The 7Cs of Diamond Buying
When people start looking for a diamond, they often hear about the 4Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat. These are the traditional measures used worldwide to assess a diamond’s quality. At Anania, we believe that while the 4Cs are essential, they don’t tell the whole story. Buying a diamond is also about trust, value, and confidence. That’s why we add three more Cs: Certification, Cash, and Confidence. Together, the 7Cs give you a complete framework for choosing the right diamond.
The Classic 4Cs
Cut
Cut is the most important factor in how a diamond looks. It isn’t just about shape — it’s about how light travels through the stone. A well-cut diamond has precise angles and proportions that allow light to reflect beautifully, creating brilliance and sparkle. Poorly cut diamonds, even if they are large or high in clarity, can appear dull.
Colour
Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colourless) down to Z (noticeable tint). Many assume that lower grades automatically mean yellow, but diamonds can also show subtle grey or brown tones. The differences between grades are often hard to see without comparison, and once a diamond is set in a ring, near-colourless stones can look just as stunning as higher grades.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the natural inclusions inside a diamond. These are microscopic and occur in almost all gemstones. From SI2 clarity and above, inclusions are usually invisible to the naked eye and only seen under magnification. Importantly, inclusions do not affect sparkle or colour. Clarity is often misunderstood, and many buyers assume higher clarity is always better, when in reality what matters most is how the diamond looks to you.
Carat
Carat measures weight, not size. A one-carat diamond weighs 0.2 grams, but its dimensions vary depending on the cut. For example, oval or emerald cuts often appear larger face-up than round brilliants of the same weight. Carat weight also has a big impact on price, with costs increasing at quarter-carat intervals (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00). Choosing a diamond just below these thresholds can be a smart way to maximise value.
The Additional 3Cs
Certification
Certification provides independent verification of a diamond’s quality. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the most recognised authority, but other laboratories such as IGI, HRD, GSL, and DCLA also provide reliable grading. Certified diamonds come with a detailed report, giving you confidence in what you are buying.
Cash
Your budget plays a central role in the decision. Understanding how money translates into visible qualities helps you make informed choices. For example, opting for slightly lower clarity or colour can free up budget for a larger carat size or a more elaborate setting. Comparing diamonds side by side is the best way to see where value lies.
Confidence
Confidence is about trust. Buying a diamond is not only a financial investment but also an emotional one. You need to feel assured that your jeweller understands your priorities and guides you honestly. Confidence ensures you are not just buying a diamond, but making a choice that reflects your taste and values.
The Complete Picture
The 4Cs give you the technical foundation, but the extra 3Cs make the process personal. Together, the 7Cs ensure you don’t just buy a diamond — you choose one that feels right for you, fits your budget, and comes with the reassurance of expert guidance. At Anania, our goal is to help you navigate all seven Cs so that your diamond is chosen with clarity, certainty, and joy.
