THE 4Cs OF DIAMONDS

Every diamond is unique. Its beauty, brilliance and value are influenced by four key characteristics known as the 4Cs — Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat.

Understanding the 4Cs helps you choose a diamond with confidence and find the right balance of beauty, quality and value.

DIAMOND CUT

The Secret Behind the Sparkle

Cut determines how effectively a diamond interacts with light. It is one of the most important factors influencing a diamond's brilliance and sparkle.

Cut refers to the diamond's proportions, symmetry and polish. It is different from diamond shape, which describes the outline of the stone — such as Round, Oval, Princess or Emerald.

A well-cut diamond can reflect and return light beautifully, creating:

·       Brilliance – the brightness of reflected white light

·       Fire – flashes of spectral colour

·       Scintillation – flashes of light and dark as the diamond or viewer moves

Cut vs Shape

Cut refers to how a diamond is fashioned and how it interacts with light.

Shape refers to the diamond's outline and overall appearance.

Popular diamond shapes include Round, Princess, Oval, Cushion, Emerald, Radiant, Pear, Marquise, Heart and Asscher.

Choosing the Right Cut

When selecting a diamond, consider its cut quality, proportions, symmetry and polish. A well-cut diamond can deliver exceptional sparkle even when other characteristics are carefully balanced.

At ZEN Diamond, we believe the right cut brings a diamond's natural beauty to life.

DIAMOND COLOUR

A Spectrum of Natural Beauty

For most traditional white diamonds, Colour refers to the absence of colour.

The less visible colour a diamond has, the more colourless it appears. Colour is an important characteristic of the 4Cs and can influence both appearance and value.

Understanding the Colour Scale

·       D – F | Colourless — Exceptionally little to no visible colour.

·       G – J | Near Colourless — Very subtle colour, often difficult to detect without comparison.

·       K – M | Faint Colour — A slight warm tint may be visible.

·       N – Z | Increasing Colour — A more noticeable yellow or brown tint may be present.

Fancy Colour Diamonds

Diamonds can also occur in beautiful natural colours such as yellow, pink, blue, green and, very rarely, red.

These are known as fancy colour diamonds and are evaluated differently from traditional white diamonds. Their rarity, colour intensity and other characteristics can significantly influence their value.

Choosing the Right Colour

The ideal colour grade depends on your personal preference, jewellery design and the metal you choose.

A beautifully cut diamond with a well-balanced colour grade can offer an exceptional combination of brightness, beauty and value.

At ZEN Diamond, we believe the right colour is the one that complements your diamond, your jewellery and your style.

DIAMOND CLARITY

Every Diamond Has Its Own Character

Clarity refers to the presence of internal inclusions and external blemishes in a diamond.

Natural diamonds are formed under immense heat and pressure deep within the earth. During this process, tiny natural characteristics may develop within or on the surface of the diamond.

These characteristics help make every diamond unique.

The Clarity Scale

·       FL – Flawless — No inclusions or blemishes are visible under 10× magnification.

·       IF – Internally Flawless — No internal inclusions are visible under 10× magnification.

·       VVS1 / VVS2 – Very, Very Slightly Included — Inclusions are extremely difficult to see under 10× magnification.

·       VS1 / VS2 – Very Slightly Included — Inclusions are minor and can be difficult to see under magnification.

·       SI1 / SI2 – Slightly Included — Inclusions are more noticeable under magnification.

·       I1 / I2 / I3 – Included — Inclusions are more apparent and may have a greater impact on the diamond's appearance.

Does Higher Clarity Mean a Better Diamond?

Not always.

Many diamonds with lower clarity grades can appear clean to the naked eye. Therefore, clarity should be considered together with Cut, Colour and Carat, rather than viewed in isolation.

At ZEN Diamond, we believe every diamond has its own character. The right one is the diamond that looks beautiful to you.

DIAMOND CARAT

Understanding Diamond Weight

Carat refers to the weight of a diamond, not its size.

One metric carat equals 0.20 grams, and one carat is divided into 100 points.

·       0.25 carat = 25 points

·       0.50 carat = 50 points

·       0.75 carat = 75 points

·       1.00 carat = 100 points

Carat Weight vs Size

Carat measures weight, while the diamond's visible size depends on its shape, proportions, dimensions and cut.

This means two diamonds with the same carat weight can appear different in size.

Elongated shapes such as Oval, Pear and Marquise may sometimes appear larger than other shapes of a similar carat weight because of their dimensions.

What Is Total Carat Weight?

Total Carat Weight (TCW) refers to the combined weight of all diamonds in a jewellery piece.

For example, a pair of earrings with a total carat weight of 1.00 ct may contain multiple diamonds whose combined weight equals 1.00 ct.

Does Higher Carat Mean Higher Value?

Carat is an important factor in diamond pricing, but it does not determine value on its own.

Two diamonds with the same carat weight can have different values depending on their Cut, Colour, Clarity, Shape, Certification and other characteristics.

Choosing the Right Carat

The largest diamond isn't necessarily the best diamond.

The right carat is the one that gives you the look, presence and balance of quality and value you desire.

At ZEN Diamond, we believe your diamond should be chosen for more than its weight — it should be chosen for the way it makes you feel.

FIND YOUR PERFECT BALANCE

The 4Cs Work Together

The beauty of a diamond is not defined by one characteristic alone.

·       Cut brings the sparkle.

·       Colour influences its appearance.

·       Clarity reveals its unique character.

·       Carat defines its weight and contributes to its presence.

The perfect diamond is a balance of all four — chosen according to your individual preferences, style and budget.