UNCOVERING THE PERFECT DIAMOND
Diamonds are revered for their perfection, purity, & their "forever" quality.
Perfectly clear and free of inclusions, precise reflective properties capable of refracting a rainbow of color, shape & make - cut to exacting proportions:
These are just a few features not to be assumed of a diamond, but sought out by collectors & jewelers the world over.
For a first time buyer, choosing the right diamond can be an intimidating experience, however, understanding modern day grading procedures & quality characteristics can help tremendously. Our team of staff is armed with professional training & knowledge to guide even the most inexperienced buyer by answering your questions, & explaining the properties of diamonds in clear, unassuming language.
CUT
Cut does not refer to the shape or style of a diamond, but instead the brilliance, sparkle & fire a diamond gives off, all which are most often the result of the quality of the cut, or "make". A diamond's proportions, in relation to its angles and depth can make the difference between a shimmering gem and a dull piece of glass. Cut grades range from ‘Excellent’, ‘Very good’, ‘Good’, ‘Fair’, and ‘Poor’.
COLOR
Aren't all diamonds clear, & colorless? They may appear to be, but stones can range from colorless, to slightly yellow, or even brown - most shifts in color so slight, the untrained eye might never catch; an associate can help you distinguish the difference between two apparently similar stones. When purchasing a white diamond, it is best to select one with as little hue as possible. Natural diamonds can even be found in more rare and costly pink, green or blue 'fancy' colors.
CLARITY
Diamonds take millions of years to create. During the incredible process behind diamond formation, it is inevitable that a characteristic such as an air bubble, crack or mineral deposit may be contained within a diamond’s body. These blemishes, or inclusions, are often difficult to see with the unaided eye. The fewer blemishes that occupy both the inner and outer body of a diamond, the more valuable they are. There are 11 largely followed clarity grades which can range from ‘Flawless’ - virtually no inner or outer imperfections, to ‘Very Slightly Included’ - a few inclusions slightly visible to the aided eye, to ‘Included’ which features many inclusions that are visible to the unaided eye.
CARAT
Carat is a unit of weight. All gemstones, diamonds included, are measured in carats, where one carat is equivalent to 1/5th of a gram. Generally speaking, the higher the carat weight, the more expensive the stone will be, however two diamonds of equal weight cannot be expected to have the same value when factoring in the impact of the other 3 C’s. Larger stones are more valuable not only because of market preferences but also because of their difficulty and rarity in cultivation.
