Unless you know a lot about diamonds, it is easy to be deceived by the sparkle of a good imitation. Your best assurance that you will get the quality you pay for, is to buy from a reputable jeweller or gemmologist.
Where possible we give you the weight, colour grade and clarity of diamonds that we sell and will quote these on your invoice, we always supply good quality diamonds that will give beautiful sparkle and fire. Antique jewellery details will be an approximation based on our opinion unless otherwise stated.
The grade of a diamond and its value is determined by four characteristics. The Four "C's"
Cut
Diamonds are cut in different shapes. Some common terms used to describe the shape or cut of diamonds include pear, oval, brilliant or round, marquise, baguette and emerald. Proportions, table diameter, facet angles and symmetry are some of the major factors in cutting which determine the stone's ability to handle light.
Colour
Diamonds range in colour, from colourless to shades such as canary yellow, champagne, cognac brown, sky blue and green. So-called "colourless" stones are rated in terms of their paleness and transparency on an alphabetic scale ranging from D to Z. Stones rated "D" are completely colourless. Stones rated "Z" are yellow in hue. This system of colour grading is based on the GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) standards. Other recognised systems are the C.I.B.J.O. (Confederation Internationale de la Bijouterie, Joaillerie, Orfevrerie, des Diamants, Perles et Pierres Precieuses) and AGS (American Gemological Society) methods.
Clarity
Some diamonds are clearer than others. They contain fewer tiny imperfections or "inclusions", invisible to the naked eye, than cloudier stones. Clarity is expressed by the following abbreviations: IF (internally flawless), VVS (very very small inclusion), VS (very small) SI (small inclusions), I1, I2, and I3. Flawless is the highest rating in terms of clarity of the stones. This range of clarity is based on GIA standards.
Carat Weight
One thing that obviously distinguishes one diamond from another is weight. This expressed in "carats" (or the abbreviation "ct"). 1 diamond carat weighs 0.2 grams or 200 mg. Therefore, a 0.25 carat diamond would weigh 0.05 grams or 50mg. Weight can also be expressed in “points” (or the abbreviation “pt”), where 1 point is equal to 1/100 of a carat. Therefore, our 0.25 carat diamond would be equivalent to 25 points.
Consumer Awareness
When you buy a diamond, your receipt or certificate accompanying the sale, should list these characteristics:
1. The carat weight of the main stone(s), plus the total weight of the main and smaller stones, if any.
2. The clarity of the stone(s), which may vary from stone to stone.
3. The colour factor, which also may vary.
4. The description of the cut.
5. Ask if the diamond has been treated or enhanced in any way other than cutting or polishing.
If this information is not supplied with your purchase, ask for it. If it is not provided, consider the purchase carefully. Ask the retailer what grading system they use to assist you in making comparisons from one store to another.
Please note that these details are provided for general guidance only and should not be taken as a substitute for independent professional advice.