Diamonds

It’s easy to be swept up in the romance of diamonds. Humans have a long history of being enhanced by their sparkle and allure. As far back as the first century AD, the Roman naturalist Pliny observed ‘Diamond is the most valuable, not only of precious stones, but of all things in this world.’ 

When I’m searching for the right diamond for my customers, I always choose with my head as well as my heart. I take into consideration the four Cs: clarity, cut, colour and carat. These are what determine the diamond’s sparkle.

All diamonds are beautiful and their unique characteristics — or imperfections —reflect their story and journey. I don’t like to think in terms of flaws, as this implies there’s something wrong with the diamond and this isn’t the case. Any imperfections usually aren’t visible to the naked eye. Every diamond is perfect in its way. 

Diamond Clarity Chart

Nevertheless, Diamonds are often graded according to their clarity. The clarity of a Diamond is a measurement of its flaws. These include surface flaws, which we call blemishes and internal imperfections which we call inclusions: the fewer the flaws, the more expensive the Diamond. As you can see from the chart, the clarity of the Diamond is graded, so if you require a specific grade, please let us know…

FL
Flawless

IF
Internally Flawless

VS1 & VS2
Very Slightly Included

VVS1 & VVS2
Very, Very Slightly Included

SI2 & SI3
Slightly Included

SI1
Slightly Included

I3
Included

I1 & I2
Included

Diamond & gemstone Shapes

There’s also a scale that measures the cut of a Diamond: this ranges from ‘excellent’ to ‘poor’. Most diamonds are cut very well but ‘old cuts’ are becoming increasingly sought after due to their rarity. As a fan of vintage, I love working with old diamonds. 

The carat size, colour and clarity of a diamond all influence its price but whatever your budget, I’ll source something beautiful to use.  Diamonds come in a variety of shapes and the chart shows the standard versions, but don’t let these limit your imagination. I can source many unconventional and beautiful shapes, or even cut them to order in our lapidary.

Emerald

Asscher

Princess

Cushion

Baguette

Heart

Round

Marquise

Trillion

Taper

Pear

Oval

Diamond Colour Chart

Many people imagine a clear stone for diamonds but they actually range from colourless to a distinctive yellow. 

Please see the chart for more information. All colours are equally beautiful and your selection is down to personal preference.

Near Colourless

Faint Yellow

Very Light Yellow

Light Yellow

Colourless

Feeling Overwhelmed?

Let’s talk through your vision together.
I can offer suggestions and show you examples of rings I’ve created for inspiration. If you’re still deliberating, I can source a selection of shapes for you to consider. Seeing diamonds in real life for the first time is always magical! Sometimes seeing one next to the sketch can help things fall into place.