Diamonds were formed from pure carbon that crystallised under immense heat and pressure hundreds of miles below sea level. 100 million years later, volcanic explosions forced them upwards to the earth's surface, exposing their beauty to the world.
Diamonds are rare because only a few survived the journey to the surface. Only about half of diamonds mined today are of gem quality and even fewer are large enough to be polished into a stone that is bigger than a match head. Since nature never repeats itself, each diamond is unique.
Women are drawn to diamonds not only for their natural beauty, but also because of the history and magic associated with them. There is no gem as indestructible, rare, precious, beautiful or magical. It is these qualities that have made the diamond the ultimate symbol of love.
Did you know...
In ancient times, the diamond was considered a symbol of power.
In India, diamonds were set in the eyes of Hindu statues.
Monarchs decorated their swords and scabbards with diamonds.
They also sewed them into clothing as symbols of status.
Ancient Greeks thought diamonds were the tears of gods.
Romans believed that diamonds were splinters from falling stars.
Diamonds were said to protect from harm.
They were also thought to bring luck and success.
Diamonds were considered the ultimate symbol of love as far back as the fifteenth century.
Cupid's arrow was said to be tipped with diamonds.
Choosing your diamond
Firstly, decide on the type of diamond jewellery you want - a pendant, necklace, bracelet, earrings or a ring. Also consider the style you want and whether you prefer a yellow gold, white gold or platinum setting.
Determine how much you want to spend. The good news is you don't need to spend a fortune to get the diamond that's right for you.
Now it's time to choose the diamond itself. You may find that two diamonds that look alike have very different values.
To understand why, you need to examine the 4Cs - Carat, Clarity, Colour and Cut. The combination of these characteristics determine the value, rarity and beauty of a diamond.
The following section will help you understand the 4Cs so that you can buy the perfect diamond for your taste and budget.
What are the 4Cs?
Carat
This refers to the weight of a diamond. The word "carat" derives from ancient times when gems were measured using the weight of a carob seed.
One carat equals one fifth of a gram. It can also be divided into 100 points. A third carat diamond or a 0.33 carat diamond weighs the same as a 33 point diamond.
Generally, the larger the carat, the more rare and valuable the diamond. Two diamonds of the same weight, however, can have very unequal values, depending on their clarity, colour and cut.
Cut and mounting can make a diamond appear larger than its actual carat weight. We can help you find the best setting to maximise the size and beauty of your stone.
Clarity
Most diamonds contain inclusions - natural identifying characteristics such as minerals or fractures. These are known as nature's "birthmarks" or "fingerprints" and may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. The fewer the inclusions, the greater the clarity and the more valuable the diamond.
Inclusions are usually invisible to the naked eye. However, their number, size and location can affect the flow of light through a diamond, causing some of the sparkle to be lost.
Diamonds with inclusions that are visible to the naked eye are graded I1 - I3. Those with small inclusions are graded SI1 - SI2, those with very small inclusions are graded VS1 - VS2 and diamonds with extremely small inclusions are graded VVS1 - VVS2. Those rare diamonds with no inclusions are called flawless (FL) or internally flawless (IF).
Some inclusions can be hidden by a setting and have little effect on the diamond's beauty.
Colour
Although many diamonds appear colourless, most contain subtle tones of yellow or brown. The closer a diamond is to having no colour, the more valuable it is.
Diamond colours are graded from D, continuing through the alphabet to Z. Truly colourless diamonds (graded D) are treasured for their rarity. While still beautiful, lower graded diamonds are less rare.
Choice of colour comes down to personal taste. White colours (D-J) look particularly good set in white gold or platinum; warmer colours (K-Z) are stunning set in yellow gold.
Colour differences between stones can be very subtle. To appreciate the differences, ask our expert to compare the stones side by side.
Diamonds can also be found in pinks, blues and greens. These are known as "fancies" and are very rare and valuable.
Cut
The cut indicates the physical shape of the diamond and refers to the angles and proportions a skilled craftsmen creates in the stone, releasing its fire and sparkle. It is the only one of the 4Cs not determined by nature.
The cut of the stone causes light to be dispersed and reflected from one facet to another. A well proportioned cut allows the greatest amount of fire and sparkle to be reflected. If a diamond is cut too deep or too shallow, light escapes through the side or the bottom and the display will be less brilliant. A well cut diamond is more valuable than a poorly cut stone of the same weight, clarity and colour.
Which Shape?
The shape of diamond you choose is a matter of personal taste, especially if you are buying an engagement ring.
The traditional diamond shape is round brilliant. Since a round diamond is symmetrical and capable of reflecting nearly all the light that enters, it has the greatest brilliance of all shapes. The six most popular "fancy shapes" are marquise, emerald, princess, pear, oval and heart.
Your Decision
We hope that our Diamond Guide has helped you in your decision making.
In summary:
Choose the type and style of diamond jewellery you want.
Set your price range.
Consider the importance of carat weight against colour, clarity and cut. This way you will achieve the best mix of these characteristics meet your requirements and your budget. For example, you may decide on a smaller carat weight in order to have a stone with greater clarity, a whiter colour and a really good cut.
Choose a jeweller you trust and feel comfortable with.
Take your time in choosing your diamond - after all, it's the one gift that really does mean forever.
