D I A M O N D S
The price of a diamond is directly affected by the 4 Cs (the 4 characteristics of a diamond used throughout the world to classify the rarity of the stone). Different properties in the cut, colour, clarity in addition to the carat weight of a diamond greatly influence the rarity of the stone, and therefore the price. Each of the grades discussed below describes a different aspect of a diamond. It is only the sum total of all the following characteristics that will determine if a diamond is a true gem or in the infamous words of Gerald Ratner "Total Crap".

C U T	C O L O U R	C L A R I T Y	C A R A T

Diamonds are pure or nearly pure carbon, and are blessed with three extraordinary qualities: First, a diamond is the purest of earth's gemstones, composed of a single unadulterated element. Second, it is the hardest transparent substance known to man. However, sharp impact may cause damage to a diamond. Third, a diamond has unique powers of light reflection. When cut to proper proportions, it gathers light within itself, sending it back in a shower of fire and brilliance.These qualities make a diamond ring the perfect symbol of engagement.

Ideally you should be looking in the colour range D - H (colourless to near colourless) and clarity of SI1 and above. The clarity grade of SI1 (small inclusions) is basically clean to the naked eye and inclusions (impurities) within the diamond are only visible under 10x magnification.

It is important to remember that a diamond’s beauty (and value) is determined first and foremost by the quality and finish of the diamond cut. No two diamonds are ever the same so prices do vary (sometimes wildly) and could be as much as 50% difference even within the same combination of carat/colour/clarity. You should also be aware that a diamond accompanied by a report from GIA with ‘ideal’ characteristics, excellent polish/symmetry may still appear ‘lifeless’, which is why we select each and every diamond for their overall beauty; selecting only those diamonds that display very high levels of brilliance (a characteristic that cannot be discerned from a certificate alone). We will often spend many hours viewing dozens of stones on behalf of a single client before selecting the highest quality diamond that we consider the best match for your individual requirements and budget.

From Rough to Smooth