Learn More

What should you be looking for?

So you want to purchase a beautiful diamond at the right price but know next to nothing about diamonds? Don't panic. Here is a quick 'how to' guide to ensure you make the right choice for your needs.

You need to consider 5 factors when purchasing a diamond:

Carat Weight

This refers to the weight of the diamond and is expressed in carats. One carat equals 0.2 grams and there are 100 points to a carat. But don't be fooled, bigger is not necessarily better. Carat weight needs to be considered in comparison to colour, clarity and cut.

Colour

The colour of a diamond is graded on an internationally accepted scale:

Diamonds graded D-E-F are colourless, extremely valuable and very rare. Diamonds graded G and H are quite rare and valuable as they show virtually no colour that is visible to the untrained eye. However I-J-K have a noticeable yellow tinge with the colour becoming more obvious as you go down the scale.

Clarity

This refers to the number of inclusions (impurities) in the diamond which affect its brightness. Most diamonds have flaws and the value of a diamond is affected by the number of inclusions and their severity.

  • VVS1-VVS2 Minute inclusions very difficult to detect under 10x magnification by a trained gemologist.
  • VS1-VS2 Minute inclusions seen only with difficulty under 10x magnification.
  • SI1-SI2 Slightly Included (two grades). Minute inclusions more easily detected under 10x magnification.
  • I1 Some small inclusions slightly visible.
  • I2 Medium inclusions, quite visible.
  • I3 A number of highly visible inclusions.

Cut

A diamond's cut is not the shape of the diamond but how it has been cut to create reflections which give a diamond its brilliance. A well cut diamond will sparkle more than one of the same colour and clarity with a poor cut.

Certification

Certificates are a formal way of grading diamonds. We offer diamonds which have been independently certified by DCLA (Diamond Certification Laboratories of Australia). This provides proof of the quality of diamonds we sell, including the carat weight, colour, clarity and cut.