Cut: The Engine of Light
Cut is not the same as shape. Shape refers to form—round, oval, cushion. Cut is precision. It’s how well the diamond has been proportioned, angled, and polished to control the way light enters and exits the stone.
When executed with skill, the cut becomes the most important of the 4Cs. It determines a diamond’s fire (flashes of rainbow light), brilliance (white light return), and scintillation (sparkle when moved). A well-cut diamond will always outshine a poorly cut one—even if it’s smaller or has a lower color or clarity grade.
Lab-grown diamonds are especially reliant on expert cutting. These stones, created in controlled environments, still need the same human artistry as mined diamonds to bring them to life. Master gemologists cut with the understanding that every angle affects light return. They consider table size, crown angle, depth percentage, and girdle thickness to sculpt a stone that reflects light back through the top of the diamond—never leaking out the sides or bottom.
When proportions are ideal, the result is a diamond that glows from within. From round brilliants to emerald cuts, Luxe Aimé diamonds are evaluated for symmetry, polish, and performance to ensure every stone delivers maximum radiance from every angle.
Color: The Measure of Purity
Color grading assesses the presence of color in a diamond. The GIA scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The less color a diamond has, the higher its grade and value.
Colorless diamonds (D–F) are extremely rare and prized for their icy brilliance. Near-colorless diamonds (G–J) still appear white to the naked eye, especially when set in jewelry, and often offer better value.
Lab-grown diamonds typically avoid many of the trace elements that cause discoloration in natural diamonds, but they can still develop tints during the growing process. While some stones may have slight gray, blue, or yellow tones, Luxe Aimé filters for diamonds that meet our high color standards, focusing on D–G grades for that clean, timeless look.
Color is also subjective. A warm-toned diamond might look stunning in yellow or rose gold, while a colorless stone complements platinum or white gold. We help you pair metal and color intentionally so the final piece feels cohesive and luxurious.
Even small shifts in color can impact price significantly. A drop from G to H can mean hundreds of dollars in savings or cost, depending on the market. That’s why color grading is done by a 5-person GIA panel under tightly controlled conditions, ensuring you receive an unbiased, certified assessment.
Clarity: Visual Purity in Focus
Clarity measures the presence of inclusions (internal characteristics) and blemishes (surface marks). Almost every diamond has some—nature or lab process is rarely perfect. But the size, location, and visibility of those characteristics matter greatly.
The clarity scale runs from:
FL/IF: Flawless or Internally Flawless
VVS1/VVS2: Very, Very Slightly Included
VS1/VS2: Very Slightly Included
SI1/SI2: Slightly Included
I1–I3: Included
Luxe Aimé diamonds are graded using 10x magnification by trusted labs like IGI or GIA. We prioritize diamonds in the VVS–VS range—clear to the naked eye, with only microscopic inclusions that don’t impact sparkle.
Some inclusions are more acceptable than others. A feather at the edge may be benign, while a cloud under the table can dull the stone. In step-cut shapes like emerald and Asscher, clarity becomes even more important. Their open tables and large facets make any flaw more visible.
Each certified diamond comes with a "diamond plot," showing the location and type of any inclusions. This transparency lets you evaluate trade-offs based on what really matters to you—beauty, ethics, and value.
Carat: Weight vs. Visual Presence
Carat is the easiest of the 4Cs to understand—it’s the diamond’s weight, not its size. One carat equals 0.20 grams. But because different shapes distribute weight differently, two one-carat diamonds can appear drastically different in size.
For example:
A 1.00ct round brilliant typically measures ~6.4mm in diameter.
A 1.00ct princess cut may measure closer to ~5.5mm.
Carat weight is measured to the hundredth place (e.g., 0.96ct). That precision matters—prices spike at popular weight thresholds like 0.90ct, 1.00ct, 1.50ct, 2.00ct, and so on. Buying just below a "magic number" (say, 0.98ct instead of 1.00ct) can yield savings without visible difference.
Larger diamonds are rarer and command higher prices per carat. But bigger isn’t always better. A poorly cut 2.00ct diamond may look worse than a perfectly cut 1.50ct. That’s why Luxe Aimé helps you find balance. Prioritize cut and clarity, and then choose a carat weight that fits your taste and lifestyle.
Carat also affects the way your ring sits on your finger. Higher carat weights elevate the stone above the band, which can be stunning—but may require more mindful wear. For multiple-stone rings, carat can refer to total carat weight (TCW) rather than just the center stone.
Final Thoughts: Balance is Brilliance
The 4Cs are not just specs—they’re a system for smart, beautiful decision-making. You don’t need to chase perfection in every category. A Luxe Aimé diamond is chosen with intention—balancing what your eye sees with what your heart wants.
Whether you’re prioritizing size, sparkle, or ethical sourcing, understanding the 4Cs empowers you to choose a diamond that truly reflects your values.
And that’s the standard we hold ourselves to every day.
Luxe Aimé. Love grows here.
