

Feature Natural Diamonds Lab-Grown Diamonds
Origin Formed naturally in Earth over billions of years Created in labs using CVD/HPHT methods
Composition Pure carbon (Type Ia, Type IIa) Pure carbon (often Type IIa, rarest in nature)
Certification Certified by GIA, IGI, HRD Certified by GIA, IGI, HRD
Price Higher (rarity + mining costs) 90–95% lower than natural diamonds
Environmental Impact Mining required Powered by renewable electricity (e.g., solar); no mining
Ethics & Transparency Mining sometimes linked with unethical practices Government-regulated inputs (gases, electricity); transparent supply chain

All diamonds are certified by GIA, IGI & HRD.

Feature Natural Diamonds Lab-Grown Diamonds
Origin Formed naturally in Earth over billions of years Created in labs using CVD/HPHT methods
Composition Pure carbon (Type Ia, Type IIa) Pure carbon (often Type IIa, rarest in nature)
Certification Certified by GIA, IGI, HRD Certified by GIA, IGI, HRD
Price Higher (rarity + mining costs) 90–95% lower than natural diamonds
Environmental Impact Mining required Powered by renewable electricity (e.g., solar); no mining
Ethics & Transparency Mining sometimes linked with unethical practices Government-regulated inputs (gases, electricity); transparent supply chain

Both are genuine diamonds — and without advanced lab equipment, even experts cannot distinguish between them.

The choice is yours:

 • Choose Natural Diamonds for rarity and tradition.

 • Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds for value and sustainability.

At Fine Diamond Jewellery by Sapphiro, we supply both — always certified and ethically sourced.