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Leading UK Bespoke Jewellery Manufacturer
Leading UK Bespoke Jewellery Manufacturer

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Diamond for Your Engagement Ring

What Are the 4Cs of Diamond Quality?
Choosing the perfect diamond for your engagement ring is an exciting part of your journey — and understanding the 4Cs will help you make a confident, informed choice. The 4Cs stand for Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat weight. These four factors work together to determine a diamond’s overall beauty and value.

Why Is Cut So Important?
Cut is all about how well a diamond has been shaped and polished. It has the biggest impact on how much your diamond sparkles. Even a diamond with great colour and clarity won’t shine if it’s poorly cut — so if you want that brilliant sparkle, prioritise cut first. The better the cut, the more light it reflects — and the more stunning it looks on your finger.

What Colour Should You Choose?
Diamonds come in a range of shades, from bright white (colourless) to slightly warm tones. The highest grade is D, which is completely colourless, and the scale goes down to Z.
Don’t worry — slightly lower colour grades (like F or G) still look beautifully white to the eye and can offer better value. It’s all about what you like and what fits your budget. If we’re replacing a missing diamond in your jewellery, we’ll always match the colour and clarity so everything looks seamless.

What Does Clarity Mean?
Clarity refers to the natural marks inside or on a diamond — most of which are invisible to the naked eye. These are called inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external).
We recommend choosing an “eye-clean” diamond — one that looks perfect to the eye, even if tiny marks are visible under magnification. Not sure what to pick? Our friendly team is always here to help you choose the best option.

How Does Carat Weight Affect Size?
Carat refers to the weight of a diamond — and usually, the higher the carat, the larger the diamond appears. But size isn’t everything! A smaller diamond with an excellent cut can actually look bigger and more brilliant than a larger diamond with a poor cut. We’ll help you find the right balance between carat size, sparkle, and budget.

Other Things to Consider
Beyond the 4Cs, there are a few more details that matter.

Shape – Do you prefer round, oval, emerald, or something else?

Fluorescence – Some diamonds glow slightly under UV light — a personal preference more than a flaw.

Certification – All our diamonds come certified by trusted gem labs for quality and peace of mind.

In Summary
Buying a diamond is a personal decision — and there’s no “one size fits all.” Whether you're after maximum sparkle, size, or value, we’ll guide you through every step. At Vulcan Jewellery, we only source high-quality, certified diamonds and we’re here to help you find the one that’s just right for you — not just the most expensive.

If you'd like to see a diamond before you commit,  we can provide high-quality images and videos, so you know exactly what you’re getting.