The basic information you may need to know about diamonds

Diamond is the hardest substance on earth and was discovered in India over 3000 years ago. Technically it is a carbon but classed as a mineral.

Diamonds bring to mind words like beauty, wealth and power. They were also associated with mystical and magical properties by the Greeks who took them to war as a sign of strength and immortality.

Diamonds are mined from all over the world. These countries include South Africa, Canada, Brazil and Australia, however the biggest diamond mine in the world is in the freezing lands of Siberia.

The British Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, house some of the worlds largest diamonds.

A diamond is the true symbol of love that many women choose to wear on their engagement finger and is still one of the most common pieces of jewellery worn today.

Legend has it that Cupids arrow was tipped with diamonds. Diamonds have always been associated with romance and everlasting love.

It is important to think carefully about price and your budget before buying your diamond ring as prices differ considerably depending upon the size and quality of the diamonds.

The reflective qualities of a diamond are created from the quality of the cut one of the 4 c's which refer to cut, clarity, colour and carat.

Below is a chart indicating diamond size and shape in order for you to understand some of the jargon surrounding the purchase of your diamond ring. Diamonds are measured in pt and ct. Sizing in mm is as follows for example.

2.4mm = 0.05ct = 5pt
3.0mm = 0.10ct = 10pt
4.0mm = 0.25ct = 25pt

You will see that the mm scale does not increase in the same manner as the pt or ct scale which can be difficult to explain over the phone.

You should now get an idea of size in mm from your ruler. We use SI G/H stones meaning they are not only affordable but also sparkle.

Important Information regarding diamonds.

Carat size:

0.25 ct. - 4.1 mm
0.50 ct. - 5.2 mm
0.75 ct. - 5.9 mm
1.00 ct. - 6.5 mm

The Diamond grading colour chart

color d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z fancy
scale colourless near colourless faint yellow very light yellow <------light yellow------> color

The Diamond clarity scale

clarity

fl

if

vvs1

vvs2

vs1

vs2

si1

si2

i1

i2

i3

scale

flawless-
internally flawless

very very slightly imperfect

very slightly imperfect

slightly imperfect

imperfect