Selecting a Diamond

Part of our job is to make sure you have a good understanding of the 4C’s when it comes to diamonds. Since the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the most recognized gemology grading system in the world, we follow their grading system.

The 4 C’s of Diamonds

Cut

The way a diamond is cut determines how lively it looks in the light. It is what gives a diamond its fire and sparkle. People often mistake “cut” for “shape”; however, the cut of a diamond actually refers to the symmetry and brilliance of the polished stone. One important thing to keep in mind is that only Round Brilliant diamonds have a cut grade. Other fancy shapes (which don’t receive a cut grade) include: Oval, Cushion, Princess, Pear, Marquise, Emerald, Asher, Radiant, and Heart. Use th slider below to explore different cut grades.

Colour

A diamond’s colour is graded based on the lack of colour in the stone. The less colour a diamond has, the more valuable and rare it is. This of course is a different case when it comes to fancy colours like pinks, blues, yellows, which have their own colour grading system. The diamond grading scale begins with the letter D (absolutely colourless) and and extends all the way to the letter Z (yellow/light brown). Use the slider below to explore the diamond grading scale.

Clarity

A diamond’s clarity is based on the amount of inclusions (small imperfections) and blemishes present in the stone under magnification. Although inclusions and blemishes are technically imperfections in the stone, they act as fingerprints which help differentiate one diamond from another. The GIA International Diamond Grading System™ for clarity grading ranges from flawless (F) to heavily-included (I3). Use the slider below to explore the diamond clarity grading system.

Carat

The weight of a diamond is recorded in units called carats (ct). One carat (1.00 ct) is equivalent to 0.2 grams. However, the weight of a diamond is not everything. In fact, symmetry and proportions are also very important in determining value. As a result, two diamonds of equal carat size may have different costs. In cases like these, having an expert gemologist properly examine each diamond allows you to select the best one for its value. To get a better idea of carats vs diamond size, use the slider below to compare different sizes.

Natural Diamonds vs Laboratory Grown Diamonds

Due to their relatively new presence on the jewellery market, lab grown diamonds create a lot of confusion. People are under the impression that these are “fake” diamonds. However, lab created diamonds have the same crystal structure and composition as natural diamonds. The only differences between lab grown and natural diamonds are: 1) the way in which they are made, and 2) their apparent resale value.

Mother Nature’s diamonds are created by extreme temperature and pressure, deep within the earth. This process takes billions of years, making them rare and expensive.

Lab grown diamonds are made under conditions which mimic their formation in nature, or by expanding a small diamond “seed” using carbon-rich gas. Either way, it only takes weeks to create diamonds in a controlled laboratory setting, making them a more cost-effective option.

So, which type of diamond should you choose? It is entirely up to you. We recommend you pick a gem that speaks to you personally, and works for the project you have in mind.