When buying a diamond the diamond cut is the most important aspect as this is what
determines the sparkler (fire) and the way the light reflects from diamond.
The cut is different for each of the shapes; the most popular diamond shape is the
round brilliant diamond. There have been mathematical formulas to determine the
cut grade and the GIA publishes what ratio there diamonds are classed in.
GIA has a cut chart which ranges from Excellent -Poor. Obviously the Excellent cut
is the best.
If you ask why is it so hard to cut a diamond well a round diamond has 58 cuts which
if all cut in proportion will reflect the light and make your diamond sparkle from
one side of the room to the other.
Diamonds are measured in carats weight not size. The weight of a diamond or carat
size has a substantial influence on the diamonds price. You will find that some
diamonds don't have a good cut so that they can be classed as a higher carat weight.
The size of a diamond is sometimes determined by what piece of jewellery it will
be used from. 0.75 - 1.00 are popular for earrings, 1.00ct -1.50 are popular for
rings. Some times it’s better to get a smaller diamond with a better cut than a
larger diamond with a poor cut.
Diamond Clarity is the measurement of tiny flaws that are microscopic imperfections
which mean when viewed under a microscope you can see the natural flaws of the diamond.
The main grades are :-
FL – Flawless
VVS1 and VVS2 Very Very Slightly included
VS1 and VS2, Very slightly included
SI1 and SI1 Slightly included
FL , IF Flawless or Internally Flawless - this means that there are no imperfections
in the diamond this is very rare.
VVS1, VVS2- Very Very Slight - this means that it is difficult to see the flaws
under a normal microscope.
VS1, VS2- Very Slight - this means that it is difficult to see the flaws under a
normal microscope.
SI1, SI2 - Slightly - this means that flaw can be seen under a normal microscope.
The size of a diamond is sometimes determined by what piece of jewellery it will
be used from. 0.75 - 1.00 are popular for earrings, 1.00ct -1.50 are popular for
rings. Some times it’s better to get a smaller diamond with a better cut than a
larger diamond with a poor cut.
Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) was founded to give unbiased reports and
certification of diamonds. They define and regulate the colour scale of diamonds.
The Diamond colour chart starts with D and is considered to be colourless. The colour
scale goes to z and from D-Z each letter starts to have a bit more coloured that
the previous one.
Colour D, E and F are considered colourless and are very rare and with a very limited
supply and demand premium prices.
To conclude the colour spectrum of diamonds starts at D and ends at Z. The most
expensive 'white colourless diamonds' are D, E or F . G, H, I, J are considered
near colourless and are difficult to detect any colour.
This colour chart show the diffrent grades which are availiable.
* Please note we only sell diamonds from grade D to J.
Diamond Center only sells GIA and IGI approved diamonds. GIA stands for Gemmological
Institute of America and was founded in 1931. It protects all purchasers by providing
a full break down of what you are buying. Once a diamond is certified you can then
compare the price with other retailers.
GIA is a non-profit organisation and its mission is to ensure the public trust into
what you are buying.
IGI has offices around the world in Antwerp, New York, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Bangkok,
Tokyo, Dubai, Tel Aviv, Cavalese, Toronto, Los Angeles, Kolkata, New Delhi, Thrissur,
Surat, Chennai and Shanghai . The IGI School of Gemology operates from Antwerp,
Mumbai, Dubai and Cavalese, offering a variety of courses designed for professionals
and consumer enthusiasts alike.