4C’s - Gallagher jewellers

The 4Cs and the Gallagher Standard

Choosing a diamond is a personal and meaningful experience. To help you feel confident in your choice, we use the industry-recognised 4Cs — Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat — and go a step further by including two more: Certification and Conscience. These last two Cs ensure you’re not only choosing something beautiful but something you can feel good about.

1. Cut

The sparkle factor

Cut refers to how well a diamond has been shaped and proportioned. It affects how light reflects off the stone, which is what gives a diamond its brilliance and fire. Even with great colour and clarity, a poor cut will result in a dull-looking stone.

We focus on diamonds with Excellent to Very Good cut grades that are proportioned for maximum light return and visual impact.

If you’re after sparkle, prioritise cut over carat or clarity.

2. Colour

Whiter is brighter

Diamonds are graded on a colour scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Most diamonds used in engagement rings fall between D and J, with D being the most rare and valuable.

We typically recommend diamonds in the D to F range for a bright, crisp appearance that looks stunning in any metal.

3. Clarity

Natural marks, mostly invisible

Clarity refers to the small internal or surface flaws in a diamond, called inclusions or blemishes. These are formed naturally and are usually invisible to the naked eye. The scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I1 to I3).

Most of our clients choose diamonds in the VS (Very Slightly Included) or SI (Slightly Included) range, where inclusions are minimal and not noticeable without magnification.

You can often get better value by choosing a lower clarity grade that still looks clean to the eye.

4. Carat

Size isn’t everything

Carat is the unit of weight for a diamond. While a higher carat weight generally means a larger-looking diamond, shape and cut proportions also play a big role in how large a diamond appears.

We help you find the right balance between size, sparkle and budget so you get the most impact for your money.

5. Conscience

Ethical sourcing you can stand behind

Conscience refers to how responsibly a diamond has been sourced. This includes avoiding conflict zones, supporting fair labour practices, and reducing environmental impact.

We only offer conflict-free natural diamonds from trusted suppliers, and our labgrown diamonds are an ethical and sustainable choice that never compromises on beauty.