A solitaire is a piece to be worn for a lifetime, perhaps even handed down through generations. To choose well, all you need to know are the four internationally recognised qualities of a diamond, known as the 4Cs. In this guide we explain each one in plain language and answer the questions we hear most often in our store.
1. Cut: The Real Source of Sparkle
What makes a diamond sparkle is not its size but its cut. A well-cut stone reflects the light that enters it back out through the top, giving that familiar brilliance. Cut quality is usually graded as “Excellent”, “Very Good” or “Good”.
If your budget is limited, put cut first: a slightly smaller stone with an excellent cut looks far more striking than a larger but dull one.
2. Colour: From D to Z
White diamonds are graded on a scale that starts at D (completely colourless) and moves towards a light yellow at Z.
- D – F: Colourless, the rarest grades.
- G – H: Look colourless to the naked eye; the most popular range for balancing price and appearance.
- I – J: A slightly warm tone that looks beautiful in a yellow or rose gold setting.
3. Clarity: The Marks Inside
Almost every diamond contains natural inclusions. Clarity shows how few and how small they are:
- FL / IF: Flawless, very rare.
- VVS1 – VVS2: Inclusions are hard to see even under magnification.
- VS1 – VS2: Inclusions are invisible to the naked eye; the ideal balance for a solitaire.
- SI1 – SI2: Visible under a loupe; be sure to see the stone up close before choosing.
4. Carat: Weight, Not Size
Carat is a diamond’s weight; 1 carat equals 0.2 grams. Two stones of the same carat can look different in size depending on their cut. Solitaires of 0.30 – 0.50 carat are a popular choice, but the right carat depends entirely on your taste and budget.
Why a Certificate Is Essential
Only an independent laboratory can confirm that the 4Cs are really what you are told. GIA and HRD Antwerp are among the most respected diamond grading laboratories in the world. The certificate lists the stone’s carat, colour, clarity and cut one by one.
Paşa Kuyumculuk is the authorised Storks Diamond dealer in Çanakkale. Storks solitaires come with certified diamonds, and you can examine the certificate and the stone with us in store.
The Setting: The Stone’s Home
- 4 prongs: Show more of the stone; classic and elegant.
- 6 prongs: Hold the stone more securely and emphasise its round shape.
- Metal: Diamonds are usually set in 14K or 18K white, yellow or rose gold. For more on karats, see our gold karat guide.
How Do I Find the Ring Size?
The easiest way is to bring in a ring that fits the same finger of the person you are buying for; we can measure it in seconds. If the size turns out to be wrong, don’t worry: resizing is free.
Quick Checklist
- Set your budget first.
- Don’t compromise on cut.
- G – H for colour and VS for clarity are a good starting point.
- Always see the certificate.
- Look at the stone in daylight and up close.
When you are ready, take a look at our wedding and engagement rings page or visit our store on Çarşı Street, and we will go through the options together, without any rush.
