Buying diamonds or diamond jewellery is an important, emotional and serious event but should also remain enjoyable and memorable. Polished Diamonds™ have certified Diamond Grading Technicians that will happily discuss technical aspects so for a personal, friendly approach contact us directly. We created this 'educational' so clients can make an informed decision and buy better quality diamonds and diamond jewellery. At anytime, go to our award winning online shop and view over Diamonds, Wedding Rings and Diamond Engagement Rings which are custom made for each unique client. We are here to help so please ask questions, feel comfortable about buying not from the 'Net' but from us - a Registered Diamond Company, Industry Guardians with Flexible Terms - let's explore the options.
Diamonds are unique in that they can be categorized by characteristics associated with the material, namely Colour, Clarity, Cut and Carat. The value and rarity of diamonds has produced unique parameters for grading these characteristics, in laboratory conditions. Detailed reports are produced for each diamond and these enable a safe and secure purchase without actually viewing the diamonds involved. The integrity and accuracy of the grading report is therefore a very important factor - what good is a diamond if the documents are wrong. The most trustworthy and accurate diamond grading report is the GIA (Gemological Institute of America). The GIA invented the modern diamond grading system and are the Worlds Authority on Diamonds, they are the most accurate and prudent facility - there is no better laboratory to certifiy your diamond. Over 95% of the diamonds we sell are graded, audited, tested, approved and certificated by the Worlds best - the GIA.
So the 4 C's of Diamonds refer to Carat, Cut, Colour and Clarity and we like to include the 5th C, - Certification. If a diamond is graded by an inaccurate diamond laboratory the colour, clarity, carat and cut will be incorrect. Always insist on accurate diamond grading or you'll be buying a lemon when an apple is required.
Diamond Carat: refers to a measurement of weight as opposed to size. Originally a 'carab' was a seed which was used as a weight measure - this adaption is where carat derives its name. 1 carat is equal to 100 points; so 75 points is ¾ of a carat. Carat is the most price sensitive part of a diamond as it refers to the mass and a proportionate size. Diamonds are rare and as the size and carat weight increase they become very scarce. Low supply of high carat diamonds and high demand has pushed the price equilibrium to high limits. Half a carat diamonds are very popular as you get good value and reasonable size; once a diamond hits 1 carat, the price increases exponentially to the size. Below are some comparison in sizes and although not to scale, it does allow you to see that a 1.00 carat diamond is not twice the size of a 0.50 carat diamond but it is twice the weight and about three-four times the price.
Diamond Colour: Diamonds follow a colour spectrum that journeys from colourless through to light yellow. The rare diamonds have less yellow saturation and so are more valuable. The GIA started the colour grading system in the 1950's and as such are the masters of correct colour calibration (after all they did invent it). Diamonds are colour graded by the GIA using alpha tags to describe each colour.
The top colour is D and the spectrum follows down through the alphabet gaining more yellow as it proceeds. The top colours are D-E-F as they are colourless G-H-I-J are near colourless and represent excellent value. K-L-M start to show faint colour and are suited to yellow gold jewellery.
Diamond Clarity: diamonds that are 100% pure crystalised carbon are known as IF or internally flawless. These diamonds are extremely rare as often very small contaminants are inside the diamond - known as inclusions. These inclusions are 'natures fingerprints' and nothing to be worried about as long as you can't see them. The grading of these inclusions was also developed by GIA and is based around the size of the inclusion / imperfection.
Internally Flawless diamonds are essentially pure and clean of any inclusions; the next level down is VVS which means 'Very Very Slight' these inclusions are microscopic only visable through 25 x magnification. The next range is VS which means 'Very Slight' which are dedectable using a 10 x loupe but a good search is required and novices usually do not spot them. Then there is SI meaning 'Slight Inclusion' and these are still eye clean but are easily detected when enlarged 10 times under magnification; these diamonds are eye clean and a popular choice. Then there are I meaning 'Included' and these stones have visible marks and are to be avoided unless size/carat is required under a limited budget.
Each category is also broken into 1-2 which shows the size but more the severity and location of the inclusion. VVS1 is very very slight on the outer edge, VVS2 is very very slight more centrally located. VS1 is very slight outer edge and in faceting, VS2 very slight closer to central table. Si1 slight and away from centre, Si2 slight and central.
There are also different types of inclusions so a VS1 could be several types of inclusion like feathers, twinning wisps, needles, natural indentures, black knats etc.
Diamond Cut: this refers to both the general shape of the diamond and also how well that shape has been made. We'll refer to it as cut micro and cut macro:
Diamond cut macro is the general shape of the diamond. Diamond rough in octahedron form naturally gives itself to cutting round brilliant diamonds. Other diamond rough shapes like 'flats' suit shapes like emerald cuts and tear-drops. The shape of a diamond is usually guided by diamond rough retention as this increases the finished carat weight and will command a higher price. There are many different shapes so do view our 'Diamond Selection'. Some of the more popular ones are below:
The 'diamond cut micro' refers to the quality of how the above diamond shapes have been made. This area looks at the angles and symmetry of the diamond to maximise light return and so, increase the sparkle. Diamonds are a 3D object and there are many different areas of a diamond. The table is the top area; the pavillion the bottom area that goes down to a culet or keel and the outer most rim is known as the girdle. All these parts of the diamond have a set tolerence of angle degree, size, alignment and shape which is a known and agreed measurement. The highest tolerence of this measurement is called 'Excellent' and if any of the mentioned diamond areas like girdle, pavilion or table fall just outside the very highest tolerence the diamond becomes 'Very Good'. The difference between these two is miniscule and laser tracing and laboratory conditions are required to tell the two apart. We sell mainly 'Very Good' to 'Excellent' as they sparkle the best.
After 'Very Good' cut grade is 'Good' cut grade which is still nice and a worthy purchase if your budget is tight - not much light performance is lost but the price is lower. After 'Good' comes 'Fair' and 'Poor' and we do not sell these as they lack lustre and sparkling brilliance. At Polished Diamonds™ we disclose all information as we want you to have the best you can get. Examples below show how an Excellent to Very Good cut diamond handles light for a perfect sparkle:
Diamonds are very unique and one can spend a lifetime understanding how the 'hardest of earth's natural minerals' can be cut and shaped to reflect light. The colours and qualities that diamonds present can sometimes be difficult to match for a particular budget. We invite you to call and chat with our friendly gemmologist or complete an online enquiry and one of us will answer your questions at the earliest opportunity.
Polished Diamonds™ 1st in Diamonds - for a Lifetime of Happiness - Guaranteed!
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