When you begin the exciting journey of choosing a diamond, you’ll soon encounter the "4 Cs." This universal grading system is the global standard for assessing the quality of any diamond, whether it was formed in the earth or created in a laboratory. Understanding what they mean is the single best way to feel empowered and confident in your choice.

Here at Griffin & Co. in Chichester, we believe knowledge is the foundation of a perfect piece of jewellery. As your local diamond experts, we want to demystify the 4 Cs and show you how they apply to the brilliant world of lab-grown diamonds.

The 4 Cs: Your Diamond's Unique Identity

Think of the 4 Cs as the key characteristics that come together to define your diamond's beauty and brilliance.

1. Cut: The Source of a Diamond’s Sparkle

Often mistaken for a diamond's shape (like round, pear, or emerald), Cut actually refers to the quality of its facets, symmetry, and polish. Of all the 4 Cs, the cut is the most crucial factor in determining a diamond's fire, sparkle, and brilliance.

A well-cut diamond acts like a perfect series of mirrors. It masterfully captures light, bounces it around internally, and reflects it back out to your eye, creating that breathtaking sparkle we all adore. An excellent cut can make a diamond appear larger and more brilliant than a poorly cut stone of the same carat weight.

At Griffin & Co., we hand-select lab-grown diamonds with exceptional cuts to ensure every stone delivers maximum brilliance.

2. Colour: The Measure of Purity

Diamond Colour is graded on a D-to-Z scale, measuring the absence of colour.

• D: Absolutely colourless. The highest grade and rarest.
• E-F: Colourless. A tiny trace of colour only detectable by an expert gemologist.
• G-H: Near-colourless. Colour is difficult to see unless compared side-by-side with higher-grade stones. This range offers excellent value.

Because lab-grown diamonds are created in a highly controlled environment, it's possible to produce stones with exceptionally pure, high-colour grades. The metal you choose for your engagement ring setting—cool platinum or warm yellow gold—can also influence how the diamond's colour is perceived.

3. Clarity: A Mark of Purity

Clarity measures the absence of natural internal features called 'inclusions' and surface characteristics called 'blemishes'. Nearly every diamond has these unique "fingerprints," and most are too small to be seen without magnification.

The clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I). We often recommend diamonds in the VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) to VS (Very Slightly Included) range, as any inclusions are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, offering fantastic quality and value.

4. Carat: The Measure of Weight

Perhaps the most well-known of the 4 Cs, Carat refers to the diamond's weight, not its physical size. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams.

While a higher carat weight generally means a larger-looking diamond, the stone's cut and shape can also affect its dimensions. This is where lab-grown diamonds truly shine; their incredible value often allows you to choose a higher carat weight without having to compromise on the other vital Cs—Cut, Colour, and Clarity.

Find Your Perfect Balance at Griffin & Co.

The 4 Cs are a balancing act. The perfect diamond for you is a unique combination of these four characteristics that fits your personal style and budget. This is where expert guidance makes all the difference.

We invite you to our Chichester showroom for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation. You can see these beautiful lab-grown diamonds up close, compare different grades for yourself, and discover how the 4 Cs come together to create a truly stunning engagement ring.

Let us help you translate the 4 Cs into the one 'C' that matters most: Confidence in your choice.

Design your Dream Engagement Ring with us

Ready to Begin? Book Your Personal Consultation Today

The best way to appreciate the beauty and brilliance of a lab-grown diamond is to see one for yourself. We invite you to our comfortable Chichester showroom for a no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly design experts.

During your private consultation, we will:

• Show you a curated selection of stunning lab-grown diamonds.
• Answer all your questions in a relaxed, pressure-free environment.
• Discuss your ideas for the perfect engagement ring.
• Explain our bespoke design process from start to finish.

Let us help you create a symbol of your love that is as brilliant and individual as your future together.

Click Here to Book Your Complimentary Consultation

Alternatively, call us directly on 01243 380024 to speak with our team.