Diamonds and Diamond Rings Guide

The value and quality of the diamond are based on four key characteristics - commonly referred too as the 4c's. These are; cut, carat, clarity and colour.In most cases, the higher the grade of the diamond in one or all of these characteristics, the rarer and pricier it will be.

Personal preference plays role in determining as to which characteristics are chosen at a higher grade - at the expense of others. On this note, we strongly advise you to read the following explanation on each of the 4 fundamentals so that you can discover for yourself as to which of them are most important to you.

Cut

The definition of the cut of the diamond refers to its proportional symmetry. The latter is a direct result of the transformation between the diamond in its initial rough form and the end result; a highly polished gemstone - at the hand of a master diamond cutter.

The sheer and brilliance of the diamond is reflected off its numerous facets and angles. It is for this reason that the cut plays such an instrumental role - perhaps the most important one, in determining its value. The latter is because even a diamond that is excellent in both clarity and colour, will give off a dull impression as a result of an ill cut.

Carat:

The carat is the commonly used unit with regards to the weight of a gem stone. Although there tends to be a constant positive correlation - as in; the larger the carat, the higher the price of the diamond, there are other factors that can affect the price as well. These mainly include; its cut and clarity (as explained).

Clarity:

Every diamond will naturally contain some defects and incursions. These are as a result of the intensively high pressure and temperature in which they are formed. Hence, the diamond's clarity and consequently; its value are determined by the number and the nature of imperfections present.

The following is the grading system for the imperfections that impact the clarity of a diamond:

Grading:	Description:
Flawless (FL)	These are the highest quality diamonds on the spectrum. They are perfect to the extent that no imperfections can be seen at 10x magnification.
Internally Flawless (IF)	Almost flawless though some defects are visible at a 10x magnification.
Very Very Slight Inclusions (VVS1, VVS2)	Under 10x magnification, defects are present albeit barely visible.
Very Small Inclusions (VS)	Inclusions present that is visible to a trained expert at a magnification level under 10.
Small Inclusions (SI)	This refers to defects that are small yet very noticeable at a magnification level of 10.
Imperfect (I1, I2, I3)	Imperfect diamonds contain large and obvious inclusions under 10 x magnifications.

Colour:

In all diamonds, the inevitable presence of a slight yellow or in some cases, brown hue are as a result of traces of other elements present.Hence, the closer the diamond is to colourless; the higher is its valuation.

The most commonly used scale to grade the colour of the diamond was devised by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) which grades the colour in the range of D (colourless) to Z (slightly yellow). The difference in colour between each grade is very subtle and is therefore not visible to the untrained eye.

However, it is important to note that it is not only the colourlessness that renders the diamond of the highest quality; it must also possess good clarity and cut to showcase its brilliance and sparkle.

The following is the GIA grading system for diamond colour:

Shape:

Nowadays, diamonds are available in a variety of different shapes, with some being more traditional and others, of the more exotic nature. As always, the shape you choose to go for is entirely up to your personal taste and preference.

For your benefit, we have included the following brief descriptions on each of the shapes. The latter will hopefully give you a better understanding and guide you towards your decision making.

Shape:	Description:
Round	This is the most popular choice with regards to diamond shape. The nature of its numerous facets is what renders it superior in the proper reflection of light and ultimate brilliance.
Princess	The second most popular choice - the princess shape is generally a square or in some cases, slightly rectangular cut. Due to the mechanics of its shape, like the round shape, it portrays a brilliance and sparkle.
Emerald	The emerald shape offers the timeless understated elegant look. The nature of its shape; rectangular with a relatively flat surface, lend it an unbeatable clarity.
Asscher	The Asscher cut closely resembles the emerald cut albeit; it has a more square shape with larger step facets. Currently, this shape is experiencing resurgence in popularity.
Marquise	The marquise shape is of the more exotic nature. It bears a tapered point at each of its two ends which consequently lends it an illusion of greater size. Hence, in case of the latter being a requirement or preference, a marquise cut diamond would fit the bill.
Radiant	A cross between the emerald and round cut, the radiant cut's signature is its cropped corners - the nature of which, lend it a fabulous albeit unique look.
Oval	Similar to the round shape but with a more contemporary edge, the oval shaped diamond. Since it is slightly elongated down the middle, like the Marquise, it gives the impression of being greater in size.
Pear	The pear shaped diamond comprises of a tapered edge and a rounded edge, thus resembling a tear drop. It exudes simple sophistication and has the added benefit of making the wearer's finger appear longer and slimmer.
Heart	Since it is a widespread symbolises of love, the heart shaped cut is proving to be a popular choice in the diamond industry. However, diamonds of less than .50 carats are not advisable since it is difficult to make out the heart shape - especially when they are pronged.
Cushion	With its rounded corners and large facets for increased brilliance, the cushion cut resembles a pillow (hence the name). In recent times, the cushion cut diamond has seen an incredible rise in popularity.

Settings:

Diamonds can be set in the ring in a variety of different ways - each lending its own unique look. Some settings are of the more plain and traditional style whereas others give over a much more unique and even exotic impression. Again, personal preference plays role over here.

A word of caution regarding your diamond insets: diamonds in some occasions, tend to loosen and detach themselves from the setting over time. To avoid the scenario of losing a diamond, an effective precautionary measure would be to have your diamond ring checked - ideally, every six months to a year to ensure the security of your diamond in its ring setting!

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