A comprehensive guide to understanding natural diamonds, the 4Cs, diamond shapes, settings and how to make an informed purchase decision.
Natural diamonds are crystalline forms of carbon that develop beneath the Earth's surface through geological processes over an extremely long period—typically between one and three billion years. These gemstones form under conditions of intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth's mantle, approximately 140 to 190 kilometres below the surface.
Each natural diamond possesses individual characteristics shaped by its unique formation journey. These characteristics, including internal features and surface qualities, contribute to the diamond's distinct identity and are assessed during professional grading.
Natural diamonds have been valued throughout history for their rarity, durability and optical properties. They remain the hardest naturally occurring substance, rating 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
Both natural and lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, sharing the same chemical composition, crystal structure and physical properties. The primary difference lies in their origin and formation process.
Natural diamonds form through geological processes over billions of years beneath the Earth's surface. Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technological methods that replicate natural formation conditions, typically over a period of weeks to months.
Natural diamonds may appeal to customers who value natural origin, geological rarity and traditional significance. Lab-grown diamonds may provide a larger carat weight or higher specification for the same initial budget, as production methods differ from natural extraction.
Both options are suitable for fine jewellery. The choice depends on individual preferences regarding origin, budget allocation and personal values. Neither option is universally superior—each offers distinct characteristics that may align with different priorities.
The 4Cs—cut, colour, clarity and carat weight—provide a standardised framework for assessing diamond quality and characteristics. These criteria were established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and are recognised internationally.
Cut refers to how effectively a diamond has been shaped and faceted to interact with light. This is distinct from diamond shape (such as round or oval) and instead describes the quality of proportions, symmetry and polish.
A well-cut diamond reflects light internally from facet to facet and disperses it through the crown, creating brilliance, fire and scintillation. Cut quality significantly influences a diamond's visual appeal and is often considered the most important of the 4Cs.
Cut grades, where applicable, typically range from Excellent to Poor. Not all diamond shapes receive formal cut grades from grading laboratories.
Colour grading for white diamonds describes the amount of visible colour present in the stone. The GIA colour scale ranges from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
Grades D, E and F are considered colourless. Grades G, H, I and J are near-colourless and often represent excellent value, as colour differences in this range can be difficult to detect with the untrained eye, particularly once the diamond is set in jewellery.
Colour perception can be influenced by the metal in which the diamond is set. For example, a near-colourless diamond may appear whiter when set in white gold or platinum compared to yellow gold.
Clarity considers the presence, size, position and visibility of internal characteristics (inclusions) and surface characteristics (blemishes) within a diamond. These features form naturally during the diamond's geological development.
The GIA clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3). Many diamonds in the VS (Very Slightly Included) and SI (Slightly Included) ranges offer excellent visual appeal, as inclusions in these grades are often not visible to the naked eye.
Clarity requirements may vary depending on diamond shape, size and personal preference. Larger diamonds and certain shapes may show inclusions more readily than others.
Carat is a unit of weight, not size. One carat equals 200 milligrams. While carat weight influences a diamond's visual presence, the actual dimensions and appearance are also affected by cut quality and proportions.
Two diamonds of identical carat weight may appear different in size depending on how they are cut. A well-proportioned diamond will typically appear larger and more brilliant than a poorly cut diamond of the same weight.
Carat weight is one factor among the 4Cs. Balancing carat weight with cut, colour and clarity allows for informed decisions based on budget and visual priorities.
Diamond cut and diamond shape are distinct concepts that are sometimes confused.
Diamond shape refers to the outline or geometric form of the diamond when viewed from above—such as round, oval, pear, emerald, princess, cushion, radiant, marquise or Asscher.
Diamond cut refers to the quality of the diamond's proportions, symmetry and polish, which determine how effectively the diamond interacts with light. Cut quality is assessed independently of shape.
Each diamond shape has unique optical characteristics and may suit different aesthetic preferences and ring styles. The round brilliant cut is the most popular shape and is specifically engineered to maximise light return. Fancy shapes (all shapes other than round) offer distinctive appearances and may provide a larger visual presence per carat.
LG Aurelia offers a selection of natural diamond jewellery in various shapes, where applicable. Each shape has distinct visual characteristics:
Shape availability varies by product. Please refer to individual product specifications for available options.
Selecting a natural diamond involves balancing the 4Cs according to personal priorities and budget. There is no single correct approach—preferences vary based on individual values and visual priorities.
Some customers prioritise carat weight for visual presence. Others prioritise cut quality for brilliance and light performance. Colour and clarity preferences depend on sensitivity to these characteristics and the setting in which the diamond will be placed.
Consider the following when balancing the 4Cs:
Where applicable, review product specifications and images to understand the characteristics of each diamond. If you require guidance, please use our Contact Us page for assistance.
When reviewing diamond jewellery specifications, it is important to distinguish between centre-stone carat weight and total carat weight.
Centre-stone carat weight refers to the weight of the primary diamond in a piece of jewellery, such as the solitaire diamond in an engagement ring.
Total carat weight (TCW) refers to the combined weight of all diamonds in a piece of jewellery, including the centre stone and any accent or pavé diamonds.
For example, an engagement ring may feature a 1.00-carat centre diamond and 0.25 carats of accent diamonds, resulting in a total carat weight of 1.25 carats. Product descriptions will specify which measurement is provided. Where applicable, both values may be listed.
The setting refers to the metal framework that holds the diamond securely in place. Popular engagement ring settings include:
Setting availability varies by product. Please refer to individual product pages for available options.
LG Aurelia offers natural diamond engagement rings in a selection of precious metals, where applicable. Metal options may include:
Metal availability varies by product. Please check individual product specifications for available options. All precious metal jewellery sold by LG Aurelia is hallmarked in accordance with UK standards, where applicable.
Selected natural diamond engagement and wedding rings offered by LG Aurelia are made to order. These pieces are crafted specifically for each customer following order confirmation.
Made-to-order items may require approximately 21 days of manufacturing time before dispatch. This is an estimate based on supplier or manufacturer information and may vary depending on design complexity, metal type and current production schedules.
Delivery begins after dispatch. Arrival by a particular date cannot be guaranteed. If you require a piece by a specific date, please use our Contact Us page in advance to discuss feasibility.
Please check individual product specifications to confirm whether an item is made to order and review estimated production timelines.
Natural diamonds are exceptionally durable, but proper care helps maintain their brilliance and the integrity of the setting.
For specific care guidance related to your jewellery, please use our Contact Us page.
Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth's mantle, approximately 140 to 190 kilometres below the surface, under conditions of extreme heat and pressure. This process occurs over one to three billion years. Volcanic activity brings diamonds closer to the surface, where they can be extracted.
Both are real diamonds with identical chemical composition and physical properties. Natural diamonds form through geological processes over billions of years. Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratory environments over weeks to months. The choice depends on personal preferences regarding origin, budget and values.
The 4Cs are cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. Cut refers to how well the diamond interacts with light. Colour describes the amount of visible colour in a white diamond. Clarity considers internal and surface characteristics. Carat measures weight. Together, these criteria provide a standardised framework for assessing diamond quality.
No. Diamond shape refers to the outline or geometric form (such as round, oval or emerald). Diamond cut refers to the quality of proportions, symmetry and polish, which determine how effectively the diamond interacts with light. Cut quality is assessed independently of shape.
Total carat weight (TCW) refers to the combined weight of all diamonds in a piece of jewellery, including the centre stone and any accent or pavé diamonds. Centre-stone carat weight refers only to the primary diamond. Product descriptions will specify which measurement is provided.
Selected natural diamonds may include an independent grading report, where stated in the product information. Not all diamonds include grading reports. Please check individual product specifications to confirm whether a grading report is supplied.
Elongated shapes such as oval, pear and marquise often appear larger per carat than round diamonds due to their greater surface area. However, visual size is also influenced by cut quality and proportions. The round brilliant cut maximises light performance, which can enhance perceived size through brilliance.
Clarity preferences depend on personal sensitivity to inclusions and the diamond's size and shape. Many diamonds in the VS (Very Slightly Included) and SI (Slightly Included) ranges offer excellent visual appeal, as inclusions are often not visible to the naked eye. Larger diamonds and certain shapes may show inclusions more readily.