Diamond Guide

The Facetelle guide

Diamonds

A clear introduction to the 4Cs, the shapes you will see most often and the questions worth asking before you choose.

Front view of a Facetelle round solitaire engagement ring on a warm cream background

Begin with the 4Cs

Cut

How well a diamond’s facets interact with light. Cut influences brightness, fire and sparkle; it is different from the diamond’s outline or shape.

Colour

For diamonds in the GIA D-to-Z range, the scale describes the absence of colour. D is colourless; colour becomes more apparent towards Z.

Clarity

An assessment of inclusions within the diamond and blemishes on its surface, considering their nature, number, position, relief and size.

Carat

A measure of weight, not a direct measure of visible size. One metric carat equals 200 milligrams, and two stones of the same weight can face up differently.

Checked against GIA’s 4Cs.

Choose the balance, not a grade in isolation

The 4Cs work together. Start with the overall look you want, then compare stones with a reliable grading report. For many people, cut is the most immediately visible quality; colour and clarity preferences depend on the shape, setting and how closely you like to inspect the stone.

Lab vs natural diamonds