All you need to know about Diamonds

The price of a diamond is defined by four criteria size colour,clarity and shap

Colour

Diamonds are graded using a colour scale that ranges from 'D' (completely colourless) to 'Z'(tinted yellow). We do not use diamonds with tints below 'M' as they tend to look dull . The first three colours 'D' 'E' 'F' are colourless and are recommended for the purist .  Colours 'G' 'H' 'I' are near colourless .  They are usally the colours we recommend for most clients . The colours 'J' 'K' 'L' 'M' show faint colour we recomend them for the budget conscious.

It is really pretty simple. The closer to "D" you go, the more expensive the diamond. Can you see the difference between a D color and a K color? In fact the K color will look pretty yellow  in comparison to a D. However, if you look at  2 diamond rings from a distance, it becomes a lot harder to tell the difference. Most people will not be able to tell the difference between a D and G color when mounted. If you're the type of person who wants the absolute best, by all means purchase a D colour; but don't be surprised if a lower color grade looks just as good.

Clarity

Most diamonds have imperfections also called inclusions . The clarity grade is based on how many and how pronounced these inclusions are . The drawings below give you an illustration of the qualities.

It is really pretty simple. The fewer blemishes , the more expensive the diamond. Can you see the difference between an 'IF' (flawless) clarity and a 'VS1' clarity? without the help of a magnifying glass NO!. However, if you look at  a larger diamond  from a very close distance clarity 'SI2' to 'I1' can be differentiated by a non professional , but from a normal distance it becomes a lot harder to tell the difference. Most people will not be able to tell the difference between a 'IF' and 'VS1' clarity when mounted. If you're the type of person who wants the absolute best, by all means purchase a flawless diamond , but don't be surprised if a lower clarity grade looks just as good.

Weight

The weight of a diamond is measured in carats . One carat (Crt.) equals 1/5th of a gram . A carat is divided in 100 points so that a diamond of 50 points equals 1/2 a carat . The larger diamonds are much rarer and their value increases with size . A diamond of 1/2 a carat has a aproximate diameter of 5.2mm , one of 1 carat 6.5mm and one of 2 carats 8.2mm.

Shape

Diamonds are cut in a variety of shapes the most popular are round and the pear shape(shape of a waterdrop).

WHAT IS A DIAMOND CERTIFICATE AND WHAT IS ITS PURPOSE?

A certified diamond is a diamond which comes with a documentation from an independent laboratory. The certificate records exact measurements of the specific diamond as well as the clarity, colour, and carat-weight. It gives a detailed diagram of the diamond. All these information enables the specific diamond being examined to be verified as the diamond in the certificate. The modern approach to ensure authenticity in a practical way is to have the diamond sealed together with the certificate (microfilm). This is done immediately after certification by the certification body.


Unless you are an expert on diamonds, you should not buy an uncertified diamond. Without the critical certificate, you will not know if you are getting what you pay for. Information concerning the specific diamond is essential and this can be found on a diamond certificate which is useful only if it is reliable.

Among the most renowned names in diamond certification in the world are: the Gemological Institute of America Gem Trade Laboratory (GIA), the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL), the Diamond High Council of Belgium (HRD), and the International Gemmological Institute (IGI, also popularly known as Belgium Lab). These account for the major proportion of the certification of most of the larger diamonds in the world. These laboratories maintain their independence because they are not connected with the trade, sales, or manufacturing organizations and do not buy or sell diamonds. The certification by these bodies are of the strictest standards and are therefore internationally recognized and used for the sale of fine quality diamonds. The relevant certification may well be dictated by the continent where the diamond is cut and traded at source. Generally, be especially cautious of retailers who offer certificates which they produce themselves, therefore removing the objectivity of the grading system and certification.