Diamond Education


Diamonds are among the most valuable and rare products of the natural world.

The price of a cut diamond is determined by the combination of four factors, the so-called “4 Cs”

 

The 4Cs Of Diamonds

Searching for a sparkling diamond? Selecting a diamond starts by understanding the unique characteristics of each stone. Diamonds are graded based off the 4Cs - cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. The 4Cs of diamonds impact the stone’s beauty and value. Learn more about each of the diamond 4Cs below.
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The meticulous process of individually selecting each diamond by eye ensures that our diamonds is only acquiring the most beautiful diamonds.
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We offer a vast collection of the world’s finest cut diamonds. Our diamonds are pre-selected for exceptional quality with well-graded elements of the 4Cs: cut, colour, and clarity.
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Each of the individual 4Cs of diamonds may interact with one another to impact a stone’s overall appearance. For example, an ideal cut diamond may appear less brilliant if its colour rating is L or M. A well-cut stone may appear larger than a diamond of the same carat weight thanks to increased light reflection.
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The 4Cs of our loose diamonds are evaluated based on a standardized grading scale. Each loose diamond is accompanied by a grading report from either GIA, AGSL, HRD or IGI, independent diamond grading labs with stringent grading and certification guidelines to analyse diamond quality.
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  •  CUT / PROPORTION

More than any other characteristics, the precision of cut and overall proportion of a diamond when being cut from a rough diamond, ultimately determines the brilliance of the diamond.

A polished diamond’s brilliance lies in its complex relationship with light – how light reflects off the facets, how much enters the diamond and what amount of light returns to your eye.
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The proportion of each individual diamond directly affects its brilliance and appeal. Diamonds with excellent proportions, symmetry and polish optimise their interaction with light. Often diamonds are cut to retain weight rather than excellent proportion, as this may sometimes yield a slightly higher price as the expense of quality.

Our Standard ensures all our certified diamonds are accurately categorised according to their proportions, symmetry, and polish which ultimately determines their brilliance.

  

  • COLOUR

The colour of a diamond is an important characteristic when determining a diamonds value. Generally the less colour, the higher the value. The exception to this is fancy-colour diamonds, such as pinks and blues, which lie outside this colour range.


Diamonds are normally characterised by their lack of colour, and using a set of authenticated master diamonds to compare against, each diamond is given a grade using the English alphabet from D (colourless) to Z (most saturated colour).
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The untrained eye is incapable of making assessments that dramatically affect a diamond’s value.

 

  • CARAT WEIGHT

The weight of a diamond is measured in carats.

It is important to remember that carat weight alone does not determine a diamond’s value. Diamonds of equal weight can vary widely in price because of difference in cut, proportion, colour, clarity & other characteristics.

Two diamonds that weigh the same can in fact have completely different measurements.

 

  • CLARITY

Because diamonds are formed deep within the earth’s core, under extreme heat and pressure, they often contain unique birthmarks, either internal inclusions or external blemishes.

Virtually all diamonds have naturally occurring inclusions or blemishes – the size, position and type of these inclusions have a direct effect on a diamond’s beauty and value.

Our standard ensures that each diamond’s clarity is assessed by our team of diamond buyers before it is purchased. This meticulous process of selecting each diamond by eye refines each clarity grade, allowing us the opportunity to source the best each grade has to offer. We often reject diamonds with flaws accepted by others, including laser drill holes and diamonds with a high concentration of natt inclusions.

Two diamonds which may have the same clarity grade on a diamond certificate can appear very different when viewed in person. One cannot rely on a diamond’s certified characteristics alone.

 

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Laboratory Grown diamonds, also referred to as "man-made," “created” or “synthetic” diamonds, are diamonds manufactured in a laboratory, as opposed to natural diamonds, which formed within the Earth.
 

 

  • What’s Lab Grown Diamond

Lab grown diamonds are grown in highly controlled laboratory environments using advanced technological processes that duplicate the conditions under which diamonds naturally develop when they form in the mantle, beneath the Earth’s crust. These lab created diamonds consist of actual carbon atoms arranged in the characteristic diamond crystal structure. Since they are made of the same material as natural diamonds, they exhibit the same optical and chemical properties.

 

Mining Free Lab grown diamonds are a responsible choice given that no mining is required.

Beauty & QualityLab grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds.

Value Lab grown diamonds offer excellent value. They are more cost-effective than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality, Cost-effective, More cost-effective than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality.

Chemically identical, Lab grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds.

Sustainability in mind Each carat saves: 143 lbs (65kg) of CO2,2,011 ounces (57 kg) of air pollution,250 tons (227 tonnes) of earth

Top 10 Most Popular Diamond Shapes

What’s not to love about diamonds? With their magnificent beauty and versatility, diamonds have a long history as the must-have gemstone. Also referred to as diamond cuts, there are dozens of dazzling diamond shapes to select from. As leading diamond experts, we are going to explore the top 10 most popular diamond shapes as well as their history, benefits and popularity. From the classic round, to the elegant emerald and playful heart shape, keep reading to see where your favourite diamond shape ranks on our list of the top 10 most popular diamond shapes.


1. Round Diamonds

Origin: The modern day round brilliant cut was created by Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919 when he developed a mathematical formula for cutting diamonds to specific proportions. The 58-facets on round brilliant diamonds allows light to effectively reflect within the stone for maximum brilliance.
Benefits: Round diamonds are considered the most classic diamond shape, giving it the top spot on our list of the top 10 most popular diamond shapes. About 75% of all diamonds sold are round. The main advantage of round diamonds is that they provide the most brilliance and sparkle of all diamond cuts. Brilliance is the amount of white light that a diamond displays, which appears as a captivating sparkle.
Celebrity round cut diamond rings: Actress Mila Kunis received a stunning 5ct round Tiffany & Co. engagement ring from Ashton Kutcher, estimated to be worth nearly £200,000.

 

2. Princess Diamonds

Origin: Princess shaped diamonds were designed by Betezal Amber and Israel Itzkovitz in 1979 as they sought to create a shape that combined the benefits of round and square diamonds.
Benefits: Princess diamonds rank number 2 on our list of the 10 most popular diamond shapes because of their clean edges and modern design. Also referred to as square or rectangular modified brilliant, with up to 76 facets this shape is great for hiding imperfections. This geometric, classic shape is the most brilliant of square shaped diamonds.
Celebrity princess cut diamond rings: Reality TV star Nicole Polizzi, also known as Snooki, wears a 3ct princess engagement ring featuring 2ct of pave diamonds, estimated at £42,000.

 

3. Cushion Diamonds

Origin:Cushion cut diamonds evolved from “old mine cuts”, square shaped diamonds with rounded corners that date back to the 1700s. Historically, this cut had been popular with diamonds found in Brazilian mines. When new mines were discovered in South America, the Brazilian mines were referred to as the “old mines”, which gave way to the term “old mine cuts”. Todays cushion diamonds have 64 facets to allow for greater light distribution compared to their older counterparts that only had 58 facets.
Benefits: With cushion’s soft, square shape and rounded corners, cushions are also referred to as “pillow” diamonds. Thanks to the diamond’s rounded corners, the diamond will not easily snag on clothing or chip as easily as a sharp princess cut.
Celebrity cushion cut diamond rings: Kim Kardashian’s first engagement ring from Kanye West was a magnificent 15ct cushion cut with the highest colour and clarity grades, estimated to be worth over £1.5 million.

 

4. Oval Diamonds

Origin: The modern oval shape was designed in 1957 by Lazare Kaplan, an expert at cutting what others deemed “useless” diamonds into spectacular shapes.
Benefits: Ovals typically have 58 facets which provide great brilliance and appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight. Oval diamonds also come at a lower cost than rounds, which means that you can enjoy a larger looking diamond without draining your wallet.
Celebrity oval cut diamond rings: Actress Blake Lively received an engagement ring from Ryan Reynolds featuring an outstanding 12ct oval centre diamond on a rose gold and pave band, estimated at £1.5 million.

 

5. Emerald Diamonds

Origin:Emerald shaped stones date as far back as the 1500s, known then as a table cut. Originally created for emeralds, fragile stones prone to fracturing, the cut was designed to minimize pressure on the stone during cutting process. The name emerald cut emerged in the 1920s, as they became the go to stone of the art deco era, popular for their clean lines and geometric shape.
Benefits: With its distinctive step cut and alluring symmetry, the emerald cut is one of the most popular shapes among celebrities. Striking, elegant and with a touch of vintage glamor, this elongated diamond shape is known to have a slimming effect on the finger.
Celebrity emerald diamond rings: Mariah Carey once owned a jaw dropping 35 ct emerald cut engagement ring from billionaire James Packer, estimated to be bought for over £7.6 million.

 

6. Radiant Diamonds

Origin: The radiant diamond shape was created in 1977 by diamond cutter Henry Grossbard, who wished to combine the emerald cut’s symmetric shape with the round cut’s sparkle.
Benefits: Wearers can select between square or rectangularly shaped radiant diamonds. This shape features 70 facets for greater light dispersion. The extra facets also work to conceal flaws, creating the appearance of a higher clarity grade. With their trimmed corners, you won’t need to worry about the diamond getting snagged on your clothing or hair.
Celebrity radiant cut diamond rings: Tennis player Anna Kournikova has received two engagement rings from singer Enrique Iglesias, the second being an outstanding 11ct fancy yellow radiant shaped diamond ring, valued at over £1.9 million.

 

7. Pear Diamonds

Origin: The pear shape was designed during the mid 1400s by Flemish Lodewyk van Bercken after he invented the diamond polishing wheel.
Benefits:Pear diamonds, also called “teardrops,” combine elements of round and marquise diamonds with its rounded bottom and pointed top. This combination creates a unique and modern shape, while maintaining the exceptional sparkle of round shaped diamonds. The wearer can decide if the pear’s pointed end will face them or point away from them for their desired style.
Celebrity pear cut diamond rings: While the relationship did not work out, socialite Paris Hilton held onto the breath-taking 20ct pear engagement ring from former fiancé Chris Zylka, valued at over £1.5 million.

 

8. Asscher Diamonds

Origin:The asscher shape was designed in 1902 by the Royal Asscher Diamond Company, and later improved in 1999 by Edward and Joop Asscher when they created the royal asscher.
Benefits: This sophisticated shape was at the height of its popularity during the Art Deco period because of its geometric design. Just like with the emerald shape, the asscher has step cuts that create a mirror-like effect, rather than the sparkle you would see in a round. Wearers can select between the original asscher which has 58 facets or the royal asscher which has 74 facets.
Celebrity asscher cut diamond rings: Renowned actress Elizabeth Taylor received an exceptional 33.19ct asscher from Richard Burton which was later sold for over £6.2 million in 1967 following her passing.

 

9. Marquise Diamonds

Origin:The marquise shape was created in the 18th century when King Louis XV commissioned a gemstone to be shaped like the lips of his mistress, Marquise of Pompadour.
Benefits:Also referred to as the “navette,” which means “little boat,” the marquise is an elongated oval with pointed ends. The marquise was the one of the must-have shapes of the 1990s but has since fallen out of popularity. Thanks to its elongated shape, the marquise diamond will appear larger than a round diamond shape of the same carat weight. Wearers can also enjoy how the marquise shape slims and lengthens their fingers.
Celebrity marquise cut diamond rings: Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones received a 10ct marquise in a unique east-west setting by Michael Douglas, believed to be worth over £800,000.

 

10. Heart Diamonds

Origin: The earliest mention of the heart shape was in 1463 and was a symbol of love and royalty.
Benefits:The charming heart shaped diamond has long been a symbol of romantic love. The heart is one of the most difficult shapes to craft and requires a cutter of exceptional skill. Hearts must be cut with exact symmetry or else the curves of the heart will look uneven. If you are considering getting a heart shaped diamond of your own, it is best to get one that weighs at least half a carat so that its features may be easily seen.
Celebrity heart cut diamond rings: Singer Lady Gaga received a 6ct heart shaped engagement ring from former fiancé Taylor Kinney, which was believed to be bought for over £300,f000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lab grown diamonds certified?

Lab grown diamonds are certified through IGI and GIA certifications. In order to be certified, diamonds must go through a rigorous testing process to ensure it meets the strict requirements of IGI and GIA. GIA has only recently begun to certify lab grown diamonds in the same way that natural diamonds are certified. Previously, lab grown diamonds were only every certified by grading categories. That being said, lab grown diamonds will be graded differently to mined diamonds. This is because there can be subtle differences between the two, such as slight variations in colour or clarity. These variations are not detectable to the naked eye but may affect the grading of the diamond.

Can tell if a diamond is created in a lab?

There is a common misconception that you can tell just by looking at a lab created diamond that it is ‘fake’ or not a natural diamond. This is not true. To the naked eye, lab grown and traditional diamonds are physically and visually identical. Under close examination and if the diamond is cut, a jeweller may be able to tell the difference between the two. But if you’re looking over at your friend’s new engagement ring – you won’t be able to tell if it has been created with man-made or mined diamonds!

How are lab grown diamonds made?

Man-made diamonds are created in a laboratory by replicating the natural process that forms diamonds in the earth’s crust. Scientists will begin with a small ‘seed’ of a natural diamond, subjecting the small piece to extreme heat and pressure in a special chamber – simulating the natural process, which causes the atoms to rearrange into the same crystal structure as if it were naturally developed. This process can take weeks, or in some cases, months for the lab grown diamond to grow, depending on size. Once it is finished growing, the diamond is then cut and polished, just like naturally-formed diamonds.