Clarity
Clarity measures a diamond’s natural purity. During its formation, tiny internal inclusions or surface blemishes can appear — microscopic characteristics that tell the story of its creation. These details are typically only visible under 10× magnification, yet they influence both clarity grade and value. The fewer imperfections present, the higher the clarity and the cleaner the appearance. There are 11 clarity grades, ranging from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3). At Norrfolks, we generally select diamonds within the VVS1 – VS2 range — considered eye-clean, meaning inclusions are invisible to the naked eye. This ensures every diamond we offer reflects light beautifully, maintaining that pure, understated brilliance that defines our aesthetic.
Colour
Colour describes the natural tint — or absence of tint — within a diamond. A stone that appears slightly yellow is said to have more colour, while clearer, colourless stones are typically more valuable. Colour develops due to trace elements present when the diamond forms. Stones with more colour often display pale yellow or light brown undertones, which lower their grade and value. Subtle colour, however, can also lend a diamond warmth and individuality. Still, the more colour present, the less light can travel through the stone — leading to a darker or duller appearance. When light passes freely through a clear, colourless diamond, it produces greater fire and brilliance. Lab-grown diamonds have a distinct advantage here: formed under controlled conditions, they are far less likely to contain mineral impurities that cause unwanted colour. This means a higher proportion of colourless stones. While mined diamonds can fall anywhere on the D–Z scale, with D–F being exceptionally rare and valuable, lab-grown diamonds are commonly graded J (near colourless) or higher, with D–F being the most sought-after for their crisp, bright appearance.
Cut
A diamond’s cut — often regarded as the most important of the 4Cs — refers to the precision of its proportions, polish, and symmetry. These determine how light interacts with the stone and, ultimately, how much it sparkles. A perfectly cut diamond reflects light upward through its crown, giving it that signature brilliance and scintillation. If the cut is too deep, too shallow, or unbalanced, light escapes through the lower facets (the pavilion), resulting in a duller appearance. Cut quality is graded on a ten-point scale from Poor to Ideal. At Norrfolks, we exclusively select diamonds that fall within the Excellent to Ideal range — ensuring each one delivers a luminous, balanced glow true to our Scandinavian design philosophy.
Carat
The carat (ct) is a unit used to measure a diamond’s weight, not its size. While it’s common to equate carat weight with scale, a diamond’s visual size is also influenced by its shape and cut. Different cuts distribute carat weight in unique ways. For instance, pear and marquise cuts can appear larger than their carat weight suggests, while emerald cuts tend to display more depth. Because of this, diamond dimensions are also measured in millimetres (length and width). A one-carat pear diamond and a one-carat emerald diamond will therefore have different surface areas. At Norrfolks, we focus on proportion and harmony rather than size alone. A well-balanced, finely cut diamond often appears more radiant than a heavier one that lacks precision.
In Summary
Understanding the 4Cs helps you look beyond the surface to appreciate what makes each diamond truly special. These characteristics provide a framework for quality — but beauty, ultimately, is personal. At Norrfolks, we believe that choosing a diamond should feel effortless and meaningful. Whether our experts hand-pick your stone or you select your own, each diamond is chosen for its harmony, brilliance, and timeless Scandinavian simplicity. Because the most beautiful diamond is the one that feels like yours.
