Diamonds | Diamond Jewellery Guide

Diamonds - the 4 C's Diamond Guide

CUT

This is the shape of the diamond, and can be established with the naked eye. A round stone has 58 facets, which must be in perfect proportion; ensuring light is reflected to the top of the stone. This gives the stone its beautiful ‘life’. The original shape of the rough stone often determines the shape of the cut and polished diamond, e.g. pear shape. The number of facets of fancy shaped stones may vary.

CARAT

This refers to the weight of the diamond. The carat reading of a stone is also an indication of its size although it is actually a measure of weight. 1 Carat = 100 points = 200 milligrams = approximately a 6.5 mm round stone. For a .75 or a 3/4 carat stone is the same as a 75 "points".

COLOUR

The perfect white stone has no colour, and is graded as D. Going down the alphabet, between D to J, stones are graded as white. From K to Z, a yellowish tint may be detected. Jewellery stones technically often have a hint of colour, which makes it more affordable, although it looks white to the naked eye. Recommended colours for jewellery stones are: Yellow / Red gold: H, I, J, K, or better. White gold and platinum: G, H, I, or better.

CLARITY

Clarity refers to the purity of the stone. Most stones have minute inclusions, both in or outside. These non-crystallized carbon specs can be white or black. Ideally one should choose a jewellery grade stone with inclusions that cannot be detected by the naked eye. The recommended clarity for round jewellery stones: VS1 to SI2, or better. Emerald cut jewellery stones: VS1 to VS2, or better.

The 12 Diamond Shapes

The Round Brilliant Cut is the most optically brilliant because of its 360-degree symmetrical shape. A great choice for maximum sparkle and shine

Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds

The Princess Cut has clean, square lines and beautiful sparkle: the perfect choice if you like a square or rectangular outline with brilliant sparkle

Princess Cut Diamonds

The Emerald cut clean lines come from step-cutting or parallel line facets. Emerald shape diamonds usually need to be of higher clarity

Emerald Cut Diamonds

The rectangular Radiant has the elegance of the emerald cut and brilliance of the round. Its 70 facets maximize the effect of its color refraction

Radiant Diamonds

This cut is a variation on the emerald cut developed in 1902 by the Asscher brothers in Holland. It is usually cut as a square as opposed to a rectangle

Asscher Cut Diamonds

The Pear Shape is round at one end and tapered to a point at the other. Good symmetry is a must for pear-cut diamonds to ensure light is reflected evenly

Pear Shaped Diamonds

The Oval, combines the round-brilliant's sparkle with a flattering, elongated shape. A good choice for someone wanting brilliance with a unique shape

Oval Cut Diamonds

The Marquise cut has a regal, elongated shape with tapering points at both ends. This shape tends to flatter the finger, making it appear longer

Marquise Cut Diamonds

The romantic Heart Shaped diamond requires skilled cutting to ensure proper brilliance and symmetry with clearly defined, not pointed lobes

Heart Shaped Diamonds

The Trillion cut and sharper cornered Trilliant were developed in Amsterdam. They are triangular in shape and often used as complimentary side stones

Trillion Cut Diamonds

The Cushion cut is an antique diamond cut with a pillow shape. The large open facets are not known for their brilliance, so high clarity is recommended

Cushion Cut Diamonds

The Baguette cut diamond can be long and narrow - typically used as accent stones, or rectangular like an emerald cut - when used as a primary stone

Baguette Cut Diamonds

The 12 Diamond Shapes

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