The 4 C's

1. Cut

When cut by a master cutter to exact proportions, a diamond is better able to handle light which creates more brilliance and sparkle. We ensure that our diamonds are cut within the range of proportions that ensures that these properties are maximised.

1. Diamonds cut to good or excellent proportions reflect light from one facet to another.
2. Diamonds cut too deep let light escape through the opposite side of the pavilion.
3. Diamonds cut too shallow let light escape through the pavilion before it can be reflected.

2. Colour

Diamonds come in a range of natural colours, from totally colourless (generally the most rare and valuable), to light yellow. The differences between one grade and another are very subtle and are usually only discernible by an expert grader. It is also possible to find fancy coloured diamonds, such as blue, pink and brown.

3. Clarity

Most diamonds contain very tiny inclusions that make each diamond unique - you could call them "nature's fingerprints". Even though they may neither mar its beauty nor endanger its durability, the fewer and smaller the inclusions are, the more the diamond will sparkle.

FL/IF: Flawless/internally flawless (with minor surface blemishes)
VVS: Very, very small inclusions (not visible to the naked eye)
VS: Very small inclusions (not visible to the naked eye)
SI: Small inclusions (not visible to the naked eye)
I: Inclusions (visible to the naked eye)

4. Carat (diamond weight)

The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 points, so a diamond of 0.75 carat is equal to 75 points or 3/4 carat. Carat is the easiest of the 4 C's to determine, but remember; two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different values depending on the quality of their cut, colour and clarity.

5. Confidence

What's this about? Isn't it the "4 C's"? Well, yes and no - we believe in a "5th C" - confidence. Find a jeweller that you trust because after all, what you buy will depend a great deal upon the information you are given by them.

We're not claiming to be the only one, but we do feel that we fall into this category because we always remember that it's up to you what your budget and quality choices are - it's nobody's job to tell you what you should be buying.

We also put a lot of effort into ensuring that every diamond we sell is as attractive as possible for the price. Two stones with the same grading 'on paper' do not necessarily look the same. So even though the 4 C's and diamond grades are very useful tools, you are buying a unique stone, not a certificate or a set of letters or numbers.

This is why Andrew and Roy Hinds personally inspect our finished diamond pieces, including individually selecting for our customers each and every one of our certificated diamond solitaire rings and other jewellery.

We never forget that your diamond is a symbol of your love or of a special event and that what makes it special is falling in love with the magic of the stone itself.

Diamond Certification

AnchorCert is an Independent Centre of Excellence based in the UK, offering a wide range of certification services and reports for diamonds, gemstones and pearls. Unless otherwise stated, all diamond solitaires over 50 points (1/2 carat) sold by F.Hinds are independently certificated and graded by AnchorCert.

AnchorCert has a fully equipped state of the art laboratory which is specifically designed to assess and certificate diamonds and gemstones. The AnchorCert laboratory has a range of highly sophisticated equipment that can accurately screen for, and positively identify, treated and synthetic diamonds. Enhancements such as fracture filling and laser treatments are frequently detected using high power magnification. A combination of results from the Diamond Sure™, Diamond View™, Raman Spectroscope, FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra-Red), UV-Vis and XRF is used by the experienced and highly qualified AnchorCert gemmologists in order to reach a final decision.

AnchorCert is a division of the Birmingham Assay Office, a non statutory organisation founded by Act of Parliament in 1773, to provide protection to traders and consumers alike. The Birmingham Assay Office offers a complete jewellery service including hallmarking; SafeGuard independent jewellery, watch and silverware valuations; precious metal analysis; product safety investigation; nickel and lead testing from the laboratory, and of course, AnchorCert Diamond and Gemstone Certification.

AnchorCert is the only UK Diamond Grading Laboratory to achieve accreditation to ISO 17025 from UKAS. The AnchorCert service is undertaken by highly qualified Gemmologists and Diamond Graders producing independent, expert reports.

What to Look for When Purchasing a Diamond

Every diamond is unique and has a beauty all of its own. You will find a huge choice available; something to suit every budget. The factors that influence the value are the quality of the diamond – the clarity, colour and cut – and its size (carat) plus of course, its precious metal setting. You will find a simple guide to the 4 C's below.

Your jeweller has years of experience and expertise and will be able to explain the characteristics of the diamond you choose. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and benefit from their specialised knowledge.