The 4Cs
Understanding Diamond Quality
When choosing a diamond engagement ring, understanding the 4Cs of diamonds — Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat — is
essential. These four characteristics determine the beauty, brilliance and
value of a diamond.
The 4Cs grading system was originally
developed by the Gemological Institute of America and is now used
internationally by leading grading laboratories such as the International
Gemological Institute.
At Elysium Diamonds, we use the 4Cs to ensure every diamond meets an
exceptional standard of quality, brilliance and craftsmanship.
Cut
Ideal / Excellent
What Happens to Light: Light enters, bounces off both pavilion walls at a precise angle, and reflects straight out the top.
Visual Result: Maximum brilliance, fire, and sparkle.
Why it Happens: Perfectly balanced angles and depth ratios.
Deep Cut
What Happens to Light: Light strikes the first pavilion facet at too steep an angle and leaks out the side or bottom.
Visual Result: The centre of the diamond looks dark and dull (a "nailhead" effect).
Why it Happens: The pavilion (bottom half) is cut too steep.
Shallow Cut
What Happens to Light: Light strikes the pavilion at too flat an angle and escapes out the bottom.
Visual Result: The diamond looks glassy and lifeless, and shows a milky ring (a "fish-eye" effect).
Why it Happens: The pavilion is cut too flat, failing to bounce light back up.
