The 5 C’s of Diamonds: Why Character Matters Most in Old Cut Diamonds
When you start researching diamonds, you’ll quickly come across the 4 C’s: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat. These are the traditional measures used to determine a diamond’s quality and value. But at Burlington Jewellery, where we specialise in antique and vintage stones, we believe there’s a fifth C that’s just as important — and it’s something you won’t find on a grading certificate. That fifth C is Character.
Old cut diamonds in particular are rich in personality, history, and charm. Their beauty can’t be fully explained by numbers or charts alone. Let’s explore the 5 C’s of diamonds, and why character truly sets old cut stones apart.
Cut: The Sparkle and Shape of a Diamond
The cut of a diamond refers to how it’s shaped and faceted, not just whether it’s round or oval. A well-cut stone maximises sparkle by allowing light to reflect beautifully. Modern diamonds are engineered with precision for brilliance, while old cut diamonds were cut by hand, often by candlelight. This results in a softer, more romantic glow that feels timeless.
Colour: Cool or Warm Tones
Diamonds come in a range of colours, from icy white through to warm, golden tones. The colour of a diamond is graded from D (colourless) through to Z (light colour). Many old cut diamonds naturally have warmer hues, which only add to their vintage appeal. Instead of striving for icy perfection, antique diamonds celebrate warmth and individuality.
Clarity: Nature’s Fingerprints
Clarity measures the presence of natural inclusions — tiny features inside a diamond created during its formation. Modern buyers often look for flawless stones, but in reality, inclusions are part of what makes each diamond unique. With old cut diamonds, these natural characteristics add charm and history, telling the story of a diamond’s journey over centuries.
Carat: The Weight of a Diamond
Carat refers to the weight of a diamond, and of course, it influences size. But with old cut diamonds, carat weight doesn’t always tell the full story. Thanks to their deep proportions and chunky facets, an antique stone can look larger than its modern counterpart of the same carat. This means you often get a diamond with a bold, distinctive presence.
Character: The 5th C That Makes a Diamond Truly Yours
Character is the intangible magic of a diamond — the way it makes you feel when you see it sparkle, the uniqueness of its hand-cut facets, and the sense of history carried within it. Unlike the other four C’s, character can’t be measured or graded. But it’s often the most important factor when choosing a diamond, especially an old cut stone.
With antique and vintage diamonds, no two are ever alike. Their character comes from the human hands that cut them, the candlelit glow they were designed for, and the centuries of love stories they’ve already been part of.
Why the 5th C Matters When Choosing an Engagement Ring
When you’re shopping for an engagement ring, the 4 C’s give you a framework to understand quality. But the 5th C — Character — is what makes you fall in love. Numbers on a certificate won’t capture the way a diamond sparkles on your hand, or the emotion it stirs when you know it’s one of a kind.
For couples drawn to history, romance, and individuality, old cut diamonds offer unmatched beauty. Their character is what makes them timeless.
Final Thoughts
At Burlington Jewellery, we believe that the 5 C’s of diamonds are the best way to understand not just a diamond’s value, but its soul. If you’re looking for a diamond that’s as unique as your love story, an old cut diamond with true character might just be the perfect choice.