Engagement Rings: A Guide to the Four Cs

When choosing a diamond, the four Cs are the framework — but they are not equal in importance.

Cut comes first. A poorly cut stone, regardless of carat or colour, will look dull. A well-cut diamond returns light brilliantly, which is what most people mean when they say a stone "sparkles".

Colour and clarity follow. For most engagement rings, F-G colour and VS clarity offer the best balance of beauty and value — differences below that are invisible to the naked eye.

Carat is last, and the most personal. Bigger is not always better; proportion to the wearer's hand matters more than absolute size.