Diamonds

There are four main factors which determine a diamond’s value; Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat Weight (often referred to as the four C’s).

In addition there are two more C’s which we believe important to consider when purchasing a diamond: Confidence (in the product), and type of Certificate (gemmological report).

1. CUT
   Cut is the most important and dramatic of the factors defining a diamond’s value and refers to the angles and proportions the diamond cutter has employed in fashioning the facets which turn a dull rough diamond into a sparkling, bright polished gem. Cut is the only factor defining a diamond’s value which dramatically affects the beauty, brightness and scintillation of a diamond. The better the cut, the more the diamond appears to sparkle and scintillate. Cut is also the only factor defining a diamond’s value over which man has any control.
2. COLOUR
   Colour refers to the degree to which a diamond appears colourless. Diamonds are graded on a colour scale established by the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) which ranges from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow). Diamonds which have tinges of yellow are more common than colourless diamonds and as such are less valuable than colourless diamonds. Completely colourless diamonds are graded “D” and are treasured for their rarity. As such they are extremely valuable.
3. CLARITY
   Almost all diamonds contain minute pieces of non crystallised carbon. These identifying features are called inclusions. The size, nature, location, and amount of inclusions determine a diamond’s clarity and subsequently affect its value. A diamond’s unique inclusions were bestowed by nature when the diamond was formed millions of years ago deep beneath the earth’s surface. The fewer the amount of inclusions in a diamond the rarer and consequently the more valuable the diamond is.
4. CARAT WEIGHT
   The weight of a diamond is expressed in a unit of measure called Carats. One carat is divided into 100 points. This means that half a carat is described as 50 points or 0.50 carats.Larger diamonds are found much less frequently in nature. Thus, for example, a one carat diamond will cost more than twice that of a 0.50 carat diamond (assuming colour, clarity and cut remain constant).
5. CONFIDENCE
   It is very important to ensure that when purchasing a diamond you receive the kind of everlasting value which can only arise from having the utmost of confidence in the product you have purchased.
6. CERTIFICATE
   Another important factor defining the value of a diamond is its certification through an internationally recognised and respected independent gemmological trade laboratory, for identification and grading.