Diamond Education
Education is key when buying diamonds. Diamonds are unique in that they can be categorized by the characteristics associated with the material, namely Colour, Clarity, Cut and Carat. Understanding a diamond's 4 C’s Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat weight is essential to select the best quality diamond for an affordable price. A diamond's characteristics determine and influence the appearance and beauty of a diamond. Buying a loose diamond for an engagement ring is an important, emotional and serious decision that should also be memorable and enjoyable.
Learn About Diamonds
We created this online diamond education section so our clients can make an informed decision and have the confidence to buy better quality diamonds. Below is a brief description of terms and characteristics that effect diamonds. Each of these diamond terms has a detailed information page to learn more about diamonds.
Diamond Cut
The cut of a diamond is the only property, which is controlled by man. The cut and shape of a diamond is what gives a diamond its unique sparkle, brilliance and fire. Cut refers to the shape, proportions, symmetry, and finish or make of a diamond. Excellent Cut Diamonds are more beautiful and more valuable than a diamond which has been poorly cut. Diamond Cut is therefore one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing your diamond.
Diamond Colour
Diamonds are found in a variety of colours. The rarest diamonds are ones that are colourless or diamonds with fancy colours such as greens, blues, reds and pinks. The diamond colour scale ranges from D to Z colour, D being colourless down to Z colour which is light yellow. The diamond colour grade has a significant impact on its value. Diamonds with a higher colour grade, appear whiter and diamonds in the D, E, F colourless range are the rarest and consequently most valuable.
Diamond Clarity
Diamond clarity refers to the presence of identifying characteristics on and within the diamond. Most diamonds contain what are called inclusions; internal flaws that have been caused by the constantly changing conditions during the different phases of the diamond's creation. Most diamonds contain inclusions, this is why flawless diamonds and diamonds with internally flawless clarity grades are extremely rare and the most valuable diamonds. Inclusions in a diamond are like fingerprints, making each stone unique.
Diamond Carat
Diamonds are weighed and expressed in carats; this is the weight of measure that the diamond industry uses to weigh diamonds. One carat is divided into 100 points. The carat weight of a diamond is a measure of mass not the size of a diamond. The actual size of a diamond is measured in millimetres. Diamonds with a higher carat weight are found with less frequency and rarer making them more valuable. It is always extremely important to compare a diamond's carat weight and the actual size and physical measurements.
Diamond Certificates
Because of the value and rarity of diamonds a unique set of parameters for grading the characteristics of diamonds in laboratory conditions was developed. A diamond grading laboratory tests, examines and grades loose diamonds to produce an independent report. These detailed reports are called Diamond Certificates. A diamond certificate is a blueprint of a loose diamond that has been certified.
Laser Inscription
Laser inscription is the use of a very fine precise laser beam to write a grading report number, or customised personal message on the girdle of a diamond. A diamond laser inscription can provide instant verification, added security and peace of mind when making a diamond purchase.
Hearts & Arrows
Hearts & Arrows is the term that is used to describe diamonds that display a complete and precise Hearts & Arrows pattern. The Hearts & Arrows effect is displayed when all the facets are precisely aligned and the diamond is cut and polished to perfection. For a diamond to be classified as a true Hearts & Arrows diamond the pattern must be vivid, symmetrical and clearly formed.
Fluorescence
Fluorescence is not directly related to a diamond’s colour. Diamond fluorescence is a separate characteristic that refers to the diamond’s ability to glow under an ultraviolet light source. Fluorescence in diamonds may be displayed in various colours, however blue is the most common colour for diamonds to fluoresce.
