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THERE'S SO MUCH MORE TO KNOW
CUT
Diamond cut refers to the precision and craftsmanship used to shape and polish a diamond, which directly influences its brilliance, sparkle, and overall beauty. The cut grade assesses how well the diamond interacts with light, affecting its ability to reflect and refract light back to the viewer's eye. A well-cut diamond will exhibit maximum fire, scintillation, and brightness. Diamonds with excellent cuts are highly sought after and command higher prices due to their superior visual appeal and rarity compared to diamonds with poorer cuts.
VERSATILE AND DISTINCTIVE
CLARITY
Diamond clarity relates to the presence or absence of imperfections, known as inclusions or blemishes within a diamond. They are graded on a scale from Flawless to Included and generally require a loupe - and a trained eye - to see. This clarity grade reflects how visible these imperfections are under magnification. Diamonds with higher clarity grades have fewer or smaller imperfections, resulting in greater brilliance and sparkle. As clarity directly impacts a diamond's beauty and rarity, higher clarity grades command higher prices in the market.
BRILLIANCE, SPARKLE AND BLING
DIAMOND COLOUR
Diamond colour refers to the presence or absence of colour in a diamond, graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (very light yellow or brown). The less colour a diamond has, the higher its value, as colourless diamonds allow more light to pass through. This, in turn, results in greater visual brilliance and sparkle - more bling! Conversely, diamonds with more colour are less rare and typically less valuable. However, subtle differences in colour may not be easily discernible to the naked eye, particularly in diamonds with higher grades. Click on the link below for further information.
TEENY, TINY MASS
DIAMOND WEIGHT (CARAT)
Diamond carat weight refers to the measurement of a diamond's mass, with one carat equaling 200 milligrams. As carat weight increases, so does the size of the diamond. However, the relationship between carat weight and price isn't linear. Larger diamonds are rarer and thus command higher prices per carat due to their scarcity and desirability. Therefore, while carat weight is a significant factor in determining a diamond's price, it's not the sole determinant.
IT'S IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
DIAMOND SHAPE
Diamond shape refers to the outline or silhouette of a diamond when viewed from above. It includes - but isn't limited to - many popular shapes such as round, princess, emerald, teardrop and pear. The shape of a diamond is purely aesthetic and does not directly affect its quality or value, although certain shapes may appear larger or have different optical effects. Ultimately, the choice of diamond shape is a matter of personal preference and style. Click below to see some of the most popular diamond shapes readily available.
NATURAL AND LAB-GROWN
CERTIFICATION
Diamond certification refers to the process of assessing and documenting a diamond's quality characteristics by an independent gemological laboratory. This certification provides an official evaluation of the diamond's 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight), ensuring transparency and authenticity for buyers. Diamonds with reputable certifications typically command higher prices due to the assurance of quality and authenticity they provide.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
ORIGIN: NATURAL vs LAB
Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth over millions of years through natural processes, while lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments using technological methods that mimic the natural diamond-growing process. Lab-grown diamonds have identical physical and chemical properties to natural diamonds and are not easy to tell apart, but are typically priced lower due to lower production costs and ethical considerations surrounding their sourcing.
However, natural diamonds command higher prices due to their rarity and traditional appeal. As such, they are considered as better, long term investments. This premium also reflects the enduring allure of natural diamonds as ultimate symbols of status and romance.
AND WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?
WHAT ARE DIAMONDS?
A diamond is a naturally occurring mineral composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure. They are formed deep within the Earth's mantle under high pressure and temperature conditions over millions of years. In South Africa, diamonds played a pivotal role in shaping the country's history, particularly with the discovery of large diamond deposits in the late 19th century. This led to the famous diamond rush, transforming South Africa into a major player in the global diamond industry.
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