The Carat Weight
The word carat derives from the word carob, a Mediterranean seed, which has an extremely consistent weight for measuring. The greater the carat weight, the rarer, and more valuable the diamond becomes. Five metric carats weighs exactly 1 gram. Just like there are 16 ounces in a pound, there are 100 "points" in a carat. Each "point" is a unit of weight; therefore a 0.50ct. diamond is also known as a "half carat".
Some people want the largest diamond possible. If size is a priority, we can help you classify the proper cut, colour and clarity to fit your budget economically, and fit your jewellery beautifully.
The Cut
The true definition of "cut" in reference to diamonds, is the quality of the proportions, symmetry, and polish of the diamond. Your diamond's proportions make a vast difference on how brightly your diamond shines. An 'ideal cut' diamond is one that allows the maximum amount of light to return through the top of the diamond, which takes into consideration the depth, table size, crown height and angle, girdle thickness and more.
After a rough diamond is mined, it is evaluated to determine its best possible cut (think of it as a pattern or blueprint), in order to release or maintain the best clarity and colour, as well as retaine the most carat weight. The term 'cut' is often confused with diamond 'shape', such as round brilliant, oval, or princess cut.
The visual beauty of a diamond is in the hands of the diamond cutter. An experienced diamond cutter can release all the natural fireworks hidden inside a rough diamond. Our diamond professionals will be happy to assist you in selecting a diamond with maximum brilliance.
The Colour
Diamonds range from colourless to yellow or light brown, and are sometimes found in a spectrum of fancy colours, including yellow, blue, pink and and even red diamonds. The less colour, the rarer the diamond; fancy colours like pink, yellow and blue are much more rare than colourless diamonds. One thing most people don't realize is that it is very different to tell the difference between a D colour and an H colour once a diamond is set, and there is an incredible difference in price.
D - Colourless
E-F - Colourless
G-J - Near Colourless
K-M - Faint Yellow
N-R - Very Light Yellow
S-Z - Light Yellow
Fancy Colours have a completely different colour grading system based on intensity and saturation of hue. They cost more because of their rarity.
The Clarity
Diamonds are composed of 99% carbon. Diamonds are formed by volcanic action, under intense heat and pressure. During formation, other elements become trapped inside, giving each diamond its own unique fingerprint. These internal characteristics help identify the clarity of your diamond.
*All diamond grading is determined by a professional gemologist under 10 power (10x) magnification.
F - No inclusions or blemishes visible to a skilled grader.
IF - No inclusions and only blemishes are visible to a skilled grader.
VVS1-VVS2 - Inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see.
VS1-VS2 - Inclusions are clearly visible but can be characterized as minor.
SI1-SI2 - Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader.
I1-I3 - Inclusions are obvious and may affect transparency and brilliance.
