The 4Cs of a Diamond
i. Understanding the four key characteristics of a diamond - Color, Clarity, Carat and Cut.

ii. When it comes to choosing diamonds, quality is the most important point - and knowing the 4Cs is the key to understanding diamond quality.

a) The color of a diamond is classified in a range from "Exceptional White" to "White", and graded from D right through the alphabet.

b) The number, color, type and sizes determine the clarity of a diamond and make each diamond unique. Highly trained experts determine the diamond by using 10-power magnifying loupe. In fact, for most diamonds, none of the internal characteristics are visible to the naked eye. The fewer and smaller the inclusions, the less they will interfere with the passage of light, allowing the diamond to sparkle more brilliantly.

c) There are generally 11 recognised clarity grades: Flawless, two categories each of Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2) and Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2), and three categories each of Slightly Included (SI1, SI2), Imperfect (I1, I2, I3).

d) A diamond's weight and size is measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 points, so that a diamond of 0.50 carat is described as a diamond of 50 points. Diamonds can have very different values depending on their color, clarity and cut. While selecting a diamond, simply look for the size of diamond that suits you best.

e) A well-cut diamond, regardless of its shape, offers the greatest brilliance and will scintillate with its fiery lights. That's because when a diamond is cut to good proportions, light is internally reflected from one mirror-like facet to another and then dispersed through the top of the stone. This results in a breathtaking display of its natural brilliance and personality.

f) Diamonds cut too deep or too shallow loses some of their light, which escapes through the base. This means that diamonds cut to good proportions are more brilliant and therefore more valuable than those that are not. However, when a diamond is cut too shallow or too deep, will lose light through the diamond's base.

Cleaning Your Diamond at Home
Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste or liquid detergent onto a soft or old toothbrush. Gently tap the toothbrush around the back and front of the diamond. However, take care not to brush forwards and backwards across the diamond as you may accidentally loosen the claws that hold the diamond together. Afterwards, rinse the diamond under warm water, and pat dry with a clean, soft cloth.