Diamonds Explained

DIAMONDS EXPLAINED

What you need to know about buying a Diamond.

‘GIA Certificated are available on request’

‘The Popular Size’

Carat weights known as ‘The Popular Sizes’ signify a price increase once reached.

These are:

1/2ct – 0.50ct

3/4ct – 0.75ct

1ct – 1.00ct

1.5ct – 1.50ct

2ct - 2.00ct

2.5ct - 2.50ct

3ct - 3.50ct

Under-sizes are diamonds that weigh just below ‘The Popular Size. In choosing a diamond which is slightly ‘underweight’ it is often possible to save money e.g. in choosing a diamond weight of 0.95cts, opposed to ‘The Popular Size’ of 1.00ct.

A carat is a measure of weight and not strictly the size, it is possible that the two stones can appear to be the same ‘size’ when seen in direct comparison, though one is shy of The Popular Size’ as one diamond might spread more than another.

How to choose a diamond for an engagement ring?

Define your budget and spend as much as you are comfortable with. I can provide you with assistance to help maximise your budget.

To create an engagement ring it’s vital to consider finger size; remember that slender fingers can make small diamonds look bigger. Consider lifestyle, will the ring be worn and seen on a regular basis? Think about what sort of setting will hold the diamond, these will also determine the style of the engagement ring.

Are you looking for something plain or something a little more extraordinary? Find out what size diamond the person wearing it may be expecting.

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What clarity grade is best?

FL (Flawless) is the best clarity grade and therefore the best to buy, it is also the most valuable grade of clarity.

The average person can’t tell the difference between FL and VS1 clarity diamonds, to ensure the diamond is free from visible inclusions (eye clean) you will need a VS1 or VS2 clarity grade.

Many people believe that all diamonds with SI clarity grade are eye clean, but this is not strictly true. There can be visible differences between two diamonds with the same SI clarity grade, and this will depend on the number, type, size, and location of the inclusions.

Types of clarity flaw

There are 2 types of flaw:

Inclusions Blemishes Inclusions are flaws within the stone itself such as air bubbles, cracks, and non-diamond minerals; blemishes are surface flaws such as scratches, and pits.

For the purposes of grading diamonds, all flaws are called ‘inclusions’. Diamonds are graded for clarity under 10 to 30 times magnification. Grades range from ‘Flawless’ (completely free of blemishes and inclusions), to ‘Included 3’ (diamonds which possess large, heavy blemishes and inclusions that are visible to the naked eye)..