Diamond Guide

The diamond, a crystal of pure carbon, is one of the hardest substances known to man. Because of the rigidity of the diamond molecule, the only thing able to cut or carve a diamond is a diamond, itself. This rigidity also allows a diamond to hold a polish well, and gives the mineral the ability to bend and lock light within each stone, allowing it to retain its luster and brilliance.

While diamond deposits have been found in India, Australia, Russia, Canada and Australia, almost half of all diamonds originate from central and southern Africa. They are generally located in or around volcanic pipes, having resurfaced from 150 or more kilometers under the earth's surface.

Diamonds are most commonly judged by the "four Cs":

CUT:
The cut is the single most important factor in appraising any diamond. A well-cut diamond allows as much light as possible to be reflected through its table, creating the stone's trademark luster. The round-shaped, "brilliant" cut best displays this luster and brilliance, and has traditionally been the most popular shape of diamond.


CARAT:
Equal to one-fifth of a gram, the carat is the traditional unit of measurement used to measure gemstone. A heavier, and thus bigger diamond is almost always worth more than a smaller diamond with the same clarity and cut. Carat-weight plays a large role in determining a diamond's value.

CLARITY:
By nature, almost all diamonds have tiny flaws. The fewer there are, the more valuable the diamond.

Clarity grades range from "I" (imperfect) to "FL" (flawless). A diamond is said to be "flawless" if no inclusions can be seen under a standard jeweler's loupe. Truly flawless diamonds are extremely rare.


Clarity FL IF VVS1 VVS2 VS1 VS2 SI1 SI2 I1 I2 I3
Scale
Flawless - Internally Flawless
Very Very Slightly Imperfect
Very Slightly Imperfect
Slightly Imperfect
Imperfect
COLOUR:

A chemically pure diamond is perfectly transparent with no hue or colour. In reality, absolutely pure, naturally formed diamonds are nearly non-existent. The colour of a diamond, however, can add or detract from its value and brilliance. When appraising white, colourless diamonds, the more impurities a diamond contains, the less the diamond is worth. The impurities, however, usually nitrogen atoms within the carbon frame of the diamond, can also add to the value of the diamond. Pink, blue, and yellow diamonds, especially those with more intense colouration, are extremely rare, and tend to command high prices.