Diamonds

Diamonds are without doubt the most fascinating gem due to their physical characteristics and beauty and the strong emotions they evoke. They are made from carbon which when subjected to high temperature and pressure transform into this beautiful gem which is extremely hard wearing. It can be difficult to choose a diamond but our experts are on hand to help you choose the one that is right for you!

The qualiy and therefore value of a diamond can only be confirmed by trained experts and is only guaranteed if the certificate is issued by an authorised body recognised throughout the world.

Our diamonds are sold with certificates issued by the following institution:
The Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.) is the largest and most recognised institute issuing certificates in the world. The G.I.A classifies and certifies diamonds that meet the criteria established by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme of the World Diamond Council in accordance with a United Nations Resolution.

A diamond is valued according to four factors known as the 4 C’s: Carat, Cut, Clarity and Colour.

Carat: 

Carat is the standard unit of weight for a diamond which is equivalent to 0.20 grams (0.007 ounces). Carat is measured in points and one point is divided into 100 points. The fractions of a carat are called points with one point equivalent to 100/th of a carat. For example, 40 points weighs 0.40 carats. The greater the weight of the diamond, the greater the value .

Shape and cut: 

Centuries of studies and experience have led to the current definition of the famous ‘brilliance’ cut which enhances the optical characteristics of the diamond in the best way by allowing light to enter, reflect from one side to the other within the gem and create internal and external reflections that enhance the brilliance of this gem. The brilliant-cut diamond can be round, oval, marquise, pear or heart shaped.

The most common types of cut are shown below:

When a diamond is well cut, light enters through the top of the stone where it reflects from one side to the other before bouncing back out of the diamond. This light is called the 'brilliance'.

Besides the quality of the cut known as the “cut grade” , the degree of polishing and external symmetry of the facets need to be considered. The cut, polishing and symmetry are graded as: Excellent - Very Good - Good - Fair - Poor.

We only sell diamonds with a cut grade of 'Good' or higher to ensure the quality of our offering.

Clarity

The 'clarity' describes how flawless a diamond is. A diamond may have internal flaws known as ‘inclusions’ so for this reason it will be analysed under 10 times magnification and graded as:

IF = internally flawless
VVS1-VVS2 = very very small inclusions
VS1-VS2 = very small inclusions
SI1-SI2 = small inclusions
I1-I2-I3 = piqué

Included in the last three categories will be inclusions that are larger and visible to the naked eye.

Colour

Diamonds are graded by the variation in colour which can range from D, colourless, the most rare and valuable, to Z which have a yellow tint.

Fluorescence

If a diamond is exposed to UV light then this can lead to fluorescence which can make the diamond exhibit a blue tint or in rarer cases, a yellow, green or pink tint.

It is important to identify this as under strong light it can affect how the colour of the diamond appears and can make the diamond appear opaque in the colour classifications from D to H while for the lower grades of colour, it can appear whiter than it really is.

Fluorescence is graded as:

None – Faint – Medium – Strong – Very Strong

We do not use diamonds which have been graded as Very Strong.