Diamond Education
Jewellery is special. It can last a lifetime. It can be an emotional sentimental experience that evokes wonderful memories while still giving pleasure for years ahead. When buying for you or for others it helps to have an understanding of the qualities and characteristics of jewellery.
Thinking of buying a diamond?
If you are thinking of buying a Diamond, you are about to enter an enchanted world of romance, intrigue, legend and history. Indeed, it was said that cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds. The Ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were splinters of stars that fell to earth, and some said that they were the tears of the Gods. Diamonds have been sought after, fought over and even worshiped, so it is appropriate they have become the ultimate gift of love.
Why a Diamond?
The reasons for buying a diamond are as diverse as the people who desire them.
Diamonds are beautiful. Formed millions of years ago, they have stood the test if time with fire and brilliance that is unquenchable. They create aura of success and inspire feelings of pride.
Diamonds are durable. A diamond is the hardest natural substance known. They resist deterioration and you can be confident that the diamond you buy today will still shine brilliantly when your great-grandchildren wear it.
Diamonds are rare. For every carat of rough diamond recovered, more that 250 tonnes of ore have to be blasted, crushed and processed. Only 20% will be gem quality.
Choosing a diamond
Two diamonds at first glance look alike, but the truth is that they are very different. Although they may be of equal size, they may have very unequal values.
There are four characteristics that will help you when buying a diamond. They are known as the C’s – cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. It is the combination of theses four factors that determines the value of a diamond.
Cut: The quality of the cut determines a diamond brilliance. It is the skill of the cutter that unlocks the natural beauty of a diamond, revealing all of its hidden fire and brilliance. Most diamonds are cut with the full 58 facets and it is important that theses are cut to precise angles. A diamond that is cut well will reflect light from one facet to another and then back out through the top of the diamond.
Colour: Most gem diamonds seen alone appear white, but most have a hint of colour, mainly yellow. Diamonds with no trace of colour are extremely rare and the closer they are to no colour the more rare and valuable they will be. Also rare are diamonds with a strong pure colour they are called “fancies” and which are very valuable. The Argyle Mine in Australia, which is the world’s biggest mine, producing the rare pink diamond as well as beautiful cognac and champagne coloured diamonds.
Clarity: Diamonds were formed millions of years ago, deep within the earth under enormous heat and pressure. Consequently, most diamonds contain tiny marks, known as inclusions, which make each stone unique. The inclusions don’t necessarily weaken the stone and when they don’t interfere with the passage of light the do not affect its beauty. The fewer and smaller the inclusions, the more valuable a diamond will be.
Carat Weight: Put simply, a diamond's size is weighed in carats and each carat = 100 points. e.g. 50 points (0.50ct) = 1/2 a carat.
How much should I spend on a diamond engagement ring?
All that a diamond ring symbolises is priceless. But you have to be practical. So, how much should you spend on this significant purchase? Today, two months salary is generally considered to be a good guideline. Planning a wedding can be an expensive time, but remember, a costly reception and honeymoon quickly become a memory. However, a diamond will be with you forever and will be a constant sparkling reflection of your love for each other.
How to care for your diamond and its setting
Diamonds need care to keep them at their brilliant best. A clean diamond reflects light better than one that has been dulled by skin oils, soap and cosmetics and greases. So it is important to clean your diamond regularly. Your jeweller is the best person to do this. The setting can be checked at the same time. However it is possible to clean your diamond at home with a commercial cleaner with ammonia, detergent and warm water. Soak the diamond in the solution and scrub gently with a soft brush then rinse well.
It is advisable to take your jewellery for a professional clean and polish every year. Valuation updates should be obtained every two or three years from a qualified, registered valuer.
