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types of diamonds
Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth under extreme conditions of heat and pressure. They are comprised of nearly 99.95% carbon, with the other 0.05% reflecting trace elements that aren't part of their essential chemistry — making diamond the only gemstone constructed of a single element. They are the hardest naturally occurring material found on Earth and one of the most sought-after.
Lab Diamonds
Lab diamonds are optically, chemically, and physically the same as natural diamonds. In other words, they look, feel, and are identical. Their difference lies only in their origins — natural diamonds form within the Earth, and lab diamonds are grown by professionals with specialized equipment. Another difference relates to cost; as lab grown diamonds are less rare than natural diamonds, they often come at a much more accessible price.
4 C’s Diamonds
If you're wondering what to look for in a diamond, the best place to begin is by understanding the 4 C's: cut, color, clarity, and carat. Created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in the 1940s, the 4 C's act as a universal scale to describe and determine the quality of diamonds.
Cut
The most important C is the cut. Cut is responsible for the quality of a diamond’s sparkle. A diamond’s overall proportions, as well as the size and position of its facets, make up the cut. The consistency and balance of these can greatly affect how the stone captures light and reflects it back to the eye.
Studies have been conducted to find the optimum proportions of a diamond’s cut so that it has the greatest amount of sparkle. If its cut falls within these parameters, it is considered an ideal cut.
Color
One factor that determines the value of a diamond is its color. With the exception of fancy-colored diamonds, the most valuable diamonds are those with the least color. Although many people think of gem-quality diamonds as colorless, completely colorless diamonds are very rare.
Each letter grade represents a range of color that is determined by a manual process of comparing the diamond to a master set.
Clarity
A diamond’s clarity is measured by the existence or absence of visible flaws. Tiny surface blemishes or internal inclusions, even those seen only under magnification, can alter the brilliance of the diamond and thus affect its value.
CARAT
Carat refers to the diamond’s weight. You may also hear the weight of a diamond referred to in points. One carat is equivalent to 100 points, so a 75-point diamond is equal to 0.75 carats. Because they are rarer, larger diamonds have greater value per carat. Therefore, the price of a diamond rises exponentially in regards to its size.
DIAMOND SHAPES
When selecting your dream diamond, keep the following points in mind:
Understand the 4 C's: The 4 C's are fundamental in determining a diamond's quality and value. Balance these factors with your budget to find the right diamond. For example, if you prioritize a high carat weight, you might need to compromise on cut, color, or clarity to stay within your budget, and vice versa.
Pick Your Favorite Shape: While the round brilliant cut has traditionally been the most popular, all the other shapes like princess, cushion, oval, pear, or emerald each offer unique appeal. It's really a personal choice.
Authenticity and Quality: For larger diamonds, whether natural or lab-grown, a certification from a reputable gemological laboratory such as GIA, IGI, or GCAL will prove its authenticity and quality.
Other Things to Consider: Setting, side stones, jewellery style, and metal will enhance the diamonds and make it more personal.
Book a consultation with us if you are shopping for a special diamond piece.