Diamond illustration

Diamond Buying Guide

We know you’re here because you only want the best. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before you buy that perfect diamond. Read the 4 C's and use the visual sliders to compare.

Back to the Basics - The 4 Cs of a Diamond

1. Cut:

We believe the cut is the most important aspect of choosing a diamond. It's what determines the proportion, symmetry and polish. The right cut enhances sparkle and scintillation.

Gahna Kothi Hint: Invest in the cut. A well cut diamond can make color and clarity appear better than they are.

Cut - Excellent
Cut - Very Good
Cut - Good
Cut - Fair
Cut - Poor
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
Excellent - Excellent

2. Clarity

When light passes through a diamond it bounces back making it sparkle. Some diamonds have imperfections in the form of spots and blemishes. Lesser imperfections equal better clarity.

Gahna Kothi Hint: For diamonds under 1 carat don’t obsess over small inclusions. Invest in cut and sparkle.

FL Flawless
IF
VVS1/VVS2
VS1/VS2
S1/S2
I1/I2/I3
FL
IF
VVS1/VVS2
VS1/VS2
S1/S2
I1/I2/I3
FL - Flawless Flawless diamonds have no inclusions detectable under 10x magnification.

3. Colour

The best color for a diamond is colorless. Scale runs D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). Small color differences are subtle to an untrained eye but affect price.

Gahna Kothi Hint: For larger diamonds color becomes more visible. Pair slightly yellow stones with white gold/platinum.

D - Colorless
E
F
G-J
K-M
N-R
S-Z
D
E
F
G-J
K-M
N-R
S-Z
D - Colorless

4. Carat

A carat is the weight of the diamond. Two diamonds of equal carat can have different prices depending on Cut, Clarity and Colour.

Gahna Kothi Hint: Save money by choosing 0.90 ct over 1.00 ct if size perception is similar.

0.50 ct
0.75 ct
1.00 ct
2.00 ct
5.00 ct
Carat sizes shown for visual reference only.

Diamond Grading

  • Pick diamonds with 'excellent' or 'ideal' cut for best sparkle.
  • Shapes and settings affect perceived size and price. Round reflects light best.

Shape

Shape refers to the overall outline of the diamond. Round is most expensive because it reflects light the best. For >1 ct consider princess, cushion or heart.

Round
ROUND
Pear
PEAR
Heart
HEART
Princess
PRINCESS
Oval
OVAL
Cushion
CUSHION
Emerald
EMERALD

Certifications

We recommend diamonds graded by GIA, HRD, or IGI.

GIA AGS

How to Care for Your Diamond

  • Once a week clean with lukewarm soap water and a soft brush.
  • Remove diamond jewellery when swimming or doing chores.
  • Store pieces separately to avoid scratches.

Diamond Guide & Clarity

At Gahna Kothi, we believe every diamond tells a story — of love, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. Choosing the right diamond begins with understanding the 4Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat Weight. These factors determine a diamond’s brilliance, value, and elegance.

1. Cut:
The cut defines how well a diamond interacts with light. A perfect cut enhances sparkle and brilliance, bringing your jewellery to life.

2. Colour:
Diamonds range from colourless to light yellow. The less colour a diamond has, the rarer and more valuable it is.

3. Clarity:
Clarity measures natural inclusions or blemishes within a diamond. The fewer the inclusions, the clearer and more radiant your diamond will appear.

4. Carat Weight:
Carat refers to the diamond’s size. While larger diamonds are rare and more valuable, the perfect diamond is about balance — not just size but also beauty.

Clarity Guide by Gahna Kothi

Clarity is one of the most important aspects of a diamond’s quality. Each diamond is unique, with tiny natural marks known as inclusions or blemishes.

Diamond Clarity Grades:

  • FL (Flawless): No inclusions visible under 10x magnification.

  • IF (Internally Flawless): Only surface blemishes visible.

  • VVS1 – VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included): Minute inclusions barely detectable under magnification.

  • VS1 – VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Minor inclusions visible under magnification but not to the naked eye.

  • SI1 – SI2 (Slightly Included): Noticeable inclusions under magnification, yet still eye-clean.

  • I1 – I3 (Included): Inclusions visible to the naked eye, may affect brilliance.

Get Your Free Jewellery Size Guide

Visit our showroom for a complimentary jewellery sizing consultation. Our experts will help you find the perfect fit for your precious pieces.
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