An alumni student of the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) with over 25 years in the jewellery industry and over 13 years working in Londons Diamond district of Hatton Garden. Phillip has formed relationships with diamond dealers that ensure he can help you select the best stone for you needs.
Traditionally, diamonds are classified by the four C’s:
CUT
CARAT
COLOUR
CLARITY
CUT
The shape and proportions of a diamond are determined by its cut. Of all existing diamond shapes, the most recognised are the brilliant, oval, marquise, pear-shaped, heart-shaped, emerald and princess cuts.
CARAT
A carat is a standard unit to measure the weight of a diamond. One carat equals 200 milligrams. This can be divided into points, where 0.75 carats = 75 points. A diamond’s value varies according to its number of carats and its rarity. Diamonds may equal in weight but vary in price due to the difference in quality. This means that a smaller diamond with a high carat weight may be more valuable than a large diamond with a lower clarity, colour or cut.
COLOUR
Diamonds are graded from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow). The closer a diamond is to colourless, the more extraordinary and rarer it is.
CLARITY
All diamonds have imperfections called inclusions. These are formed deep within the diamond and occur naturally.
Clarity refers to the presence, visibility, number and size of inclusions in a diamond and is graded from flawless to included.
A diamond will reach a higher level of clarity depending on the flaws seen under the loupe. A perfectly pure diamond is extremely rare, and priced accordingly.
DISCOVER MORE
If you enjoyed this information about diamond qualities you can discover more at the industry leader in Diamond Education
GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
