Welcome to the Aqua Diamonds Diamond Education guide — your go-to resource for understanding what makes a diamond truly valuable. Whether you’re buying an engagement ring, a pendant, or a timeless piece of jewelry, learning about diamonds helps you make confident and informed choices.

The 4Cs of Diamonds – Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat

1. Cut

The cut determines how well a diamond reflects light, directly affecting its brilliance and sparkle. It doesn’t refer to the shape (like round or oval), but to the quality of the diamond’s proportions, polish, and symmetry.

Cut Grades:

• Excellent (Ideal)
• Very Good
• Good
• Fair
• Poor

A well-cut diamond looks brighter and more radiant, regardless of its carat weight.

2. Color

Diamonds come in a variety of colors, but the most valuable ones are colorless. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond color on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).

Color Grade Chart:

• D-F: Colorless
• G-J: Near Colorless
• K-M: Faint Color
• N-R: Very Light
• S-Z: Light Color

At AquaDiamonds.co, we recommend diamonds in the D–H range for the perfect balance of beauty and value.

3. Clarity

Clarity refers to the presence of internal (inclusions) or external (blemishes) imperfections. Most flaws are microscopic and don’t affect a diamond’s beauty.

Clarity Grades:

• FL: Flawless
• IF: Internally Flawless
• VVS1 – VVS2: Very, Very Slightly Included
• VS1 – VS2: Very Slightly Included
• SI1 – SI2: Slightly Included
• I1 – I3: Included

For best value, we recommend VS1 to SI1 clarity grades.

4. Carat Weight

Carat refers to a diamond’s weight, not size. One carat = 0.2 grams. Larger diamonds are rarer and more expensive, but size isn’t everything — brilliance and cut often matter more.

Tip: A well-cut 0.90 ct diamond can appear as large as a 1 ct, but cost significantly less.

Diamond Shapes

Diamonds come in many shapes — each offering a unique appeal:

• Round Brilliant (most popular, maximum sparkle)
• Princess (square, sharp edges, modern)
• Cushion (rounded square, vintage feel)
• Oval (elongated brilliance)
• Emerald (step cut, elegant, large facets)
• Pear (teardrop, romantic)
• Marquise, Radiant, Asscher, Heart

We offer a wide range of shapes to suit every taste and design.

Diamond Certification

Every Aqua Diamond is certified by trusted gemological labs, including:

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
• IGI (International Gemological Institute)
• SGL (Solitaire Gemmological Laboratories)

Each certificate includes detailed information on the 4Cs, proportions, and authenticity — offering you complete peace of mind.

Diamond Grading Report Example

Each certified diamond will come with:

• 4Cs summary
• Laser inscription number (if applicable)
• Plotting diagram (internal/external features)
• Grading scales
• Lab verification code (online lookup)

Diamond Size vs Carat Weight

Approximate diameters for round-brilliant diamonds:

Carat	Diameter (mm)	Visual Impression
0.25	≈ 4.1 mm	Delicate sparkle
0.50	≈ 5.1 mm	Dainty classic
0.75	≈ 5.8 mm	Subtle elegance
1.00	≈ 6.5 mm	Timeless brilliance
1.50	≈ 7.4 mm	Bold radiance
2.00	≈ 8.2 mm	Statement piece

 

Diamond Fluorescence

Some diamonds glow under UV light due to fluorescence. While often invisible to the naked eye, strong fluorescence in lower-color diamonds (I–M) can sometimes improve appearance. In higher-color diamonds (D–F), it may slightly reduce value.

Diamond Buying Tips

• Set a budget and stick to it.
• Focus on cut quality for maximum sparkle.
• Choose a near-colorless diamond (G–H) for best value.
• Consider VS or SI clarity unless buying a magnifying loupe!
• Buy certified stones only — always ask for GIA, IGI, or SGL certificates.
• Ask questions — our team is always ready to assist you.

Need Expert Help?

Still unsure about the right diamond? Our diamond experts are available for free consultation via WhatsApp or appointment. We’ll help you compare options, explain certifications, and make the best choice for your budget.