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Often when purchasing a diamond the different sizes, letters and names which represent these factors can be confusing. Our diamond guide covers each of the 5 areas concerning diamonds so you can be sure of purchasing your perfect diamond.
The price and also the quality of a diamond usually depends on 5 different factors: the colour, the cut, the clarity the weight and the shape of the diamond.
Colour
Diamonds are graded using a colour scale that ranges from 'D' (completely colourless) to 'Z' (tinted yellow). First Class Diamonds do not use diamonds with tints below 'J' as they tend to look dull with subsequent letters, not offering you the level of quality expected. The higher in the colour the brighter the diamond and this is the part of your choice were your money is best spent. The first three colours 'D' 'E' 'F' are colourless and are only recommended for the purist as they you can usually only tell the difference between an colourless diamond and those ranging from G – J when compared side-by-side. Colours 'G' 'H' 'I' are near colourless . They are easily the colours we recommend for most clients. Colours 'J' show very faint colour and are recommended for the budget conscious.
It is really pretty simple. The closer to 'D' you go, the more expensive the diamond. Can you see the difference between a 'D' colour and a 'K' colour? In fact the 'K' colour will look pretty dull in comparison to a D. However, if you look at 2 diamond rings from a distance, it becomes a lot more difficult to tell the difference between them. Most people will not be able to tell the difference between a ' E' and a 'J' colour when mounted. If you're the type of person who wants the absolute best, by all means purchase a 'D' colour; but don't be surprised if a lower colour grade looks just as good.
Clarity
Most diamonds have imperfections also called inclusions. The clarity grade is based on how many and how pronounced these inclusions are. Put simply, the fewer blemishes the more expensive the diamond. Can you see the difference between an 'IF' (flawless) clarity and a 'VS1' clarity? Without the help of a magnifying glass NO! (Even with a magnifying glass most of our customers struggle to see any of the inclusions in a VS1 clarity diamond). You can buy a flawless or a VVS graded diamond but the visual appearance of the diamond remains the same. You can start to notice a difference in the brilliance of a diamond when you look at an SI clarity diamond with the I1 to I3 clarity diamonds showing a noticeable reduction in beauty. Most people will not be able to tell the difference between an 'IF' and 'VS2' clarity diamond when mounted. Although there is an undeniable attraction in owning a flawless diamond a VS2 clarity diamond looks just as good.
Weight
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat (Crt.) Equals 1/5th of a gram. A carat is divided in 100 points so that a diamond of 50 points equals 1/2 a carat. The larger diamonds are much rarer and their value increases exponentially with size. A diamond of 1/2 a carat has a approximate diameter of 5.2mm , one of 1 carat 6.5mm and one of 2 carats 8.2mm.
Although the weight of a 0.50 carat is half that of a carat diamond the size difference is only 25%, this is because most of the weight of a diamond is at the bottom part of the stone.
Shape
Diamonds are cut in a variety of shapes. The most popular are the round brilliant cut, the rectangular emerald cut and the square princes cut.
Information on Conflict Diamonds
Conflict diamonds are diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments. They are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the United Nations Security Council. Conflict diamonds are the crack cocaine of the jewellery trade. It is something that is abhorrent and evil to any sane person. In May 2000, an initiative was launched in Kimberley, South Africa that aims to break the link between the legitimate trade in diamonds and conflict diamonds. It is called the Kimberley process. We recommend that consumers ask their jeweller whether they adhere to the Kimberley process and the official certification methods associated with it. Conflict diamonds compromise international peace and human security and hamper economic and social development in affected countries. The best way to promote a world free of conflict diamonds is to ensure that every retailer is 100% fully compliant with the Kimberley process.
All First Class Diamonds have been purchased from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations resolution. We hereby guarantee that our diamonds are conflict free, based on personal knowledge and/or written guarantees provided by the supplier of our diamonds.
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