Diamond Engagement Ring Buying Guide: Comprehensive Understanding of the 4Cs

When you start researching how to choose a diamond engagement ring, the first thing you come across is the "4Cs" of diamonds: Carat , Color , Clarity and Cut . For those who have never come into contact with diamonds, these professional terms may be confusing and they may not know where to start.

Don’t worry, we have summarized the key points of buying a diamond engagement ring for you, helping you quickly grasp the 4C principle and take the first step in choosing the most suitable diamond ring.

The 4C principles you must know before proposing

1. Carat (number of cards)

The first "C" refers to the weight of the diamond, which is what we often call "carat number". 1 carat is equal to 0.2 grams, and diamonds smaller than 1 carat are usually calculated in "portions", for example, "50 portions" is 0.50 carats.

The size of a diamond is not determined solely by weight, but also by its diameter. For example, a round diamond weighing 1 carat and with an "Excellent" cut grade would have a standard diameter of approximately 6.4 mm. But diamonds on the market may have different diameters, such as 6.3 mm or 6.5 mm.

When shopping, always check the “Measurements” field on the GIA certificate to understand the actual size of the diamond, rather than just relying on the weight data.

2. Color

The second "C" is color. “Colorless” diamonds are generally more popular and more valuable, but you also need to make a choice based on your budget. GIA classifies diamond color into 23 grades from D (colorless, the highest grade) to Z (close to yellow).

Diamonds with a color of D to F are colorless and look great, but they are more expensive. If your budget is limited, G color is also a good choice. It is recommended to avoid choosing H color or lower grades, as diamonds with yellowish color will directly affect the appearance.

3. Clarity

A diamond's clarity refers to the degree of internal and external flaws. After billions of years of geological changes, natural diamonds will inevitably contain inclusions or surface flaws. Gemologists typically use a 10x magnifying glass to examine the flaws inside diamonds and classify them into 11 grades.

Flawless diamonds on the market (such as FL or IF grades) are extremely expensive. In fact, diamonds with no obvious flaws visible to the naked eye (such as VS1, VS2 or SI1) are already very suitable for most needs. It is recommended to focus your budget on size and color rather than excessively pursuing high grades of clarity.

4. Cut

Cut directly affects the brightness, fire and scintillation of a diamond. When light enters the diamond, excellent cutting can allow the light to be reflected back to the greatest extent, showing charming fire and sparkle effects.

GIA's cut grading is divided into five levels: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor. It is recommended to choose 3EX diamonds with Excellent cut, polish and symmetry to ensure its brilliance. If you have professional knowledge of the cutting angles, you can make further selections, but don’t be too obsessed and miss out on other cost-effective options.

Purchase suggestions

• Set a budget first to avoid the bottomless pit of diamond value.
• Focus your funds on visible qualities like size and color.
• Choose a 3EX cut diamond to ensure its sparkle.
• The clarity should be moderate and avoid excessive pursuit.

I hope this article can help you better understand the 4C principles and provide guidance for choosing an engagement diamond ring. Browse the Antonelli diamond collection and find the diamond that suits you best.