DIAMONDS
Diamonds form deep within the Earth and are the hardest natural substance. They make excellent engagement ring choices due to their durability. Know the 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat to understand a diamond's value. Familiarizing yourself with these factors will help you choose the perfect diamond confidently.
DIAMONDS
Diamond
Mineral: Diamond
Colour: Colourless
Moh's Hardness: 10
Birthstone: April
Anniversary: 60th & 75th
CUT
The beauty and value of a diamond are mainly determined by its cut, which is judged by its proportions, symmetry, and finish. This is considered the most crucial factor among the 4 C's. Although colour and clarity are innate qualities, the expertise of the person cutting the diamond brings out its sparkle. A precisely cut diamond allows light to enter and scatter before reflecting back to the beholder, resulting in an unparalleled sparkle.
Image: Davids Ltd www.davidsltd.com
COLOUR
The Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) has established a colour scale for grading diamonds, ranging from D (colourless) to Z (strong yellow or brown). Diamonds graded D, E, or F are highly valued and rare due to their colourless appearance, while grades G, H or I are more affordable yet still considered “white”.
When deciding on the colour of your diamond, it's worthwhile to think about the setting it will be in. For a Platinum or White Gold setting, it's best to go with a diamond from the D-G range. Remember that every diamond is unique and has its own individual beauty. While a lower Colour grade may result in a yellow appearance, Yellow Gold can enhance the warmth and character of the stone.
Have you ever considered the beauty of diamonds beyond the traditional clear ones? Pink, champagne, cognac, blue, and black diamonds, also known as "fancy colours," possess a unique charm and are rated according to different colour standards.
Image: Something Borrowed
CLARITY
The purity of a diamond is gauged by its clarity, which depends on the existence or non-existence of minute impurities or blemishes on or within the diamond. These flaws are commonly known as inclusions. Diamond inclusions are unique and act as a distinct fingerprint for each stone, providing undeniable evidence of the diamond's authenticity.
Diamond clarity is assessed using a grading system that ranges from Flawless (FL), indicating a diamond that is free from any inclusions under 10x magnification, to Included 3 (I3), which denotes diamonds with visible inclusions that can be seen without using any magnification.
It's understandable to desire a flawless diamond, but it's important to remember that even those with slight imperfections can still be stunning. If you're looking for value and appearance, diamonds with VVS and VS Clarity grades are excellent choices. And don't worry, diamonds with an SI rating still have inclusions but are not visible to the naked eye, making them a more affordable option.
Image: Larsons Jewellers
CARAT
Regarding a diamond's measurements, size and carat are two different things. Although commonly thought to refer to the size of a diamond, a carat is a standard unit of measurement that defines the weight of a diamond. A diamond's size is how large the diamond will look when viewed from above. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams, so a five-carat diamond weighs one gram. A Carat is further divided into Points, a unit of weight used only for diamonds: 1 Point = 0.01 Carat. It's understandable that bigger diamonds are more expensive due to their natural rarity. As the carat size increases, so does the cost of diamonds. This is because larger diamonds require precise cutting to maintain their weight, increasing the price. For instance, a 2-carat round diamond costs approximately 3.5 times more than a 1-carat diamond with similar characteristics.
Image: Larsons Jewellers & Q Report
DIAMOND SHAPES
Different shapes of diamonds possess unique advantages and disadvantages. Round and pear-shaped diamonds are adept at hiding flaws while reflecting light, creating a dazzling effect. On the other hand, cushion, emerald, princess, or Asscher-shaped diamonds require higher clarity over the colour as these shapes tend to accentuate any inclusions, resulting in a less pristine appearance. If you'd like to familiarise yourself with the most frequently used shapes, just keep reading!
Brilliant Cut
The round-cut diamond is an enduring choice that embodies balance and harmony with its timeless shape. Whether set in a classic claw or modern bezel setting, it exudes elegance and sophistication that never goes out of style.
Oval Cut
If you're looking for a ring that makes your fingers look slimmer, and the diamond appears larger, then the oval cut is perfect for you. It's also durable and hides any imperfections well.
Emerald Cut
The emerald-cut diamond boasts straight lines and symmetrical facets, resulting in magnificent light reflection. It's an ideal option for those searching for a larger stone at an affordable price point. as emerald-cut diamonds appear larger than other diamond shapes of the same carat weight.
Pear Cut
If you're looking for an engagement ring that will make your fingers look longer and more elegant, the pear-shaped diamond is an excellent option. This diamond cut has a pleasing balance of facets that create a beautiful depth and proportion.
Radiant Cut
The radiant cut diamond boasts a square shape with brilliant facets that harmoniously combine the timeless brilliance of a round diamond with the sleek and sophisticated contours of an emerald. Soft corners give it a chic appearance, resulting in a flawless and dazzling gem.
Asscher Cut
Asscher diamonds exude a timeless elegance that evokes Art Deco glamour. Their unique appearance is created by the placement of their 58 facets, which produce a beautiful vintage look and a stunning "hall of mirrors" effect. Asscher-shaped diamonds require higher clarity over the colour.
Marquis Cut
The distinctive shape of marquise diamonds creates an illusion of size, setting them apart from other diamonds of the same weight, with a vintage-inspired design that exudes a feminine quality.
Princess Cut
Princess-cut diamonds have a perfectly square shape and similar facet patterns to round diamonds. They are well suited to bezel settings or corner claws and are a popular choice for engagement rings due to their modern, clean-cut design and contemporary style.
Trillion Cut
Trillion-cut diamonds possess a contemporary shape that blends delicacy and precision in a triangular structure. With three equal sides and a dazzling radiance, they capture attention with their unique and striking appearance.
Cushion Cut
Cushion-cut diamonds possess a square shape with rounded corners and exude a vintage aesthetic. While they may not radiate as much as round-cut diamonds, they instead possess more fire and can exhibit a wider array of vivid hues from various perspectives.