Diamond Guide

Your Comprehensive Diamond Guide

Diamonds, renowned for their brilliance and enduring beauty, are a popular choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fine jewelry. This guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to confidently choose the perfect diamond.

The 4Cs: A Foundation for Diamond Selection

The 4Cs – Carat, Clarity, Color, and Cut – are the internationally recognized standards for evaluating diamond quality.

Carat: Carat measures a diamond's weight, not its size. One carat equals 200 milligrams. While larger diamonds generally cost more, carat weight alone doesn't determine a diamond's value. Two diamonds of the same carat weight can have significantly different prices based on the other 3Cs.
Clarity: Clarity refers to the absence of inclusions (internal imperfections) and blemishes (external imperfections) in a diamond. Diamonds are graded on a scale from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included ¹ (inclusions visible to the naked eye). Most diamonds have some inclusions, but they often don't affect the diamond's brilliance.  
Color: Ideally, diamonds are colorless. However, most diamonds have slight traces of color, usually a yellowish tint. The color grading scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (noticeable yellow or brown tint). Diamonds in the D-F range are considered colorless and command the highest prices.
Cut: Cut is arguably the most important of the 4Cs. It refers to how well a diamond's facets interact with light, affecting its brilliance, fire (sparkle), and scintillation (twinkle). A well-cut diamond can make even a smaller diamond appear larger and more brilliant. Cut is graded on a scale from Excellent to Poor.

Diamond Shapes

Diamonds are cut into various shapes, each with its own unique appeal:

Round Brilliant: The most popular shape, known for its exceptional brilliance and fire.
Princess: A square or rectangular shape with sharp corners, offering a balance of brilliance and affordability.
Emerald: A rectangular shape with cut corners, known for its elegant and classic look.
Asscher: Similar to emerald but with a square shape, showcasing exceptional clarity.
Marquise: An elongated shape with pointed ends, creating the illusion of greater size.
Oval: A rounded shape similar to round brilliant but elongated, offering brilliance and a flattering look.
Pear: A teardrop shape, combining the brilliance of a round brilliant with the elegance of a marquise.
Heart: A romantic shape, symbolizing love and commitment.
Cushion: A square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, known for its soft and romantic look.

Diamond Certification

A diamond certificate, also known as a grading report, is a document issued by an independent gemological laboratory that verifies the diamond's characteristics, including the 4Cs, shape, and measurements. Reputable laboratories include GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and IGI (International Gemological Institute). A certificate provides assurance of the diamond's quality and is essential for insurance purposes.

The Diamond Depot provides IGI Certificates with all our purchases.

Fluorescence

Some diamonds exhibit fluorescence, a glow when exposed to ultraviolet light. Fluorescence can range from faint to strong and can affect a diamond's appearance. In some cases, it can enhance a diamond's color, while in others, it can make it appear milky or hazy.

Inclusions and Blemishes

Inclusions are internal imperfections within a diamond, while blemishes are external imperfections on the diamond's surface. Most diamonds have some inclusions, but their size, number, and location can affect the diamond's clarity grade and brilliance.

Ethical Sourcing

When purchasing a diamond, it's important to consider its ethical sourcing. Look for diamonds that are certified conflict-free, meaning they were mined in areas that adhere to ethical labor practices and environmental standards. 

At The Diamond Depot, we believe in offering beautiful, high-quality diamonds while upholding the highest ethical standards and promoting environmental responsibility.  We recognize the importance of transparency and traceability in the diamond industry, and we are committed to providing our customers with diamonds they can feel good about.

Choosing the Right Diamond

Consider your budget, style preferences, and the 4Cs when making your choice. Don't hesitate to ask your jeweler questions and view diamonds in different lighting conditions to get a true sense of their brilliance and beauty. The Diamond Depot will be able to guide you through the process and help you find the perfect diamond for your needs. Please contact us for a free consultation.