How to Choose a Diamond from Diamond Ring Shop

A diamond’s price and quality is determined by the 4Cs:

The 4Cs are used internationally to access the quality and value of a diamond. Diamonds with the combination of the highest 4C ratings are of a higher quality and consequently more expensive. Each C is of equal importance in determining the beauty of the diamond.

It is entirely your choice which of the 4CS you prefer as a priority.

When making a decision in the selection of your diamond it is important for you to select in the order of priority in the make colour, clarity or size that you prefer.

A Diamond Cut refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond.

Based on scientific formulas, a well-cut diamond will internally reflect light from one mirror-like facet to another and disperse and reflect it through the top of the stone. This results in a display of brilliance and fire, thereby placing well-cut diamonds in a higher price range than deep or shallow-cut diamonds. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow lose or leak light through the side or bottom, resulting in less brilliance and ultimately, value.There are various opinions held by different countries as to which is best,therefor a optimum cut diamond in one country my not be considered so in another.An example is the TOLKOVSKI cut or American ideal cut as opposed to the EPPLER or European cut.

Both cuts are more desireable than a stone cut purely for weight,resulting in loss of brilliance.

Cut also refers to shape such as Round brilliant cut, Square, Pear, Heart , Asschers or Princess . Since a round diamond is symmetrical and capable of reflecting nearly all the light that enters, it is the most brilliant of all diamond shapes and follows specific proportional guidelines.

Non-round shapes, also known as “fancy shapes,” will have their own guidelines to be considered well-cut.

A Diamond Colour Refers to the degree to which a diamond is colourless.

Diamonds range in colour from bright white to a warm yellow. Diamonds are graded on a colour scale established by the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) which ranges from D (colourless) to Z.

Colour differences are subtle and it is very difficult for an untrained eye to discern between, say, an E and an F. Colours are graded under controlled lighting conditions and are compared to a master set for accuracy.

Truly colourless stones are graded D-coloured. These stones are extremely rare and, consequently, the most costly. However, ultimately your choice of colour comes down to personal taste. Here at Diamond Ring Shop we can show you a variety of colour grades next to one another to help you determine your colour preference.

Diamond Carat refers to the weight of a diamond.

A carat is a measure of weight not size as it is commonly thought. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. One carat can also be divided into 100 “points.” For example, a .50 carat is the same as a 50 point diamond.

Although a 1 carat diamond is exactly twice the weight of a .50 carat this is not reflected in the price. A 1 carat diamond costs more than double the price of a .50 carat stone, provided that the cut, clarity and colour remain constant. This is because larger diamonds occur much less frequently in nature, rendering them much rarer than a smaller stone and consequently have much greater value.