Diamonds are worthy of all the attention we give them, but choosing the right one for yourself is not an easy task. That is why Noreen, your diamond expert, loves to share her knowledge. 

What follows is everything you might possibly want to know about diamonds, how they are processed and what you should look out for when purchasing one. 

Because knowing exactly what you are looking for and why empowers you to make the best choice for yourself.

 

Did you know that... 

 

• Higher carat weight does not necessarily mean a larger diamond
• It took volcanic activity to bring diamonds close enough to the Earth’s surface to be mined
• Authentic diamonds nowadays come with laser inscriptions 
• The Marquise cut is known for making smaller diamonds appear larger
• One in 5,000 diamonds is graded as flawless

To turn you into a real diamond expert, we cover all that and more in the following sections:

• Where Do Diamonds Come From
• What Are Rough Diamonds
• How Are Diamonds Processed
• Choosing A Diamond: The4C'S
• Choosing A Diamond Shape: The 10 Cuts
• Ensuring A Diamond’s Authenticity: The Certification Process

 

Where Do Diamonds Come From? 

 

Arguably the most popular gemstone of all times, the diamond, is at least as tough as it is delicate looking. It is a well-known fact that, being the hardest natural substance on Earth, a diamond can only be scratched or cut by another diamond. 

However, very few people know the origins of this substance and when it was first discovered.

It was millions of years ago that the very first diamonds were formed. Even the manner of their formation sets them apart from all other gemstones, given that they are the only ones made up of a single element – carbon. 

Before the first diamonds could form, pure carbon needed to be exposed to extreme heat and pressure. This all occurred at least a hundred miles below the Earth’s surface. And if it weren’t for volcanic activity, diamonds never would have travelled any closer.

It was over 2,400 years ago in India that people first discovered and mined diamonds. Today they can be found across the world, but remain just as rare, precious and valued as they were centuries ago.

What Are Rough Diamonds?

 

What would you see if you were to hold a rough diamond? Often referred to as uncut, raw or natural, rough diamonds are the ones that haven’t been cut, polished or treated in any way. 

Rough diamonds look exactly as they do when they have just been mined – mostly colourless crystal formations with rough surface but great lustre.

Why do we say diamonds are mostly colourless? It is because most of them have traces of brown or yellow. Occasionally you will also see red, blue, green, orange and pink. Completely colourless rough diamonds are exceedingly rare, with price to match.

Once they have been mined, rough diamonds undergo a certification process that ensures they haven’t been obtained illegitimately or from any of the conflict areas. Diamond suppliers who observe these regulations are issued a so-called Kimberley Process Certificate.

Before they are ready for processing, rough diamonds are first sorted based on their quality level. The stones that meet the standards are then sent to professionals for cutting and polishing that result in enhanced brilliance and the finished product as we all know it. 

How Diamonds Are Processed

 

To achieve the perfect results and the maximum brilliance, rough diamonds are processed in six different stages.

1. Marking

The diamond first undergoes an assessment with special emphasis on locating irregularities known as inclusions. Inspecting them allows the specialists to determine the best cut for maximum value extraction. Only then can the diamond be marked for further processing.

2. Cleaving

Cleaving is generally reserved only for larger diamonds. Dividing rough diamonds into smaller stones without shattering them requires careful planning and precise execution. It is done by cutting a groove into the stone and making it split along the prepared line by using a mallet.

3. Sawing

Once the rough stone is prepared, it is cut using specialist saws. Diamonds are incredibly tough which is why, even at 4,000 revolutions per minute, the process can take up to eight hours. That is also why companies are increasingly investing in laser equipment.

4. Rounding

Rounding is what gives diamonds their characteristic cone shape. To shape one, the specialists mount two diamonds on two separate rotating tools that keep them touching. The resulting friction is what rounds the diamond to look like a cone.

5. Faceting

The rounded diamond is given to two different specialists, lapper and brillianteer, for faceting. Faceting refers to polishing the diamond to create its facets, one by one and with the highest level of precision.

6. Finishing Touches

The faceted diamond is considered a finished product only after it is carefully inspected. Once that is done, approved diamonds are boiled in sulfuric and hydrochloric acids to remove any processing residue and bring out their brilliance.

 

Choosing A Diamond: The 4C'S

 

We know how overwhelming it can be to have to choose a high-quality diamond. That is why we will use our expertise to give you information on the four most vital diamond attributes, also known as the 4 C’s: colour, clarity, cut and carat weight.

1. Colour

 

The most widely used diamond colour scale is the Gemological Institute of America scale. It categorizes diamonds into 14 individual grades, referring to them by letters D to Z.

The most desirable and expensive diamonds are white or colourless stones belonging to grades D, E and F. Unless you are a professional, the difference between them isn’t visible to the eye.

Diamonds with hints of yellow are still highly desirable, although not nearly as much as the colourless. The grades they are categorized into are K, L and M.

Of course, some diamonds show too much yellow and aren’t considered desirable enough by most people. They are the diamonds from S, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z grades.  

2. Clarity

 

The most widely used diamond clarity scale is once again the GIA scale. To grade a diamond, it is placed under 10x magnification and inspected for irregularities and imperfections known as inclusions.

The rarest of all diamonds are of course Flawless or FL diamonds. Only one in 5,000 diamonds belongs in this grade.

Generally just as desirable are Internally Flawless or IF diamonds. They are almost without inclusions, which can only be seen under magnification.

Highly valued are also Very Very Slightly Included or VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds. They generally don’t have larger inclusions, only a slightly higher number of irregularities.

Only slightly more imperfect are Very Slightly Included VS1 and VS2 diamonds. Still, their inclusions can only be seen under magnification.

Diamonds that aren’t very sought after belong to Slightly Included or SI1 and SI2 grades. This is because their inclusions are visible to the naked eye.

Diamonds that don’t meet the usual quality standards belong to Included or I1, I2 and I3 grades. Their inclusions aren’t just visible, but affect the diamond’s durability as well. 

 

3. Cut

 

Contrary to popular belief, the cut of the diamond does not refer to its shape. It is a term used in regard to the overall quality of the way the diamond has been cut from its rough form. It ranges from very shallow to very deep.

The quality of the cut is vital because it affects all other attributes of the diamond, including its size and brilliance. 

How does the cut affect the diamond’s size? A poor cut does not utilize as much of the stone as it could if it had been processed better.

How does the cut affect the diamond’s brilliance? For example, if the stone has been cut too shallow or too deep, the light escapes through its bottom and doesn’t reflect enough light. 

 

4. Carat Weight

 

Carat weight refers simply to the diamond’s weight. One carat equals 200 milligrams, the most common carat weights being .50, .75, 1, 2 and 5 carats.

To choose the highest quality diamond, it is important to know that a higher carat weight does not necessarily mean a larger diamond. 

Size as such can’t be accurately reflected by carat weight because it is significantly affected by both cut and shape. For example, the Marquise cut is known for making lighter diamonds appear larger.

That is why, when purchasing diamonds, it is vital to take both carat weight and size into account.

 

Choosing A Diamond Shape: The 10 Cuts

 

 

We know choosing among the many gorgeous diamond shapes can seem impossible. That is why we will tell you what to watch out for and what exactly makes each of the shapes desirable.  

Before we go into individual shapes, it is good to know the following terms: facet, table and crown. While facet refers to any of the flat surfaces making up the shape of a diamond, table is the flat surface located at its very top. Finally, the entire visible surface of the diamond is called the crown.

Diamond Shapes

Round Brilliant 

Being the most sparkling and versatile, the Round Brilliant cut is the buyer’s first choice more than half the time. While its shape will never go out of style, its cut offers the most brilliance.

Princess 

Designed in the 1970s, the Princess cut combines the best of two worlds – the evergreen elegance of classic shapes and the striking sharpness of modern cuts.

Emerald 

Worn by Grace Kelly herself, the Emerald cut is one of the oldest and most desirable. Its large table and striking ‘hall of mirrors’ effect make it at once unique and mesmerizing.

Asscher 

Boasting both the ‘hall of mirrors’ effect and incredible lustre, the Asscher cut is among the most stunning shapes. Higher crown and smaller table can be thanked for its striking brilliance.

Pear 

Sometimes referred to as Teardrop, the Pear cut is one of the most sophisticated shapes. The gentle curve ending in a single point makes it simple and stunning at the same time.

Radiant 

Being the first square diamond with a brilliant cut, the Radiant cut makes for the most dramatic choice. The combination of shape and numerous facets results in a vibrant diamond.

Oval 

Boasting the sparkle of a Round Brilliant, the Oval cut could be called its rarer, more modern version. Its elegant, elongated shape creates the illusion that the diamond is bigger than it actually is.

Cushion 

Also referred to as Pillow, the Cushion cut has been around for two centuries. Still, it is one of the rarest choices, making it both special and valuable.

Heart 

As the unmistakable symbol of love, the Heart cut is the perfect choice for the romantic. Since the shape can be hard to make out in smaller diamonds, it is recommended to go higher than .50 carats.

Marquise 

Being both sophisticated and striking, the Marquise cut is made to impress. Its shape makes the fingers appear more slender, while the optimized carat weight makes the stone appear bigger.

 

Ensuring A Diamond’s Authenticity: The Certification Process

 

Never buy a diamond that doesn’t come with a certificate of authenticity issued by an independent institute. It is safe to make an exception only when purchasing jewellery featuring diamonds smaller than .30 carats.

What are the acceptable forms of diamond certification? What is most important is that the certification process is conducted by an institute that is both licensed and independent. 

Such institutes employ unbiased gemologists who take exact measurements and assess all the diamond’s attributes before issuing a certificate.

The most well-known certificate of authenticity is the one issued by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

Keep in mind that authentic diamonds are nowadays also marked with laser inscriptions. They are usually found on the diamond’s girdle and can be easily seen by using a magnification loop.