Diamonds 101

You’ve probably done some research. Your desire to find the perfect diamond might even have brought you here to us. We’re glad it did, because we want you to find the perfect diamond, too. And it starts with the basics.

Cut

When a diamond is cut with the ideal proportions for its shape, it reflects more light out of the top, producing incredible fire and brilliance.

A poorly cut diamond with incongruous proportions looks dull and dark because it allows light to escape out the bottom and sides.

In short, a well cut diamond sparkles so much because it reflects and refracts light better than one not cut as well. A well cut diamond increases price.

Colour

White diamonds are not all colourless. The spectrum ranges from light yellow or brown to totally colourless.

A lettering system from D to Z is used to identify the amount of colour present in each diamond, with D awarded only to rare, totally colourless diamonds.

The colourless range in diamonds can be graded D, E or F; near colourless, G, H, I or J. A white diamond’s value increases the more colourless it is.

Clarity

Natural diamonds are formed by tremendous heat and pressure deep within the earth. This process can result in “inclusions.” These are simply fancy words for internal characteristics.

No diamond is perfect, but the closer it comes, the higher its value. These characteristics seldom affect a diamond’s beauty, although they do affect price.

Carat Weight

Carat Weight refers to the weight of the diamond. Larger diamonds are scarce, and therefore more valuable.

However, two diamonds with the same carat weight can vary greatly in value, depending on the colour, clarity and most importantly, the cut.

For example, a half-carat diamond with high colour and clarity ratings may cost more than a three-quarter carat diamond with lower colour and clarity ratings.

It’s simply a matter of deciding what matters most to you, size or quality, then finding the best combination of size, colour and clarity to suit your budget.

The Shapes

THE SHAPE YOU CHOOSE FOR A CENTRE DIAMOND CAN HAVE AN IMPACT ON HOW A RING LOOKS AND FEELS. MOST CENTRE DIAMONDS COME IN ONE OF THESE SHAPES:

ROUND BRILLIANT
The most popular; cut for maximum brilliance.

PRINCESS CUT
The most popular fancy-cut diamond; has a great deal of sparkle.

OVAL
A modified brilliant-cut with similar fire; elongated shape creates the illusion of greater size.

CUSHION
A square cut with rounded corners, much like a pillow.

ASSCHER
An elegant square shape with blocked corners that make diamonds appear octagonal.

EMERALD
Rectangular with parallel facets and blocked corners; produces a hall-of-mirrors effect.

MARQUISE
An elongated shape with tapering points at both ends.

PEAR
Teardrop-shaped, with a great deal of sparkle.

RADIANT CUT
Generally rectangular in shape with an amazing sparkle; typically with blocked corners.

HEART
A sentimental cut that can be difficult to find.