Beyond the 4Cs
Throughout history, diamonds have dazzled and amazed. At De Beers Forevermark, we individually select diamonds against additional rigid criteria to ensure that only the most beautiful diamonds can become De Beers Forevermark.
The colour and clarity of a diamond are two key factors to consider when choosing your perfect engagement ring.
Diamond clarity is the term used to measure naturally occurring ‘inclusions’ or tiny blemishes seen within a diamond at ten times magnification. This is measured on a diamond clarity scale which ranges from ‘Flawless’ to ‘Included’. Within this range, Forevermark diamonds are only available between Flawless (FL) and Very Slightly Included (VS). Read more.
The natural colour of a diamond is one of the standard 4Cs of diamond quality. White diamonds are available in colours ranging from D – Z, with D diamonds having no hue and displaying the greatest brilliance. Within this range, Forevermark diamonds are only available between D and L colours. Interestingly, colour becomes more important as carat weight increases, simply because it is easier to detect in a larger diamond. Read more.
Fancy coloured diamonds manifest in a range of tones including green, blue, yellow, orange, pink and red. Red diamonds are the rarest, with only around 20 to 30 true red diamonds known to be in existence.
Featured ring: Forevermark Golden Diamonds Double Halo Engagement Ring
Did you know
Only 1 in 10,000 diamonds is a fancy colour.
Diamond colour chart
See below a useful summary table showing the colour scale. Find out the differences in diamond colour ranges.
D, E, F
Colourless
Diamond appearance
D is the whitest possible colour, but an untrained eye will not notice a difference between D, E and F.
Diamond considerations
These are rarest, and therefore the most valued diamonds. Purists should aim for D, E or F colour. Metal setting choice should be carefully considered when selecting a colourless diamond as, for example, a yellow gold setting will show up through the diamond therefore negating it’s prized colourlessness.
G, H, I, J
Near-colourless
Diamond appearance
Extremely faint hints of colour are indiscernible to the untrained eye.
Diamond considerations
These offer excellent value and are an ideal option for diamond engagement rings.
K, L, M
Slightly tinted
Diamond appearance
Will show hints of colour to the naked eye when compared against a pure white background.
Diamond considerations
Traces of colour can be enhanced or reduced by metal choice. A gold setting, for example, will increase yellow tones that support an attractive vintage aesthetic. Platinum or white gold may reduce that same yellowness. If a yellow diamond is desired, this offers excellent value as a K coloured diamond may be up to half the price of a G diamond.
N – T
Very lightly colored
Diamond appearance
Very light yellow colour.
Diamond considerations
Because these diamonds are more yellow in colour they are not eligible for the Forevermark inscription.
U - Z
Lightly colored
Diamond appearance
Noticeable light yellow colour.
Diamond considerations
As the most natural yellow in colour, these diamonds are also not eligible for the Forevermark inscription.
Fancy colour
Diamond appearance
Green, blue, purple yellow, brown, grey, orange, pink and red
Diamond considerations
Red diamonds are the rarest diamonds of all. Pink and Blue diamonds are also extremely highly valued of often very coveted.
Diamond clarity chart
See below a useful summary table showing the clarity scale. Find out the differences in diamond clarity ranges.
Flawless (FL)
Extremely rare, with no inclusions at all. Flawless diamonds are among the rarest and most expensive.
Very Very Slightly included (VVS)
No visible inclusions to the naked eye, only very minute inclusions are visible to trained experts at 10x magnification. These make a beautiful option for an engagement ring.
Very Slightly included (VS)
Sub divided into either VS1 and VS2
No visible inclusions to the naked eye and, again, these are difficult to see even by a trained expert at 10x magnification. However, these inclusions are bigger, or there may be more of them, than seen in a VVS diamond. These diamonds offer good value for someone looking for a diamond engagement ring as the inclusions are still not visible to the naked eye.
Slightly included (SI)
Sub divided into either SI1 and SI2.
Diamonds are those whose imperfections are visible at 10x magnification. A typical SI diamond might have a cloud, a feather, and an included crystal of another mineral. Neither the diamond’s transparency nor face up appearance may be affected by these inclusions.
Included (I)
Diamonds that feature blemishes which can be seen by the naked eye and therefore are not eligible for Forevermark.
Top tips to help find the perfect ring
In terms of clarity, the most popular range for a diamond engagement ring is the VS1-VS2 diamond.
Colour is also a factor to consider when thinking about Clarity. For example, it will be much easier to spot imperfections in a very clear white diamond than in a yellow diamond.
The best way to see the true colour of a diamond is against a white background and in natural daylight.
Diamond engagement ring checklist
Download our handy printable checklist to ensure you have everything you need before you visit your jewellers.
More diamond engagement ring tips
From colour and clarity to metal types and settings, read about all you need to know to find your perfect diamond engagement ring.
Forever Guides
Sometimes a little help along the way is needed. From choosing the right ring size, to the perfect diamond engagement ring, or just simply how to care for your diamond; be inspired.