Diamonds

Are you looking for the perfect diamond to say I do? The process of selecting a diamond and designing a ring or other jewellery item may seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.

With Pearl and Diamond Designs, this can be an exciting and joyous experience where we help you to find the perfect stone for the perfect person.

Diamonds come in many different sizes, shapes, colours, and with various internal characteristics. Just like fingerprints, every single diamond is unique.

The 4 most important factors that influence the quality and price of diamonds are clarity, colour, cut and carat weight. Also known as the 4 Cs, these terms have become part of the international language that jewellery professionals use to describe and evaluate diamonds. The scarcity of each of the 4 Cs also has an impact on the value.

Diamond Quality Factors

The human contribution to a diamond’s beauty is a well-executed cut.

COLOUR

COLOUR
The less colour, the higher the grade. Even the slightest hint can make a dramatic difference in value.
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CLARITY

CLARITY
Clarity grades assess the number, size, relief, and position of inclusions and blemishes.

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CUT

CUT
Cut (proportions, symmetry, and polish) is a measure of how a diamond’s facets interact with light.
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CARAT WEIGHT

CARAT WEIGHT
Rarity means larger diamonds of the same quality are worth more per carat.

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Diamond Cut

Whilst diamonds can be fashioned into different shapes, a diamond's cut grade is a measure of a diamond's light performance. In other words, it determines the diamond’s "sparkle". When a diamond is cut with the ideal proportions, light reflects out of the top of the diamond. If the diamond cut is too shallow, light escapes out of the bottom; too deep and it sneaks out the sides.

The most popular shape is round brilliant. Other popular shapes include oval, cushion, pear and princess brilliant cut. The shape of the diamond will determine the style of your ring or jewellery item.

Diamond Colour

Subtle differences in the colour of diamonds will have a dramatic effect on the value. Traditionally, a diamond's value is determined by the absence of colour, given that colour usually manifests as pale yellow in a diamond. Diamonds with less colour are scarcer. The exception is diamonds with intense colours, called fancy diamonds. Colour grading starts at D (colourless) and moves up the alphabet, increasing in yellowy hues as it escalates.

At Pearl and Diamond Designs, we use only colourless or near colourless diamonds for jewellery items that contain diamonds 0.2ct and smaller. This ensures that the jewellery item is top quality and has enough sparkle. In the case of larger diamonds, the colour depends on the specific diamond and on your budget.

Pearl and Diamond Designs Diamond Colour Guide

Diamond Clarity

Clarity refers to the tiny, natural imperfections that are present in all but the rarest diamonds. Nearly all diamonds contain unique internal characteristics called inclusions and external characteristics called blemishes. Inclusions and blemishes are the natural results of a diamond's formation deep within the earth under extreme heat and pressure. The less inclusions, the better the clarity, the scarcer the diamond and the higher the value.

Diamond Carat

Carat weight is the most well-known and most misunderstood characteristic of the 4 Cs. It actually refers to the diamond's weight, not its size. A diamond's cut impacts how large the carat weight will appear. Smaller carat weight diamonds will appear larger with higher cut grades.

All else being equal, a diamond’s price increases with its carat weight, because larger diamonds are rarer and more desirable. However, two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different values (and prices) depending on the colour, clarity and cut.

To maximise your budget, consider purchasing a diamond that is slightly below your ideal carat weight, as the prices of diamonds increase in brackets. For example, instead of a 2.0 carat diamond consider buying a 1.9 carat diamond.

Pearl and Diamond Designs Diamond Carat Guide

Where to Start

At Pearl and Diamond Designs, we believe that the best diamond is the most visually appealing specimen within your budget. We therefore suggest that you decide how much you would like to spend as a first step.

Given that the shape of the diamond will determine the style of your ring or jewellery item, the second step is to decide which shape you like.

Once the price range and shape has been selected, we will source and supply you with a selection of the highest quality diamonds that meet your specifications.

Diamonds are incredibly unique and while they might be identical on paper (based on the 4 Cs) they almost always differ when looked at side-by-side. We therefore encourage you to schedule an appointment with our designer (either in-store or virtually) to view the diamonds. We will also gladly send you pictures and details of the diamonds.

To set up an appointment and speak to our diamond expert please contact us at info@pearlanddiamonddesigns.co.za

Given that the shape of the diamond will determine the style of your ring or jewellery item, the second step is to decide which shape you like.

Once the price range and shape has been selected, we will source and supply you with a selection of the highest quality diamonds that meet your specifications.

To set up an appointment and speak to our diamond expert please contact us at info@pearlanddiamonddesigns.co.za or fill in the form below. We look forward to help you find the perfect diamond.