Like people, diamonds come in all shapes and sizes.

Learn about the universal method for assessing a diamond's quality.

Choosing a Diamond

Purchasing lab-grown diamonds is a great opportunity, but it’s also a big deal. At Parnusée, we want to ensure that you make the right choice. Our diamond guide will help you understand what you’re buying into before you make your decision.

The four C's determining quality

A diamond’s quality is judged through four characteristics including carat, cut, clarity, and color. The grading rules of the diamond industry establish its retail value.

The four C’s of a diamond

The 4 C’s method is a universal grading standard that determines the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world. It is based on four key factors: Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut

Carat weight

⟡ Rather than focusing on size, carat weight takes into account the diamond’s actual value. By measuring how much a diamond weighs.

⟡ One carat is equal to 200 milligrams, with 100 points making up a full carat.

⟡ The metric system is used by gemologists and jewelers to obtain the accuracy to the hundredth decimal place.

⟡ A diamond's pricing is directly correlated to it's carat weight.

Colour

⟡ A diamond’s color grading depends primarily on the absence of color.
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⟡ A colorless diamond is more valuable than a colored one because it’s chemically purer, structurally perfect, and more desirable.

⟡ Diamonds are graded on a scale of D (colorless) to Z (light color). The higher the color grade (closer to D), the more expensive the stone.
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⟡ Parnusée ensures the highest quality of diamonds with a color grading of G or above.

Clarity

⟡ Diamonds are evaluated for their clarity, which is expressed as the absence of internal ‘inclusions’ and external 'blemishes'.

⟡ FL - No inclusions and no blemishes.

⟡ IF - No inclusions.

⟡ VVS1 and VVS2 -Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see.

⟡ VS1 and VS2 -Inclusions are observed with effort.

⟡ SI1 and SI2- Inclusions are noticeable.

⟡ I1, I2, and I3 - obvious Inclusions which may affect transparency and brilliance.

Cut

⟡ A diamond's cut affects how much sparkle a diamond has. Without a high-quality cut grade, brilliance will suffer.
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⟡ Graded from Excellent to Poor.

⟡ The diamond cut is the most difficult to analyze, it requires a very thorough understanding of the stone and a master’s hand.

⟡ Diamond cut is a reflection of a diamond’s brilliance, fire, and scintillation.

Round

The basic, traditional shape of a diamond is the round brilliant. It features 57 or 58 facets and a classic shape that can be recognized anywhere.

Oval

Lighting a stone with brilliance and life, the oval cut diamond is a magnificent creation. The oval design of the diamond also provides maximum light reflection.

Pear

The pear cut diamond is renowned for its exceptional fire and brilliance. Cut to the highest standards, you can be assured that this stunning diamond will captivate anyone.

Emerald

A standard emerald cut diamond features step cuts along the top and the bottom angles, with smooth, flattened facets on the crown and pavilion portion.

Different diamond shapes