DIAMOND EDUCATION

The beauty and value of a diamond are determined by the four Cs: Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat weight.

COLOUR

Diamonds are graded on a colour scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow), with colourless diamonds being the most valuable.

CUT

Cut, often considered the most crucial of the four Cs, pertains to how a diamond’s facets are crafted and how effectively they reflect light.

CLARITY

Clarity assesses a diamond’s visual purity by evaluating the number and nature of its internal and external imperfections.

CARAT

Often mistaken for size, carat actually measures a diamond’s weight, with one carat equaling 200 milligrams.

SHAPES

ROUND BRILLIANT

Originating in 1504 and refined in 1957, the round brilliant cut epitomizes brilliance and sparkle.

OVAL

Gaining popularity since 1900, the oval shape provides exceptional scintillation and often appears larger than its carat weight suggests.

PRINCESS

Combining the straight edges of an emerald cut with the brilliance of a round cut, the princess cut delivers a structured and dazzling sparkle.

EMERALD

Designed originally for the emerald gemstone, this cut has remained popular across generations due to its classic step cuts and timeless appeal.

ASSCHER

The Asscher cut presents the depth and clean lines of an emerald cut within a square shape with clipped corners, providing a vintage twist on the princess cut.

PEAR

Resembling a teardrop, the pear cut has regained popularity, offering brilliance akin to the round cut while often appearing larger than its actual carat weight.

RADIANT

Featuring an elongated form with trimmed corners, the radiant cut combines the brilliance of a round cut with the elegant clipped corners of an emerald cut, appealing to those who appreciate a vintage shape with a contemporary flair.

CUSHION

Drawing inspiration from the antique mine cut, the cushion shape is square or rectangular with rounded corners, providing a soft appearance and brilliant sparkle.

COLOUR

The colour of a diamond refers to the presence or absence hues within the stone.

Diamonds occur in a spectrum of colours, from colourless to shades of yellow or brown, and also in hues like pink, blue, and green. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has developed a colour grading scale for diamonds, starting at ‘D’ for completely colourless stones and ending at ‘Z’ for light yellow or brown ones.

Diamonds with colour intensity beyond the ‘Z’ grade are classified as ‘fancy’ coloured diamonds. Their value is influenced by the strength and purity of their colour, with more vivid and rare colours generally commanding higher prices.

CUT

he cut of a diamond describes how it has been shaped and finished, determining how effectively its facets reflect light. A well-cut diamond produces vivid sparkle and fire, whereas a poorly cut stone may appear dull.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond cuts on a scale from Excellent to Poor, based on symmetry, polish, and proportions. The cut grade reflects the diamond’s overall craftsmanship and light performance, with higher grades enhancing both its beauty and value.

CLARITY

Diamond clarity assesses the presence of internal inclusions and external blemishes. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has established a clarity grading scale ranging from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10× magnification) to Included (inclusions and/or blemishes visible to the naked eye).

CARAT

Carat weight measures a diamond’s mass, with one carat equating to 0.2 grams. While often associated with size, carat weight doesn’t solely determine a diamond’s appearance. The cut quality significantly influences how large a diamond appears and its brilliance. A shallow-cut diamond might seem larger but can lack sparkle due to suboptimal light reflection. Conversely, a well-cut diamond maximizes light performance, enhancing its visual appeal. For those prioritizing apparent size, elongated shapes like marquise, oval, pear, or emerald cuts tend to look larger per carat compared to other shapes. 

NATURAL AND CULTURED DIAMONDS

Everything you need to know about natural and cultured diamonds to help you make an informed decision.

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