The first basic “four C's” of Carat, Clarity, Colour and Cut will be enough to prepare you to shop for diamonds. Jewellery junkies and physicists might like to do the full tutorial.

You see, this tutorial is all about the way diamonds look. A diamonds appearance is mostly a result of the way it has been cut. I am known world over as the “Cut Nut” and I work tirelessly with leading researchers, diamond cutters and the heads of diamond grading labs, to improve a diamonds appearance.

When I first opened Precious Metals, in 1976, I was a young geologist. I was amazed that badly cut lifeless diamonds were often more valuable than sparkling beauties! I discovered Cut is the Cinderella of the 4 C's; most diamonds are ‘Cut for Carats' not for beauty.

Even if you have no intention of shopping with Precious Metals, we hope you will learn to avoid some pitfalls, and buy a beautiful diamond. In the future the most beautiful diamonds will be worth the most money, and that is what our specialty.

Please e-mail us for complimentary Diamond Buying Guide or a free video (within Australia). Or call 03 9830 5600 (Monday to Saturday).

Garry Holloway FGAA Dip DT JAA Appraiser

Graduate in gemmology and diamond technology, Gemmological Association of Australia. Past national convener of the Diploma of Diamond Technology and local jewellery trade lecturer. One of the Cut Group founders; changing the way diamonds are cut around the world.