With no two diamonds being alike, the tremendous stone continues to amaze.
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Diamond Grading – The 4 Cs
The unique qualities of each diamond are known to be one of the most treasured and admired attributes, especially to the wearer. A diamond’s one-of-a-kind characteristics offer you the opportunity for you to own your own unique treasure, direct from nature. To differentiate one diamond from another, there are four key characteristics to consider namely the 4Cs – Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight.
Diamonds
Having formed more than 3.3 billion years ago, diamonds are known to be the world’s most precious treasure know to humankind. Due to intense pressure and heat, a diamond was formed deep below the Earth’s surface in the upper mantle of the geographical stratus. These unique conditions caused carbon atoms to crystallize forming natural rough diamonds you find today. Molten kimberlite (or magma) is also formed within the Earth’s upper mantle under conditions of intense heat and pressure, causing it to expand at a rapid rate. This expansion causes the magma to erupt, forcing it into the Earth’s surface and taking along with it the diamond-bearing rocks.
The erupted magma forms a pipe to the surface of the Earth. As the magma cooled down, it hardened forming a rock called Kimberlite; and Kimberlite pipes are the most significant source of diamonds.
Kimberlite is named after Kimberley in South Africa, where the first diamonds were found in this type of rock. Though Kimberlite pipes are the most significant source of diamonds, it is estimated that only 1 in 200 Kimberlite pipes contain gem-quality diamonds.
On average, 250 tons of ore are mined to produce a one carat gem-quality polished diamond. Once selected, it takes great precision, skill and attention to detail from our master diamond cutters and polishers for a rough diamond to be transformed into a beautiful jewelry creation.
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OVAL CUT DIAMOND An oval shape diamond has an elongated round shape, and has a beautifully elegant appearance, giving the illusion of longer, leaner fingers. The oval diamond displays great brilliance, fire and scintillation. Its larger surface area gives it the appearance of being larger than it is. An oval diamond is an extremely versatile shape that works well in most settings. It’s an ideal choice for those who like the look of a round diamond but would like something more unique. It is said that those attracted to an oval shaped diamond are creative, unique and enjoy taking risks. Popular among the rich and famous, the oval shape ring is a beautiful choice for a loyal. Princess Diana’s engagement ring, which is worn by Kate Middleton today, features one of the most well-known examples of an oval cut. |
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ROUND BRILLIANT CUT DIAMOND The round brilliant cut diamond offers a traditional look with timeless beauty, which flatters all finger lengths and shapes. An all-time favorite for engagement rings, round diamonds account for more than 75% of all diamonds sold worldwide. Round brilliant cut diamonds are often called an “open” cut, as it allows maximum light to display and sparkle to radiate with optimum fire, brilliance and scintillation. It is said that those attracted to a round shaped diamond have personality characteristics of warmth, empathy and dependability. The circle is known to be a symbol for eternity and a representation of the promise of a lifelong love and commitment, making the round brilliant cut diamond a perfect representation of a promise of commitment. |
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MARQUISE SHAPE DIAMOND The marquise diamond is an eye-catching cut that offers a unique charm. It has a slender elongated shape characterized by two sharp points on either ends of the diamond. The elongated shape gives the appearance of a diamond of greater weight and size than it is, making it a great choice for those concerned with size. The story behind the diamond shape is that it was created for Louis the XIV (also known as Louis the Great) a monarch who ruled as the King of France. Legend holds that Louis the XIV wanted a diamond that would be in a shape that could match the smile of the Marquise of Pompadour. Because of its shape, the marquise diamond is sometimes also known as “Navette” (little boat). The Marquise diamond works best in a six-prong mounting to provide sufficient security for its shape. The color of marquise diamonds weighing over one carat may appear darker at the ends. To avoid this, we recommend selecting a diamond with a higher color grading. Those who are attracted to a marquise shape diamond are said to be extroverted, innovative, and ambitious. |
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PEAR SHAPE DIAMOND The pear shape diamond, also known as a “teardrop shaped diamond”, is a unique and feminine shape with one rounded and one pointed end that makes for a delicate and stunning diamond choice. It has a majestic quality to it and is a striking option for a woman with alternative taste. Combining the round and marquise cuts, the pear-shaped diamond has a slender shape that gives fingers and hands a slimmer appearance while creating a soft and delicate look. Pear shaped diamonds are cut to produce maximum brilliance, so it’s important to look for excellent symmetry. The pear shape diamond comes in a variety of different cuts - from wide to slim. A narrow pear shape diamond is ideal for dangling earrings, while a wider shape may be more suitable for a solitaire diamond ring or pendant. Those who are attracted to the pear shape are said to be considerate, adventurous and sociable. |
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PRINCESS CUT DIAMOND Also known as a “square modified cut”, princess cut diamonds possess the wonderful sparkle of round brilliant diamonds in a distinctive square shape. It is thought that its name ‘princess cut’ came about because the shape is so beautiful, that it is fit for modern-day royalty.A relatively new shape in the world of diamonds, its clean lines and angles give it a chic and contemporary look, as well as the flexibility to work in almost any style of ring. A princess cut diamond is square in shape with up to 78 facets. When looked at from the side, it appears to resemble the shape of an inverted pyramid. Compared to the round brilliant cut where up to 50% of the rough stone is lost when cutting a round brilliant shape, around 80% of the rough stone is retained when cutting a princess shape and therefore it has a very good yield from the rough diamond, making it a more economical choice. Those who are attracted to the square princess cut diamond are said to be confident, independent and audacious. |
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RADIANT CUT DIAMOND Perfect for those looking for a unique style, the radiant cut diamond combines the elegant silhouette of an emerald cut diamond with the fire and sparkle of a round brilliant cut diamond. It is closely related to the princess cut diamond. Due to its design, this shape requires more carat weight in the depth to maximize brilliance. The facets of the radiant cut create the image of cracked ice within the diamond – a unique characteristic that sets it apart from other diamond cuts. The radiant cut diamond’s brilliance makes it more forgiving when it comes to clarity compared to other square shaped diamonds like the emerald or square emerald diamond shapes. Those who are attracted to a radiant cut diamond are said to have energetic, spirited, social and exuberant personalities. |
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EMERALD CUT DIAMOND Emerald cut diamonds are treasured for their elegant silhouette and vintage appeal. They are rectangular with trimmed corners and step-cut facets typically parallel to the girdle. The shallow pavilion and crown accentuate the clarity of the stone, while the reflective steps enhance the color and luster of the diamond. Because of the versatility of this cut, a few shapes and settings work well with it. It also makes the stone look bigger than it is. An emerald cut is thought to have a 5% greater surface area than that of a round brilliant diamond of the same carat weight. Known as themost unforgiving cut, the emerald cut requires a diamond of higher quality of color and clarity, because inclusions and other impurities are more easily noticed. The emerald cut long lines and the dramatic flashes of light displayed give the diamond a beautiful and classic appeal. The step-cut has subtle sparkle and creates flashes of light that has a unique ‘hall of mirrors effect’ when viewed from the top or sides. Those who are attracted to emerald shape diamonds are said to be linked to organized, resourceful, disciplined and decisive personalities. |
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SQUARE EMERALD (ASSCHER) CUT DIAMOND Formerly known as the asscher cut, the square cut diamond features a square shape with cut corners. It has a timeless elegance to it combined with Art-Deco edginess. They are sleek and modern in solitaire settings, and their unique shape perfectly complements vintage-inspired styles. Its shape is like the emerald cut, with prismatic brilliance and a fascinating optical illusion known as the "Hall of Mirrors" effect. Designed to bring out inner fire, the square emerald is known for its deep corners which provide the illusion of an octagon, giving it a unique sparkle. It has large step-cut facets, which are generally larger than those of the emerald cut. The broad, flat-faceted step-cut of the squareemerald cut diamond allows for tremendous luster, but it will also illuminate any flaws the stone may have. |
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CRISS CUT DIAMOND The criss cut diamond is a unique cut that offers a beautiful display of light with timeless beauty and elegance. This new variation of the emerald cut diamond, has more facets than a regular cut emerald diamond, displaying a beautiful balance of light. Created and designed by Christopher Slowinski, the criss cut patented diamond was named after the crisscrossed facets you see when you view the diamond. The beauty of this diamond cut lies in the multiple step-like facets that cross one another in a crisscross fashion. It has an elongated shape with trimmed corners; the diamond cut usually consist of 77 facets that appear to crisscross in the diamond. This shape is more forgiving of the rough diamond’s clarity and diamonds of a lower clarity grading can be used without their inclusions being emphasized by the cut of the stone. A criss cut diamond has a larger surface area than most other diamond cuts, making it appear larger than its actual size. The crisscross fashion of the facets is also thought to give the impression of being larger than its caratage. |
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HEART SHAPED DIAMOND The ever-romantic heart shape diamond is a rare and symbolic cut that shimmers with two symmetrical halves, creating a bold and fanciful look that works wonderfully in an engagement ring setting, earrings or pendant. A modified brilliant cut, the heart shaped diamond can radiate with a sparkle like that of a round brilliant cut diamond. It features 59 facets, each one polished to perfection to achieve the maximum amount of brilliance. The heart shape diamond begins as a pear shape. Our highly skilled diamond cutters ensure the distinctive lobes are balanced, smooth and well defined, while retaining a brilliant shine. Those who are attracted to the heart shape diamond are said to be sentimental, sensitive and romantic. |
