Everybody loves diamonds, especially the highest quality ones. There’s something about that delightful sparkle you get from a diamond in natural light. But it’s certainly true that not all diamonds are created equal. Here’s what you need to know about diamond rings.
The Four C’s of Diamonds
The most important information you can learn about diamond rings is the Four C’s. We’re talking about the cut, clarity, colour and carat of the diamond. These 4 factors combine to determine the overall quality of a diamond, and subsequently the price.
Understanding these four determining factors helps you make a smarter choice when buying diamond rings.
Cut
The cut of a diamond is one of the most important factors in determining quality. The cut of a diamond refers to how it is cut and shaped. So, you’ll need to look at the angles, check for symmetry and proportion, and also take note of the finish. A poorly cut diamond doesn’t have the same beautiful finish as a high-quality piece. In that sense, the cut can also affect the clarity, which we’ll touch on next.
Clarity
The clarity refers to the number of blemishes on the stone’s surface. While diamonds are reflective, their brilliance actually comes from the way light passes through them. So, a diamond with blemishes on the surface won’t allow light to pass through with such beauty. Fortunately, there’s a rating system for the cut of diamonds. Flawless is the highest rating, while Inclusions is the lowest, meaning there are a lot of blemishes and inclusions on the surface.
Colour
Another factor with its own rating system is the colour of a diamond. As we mentioned, the beauty of a diamond comes from its ability to let light pass through it. So, when we talk about a diamond’s colour, what we really mean is a lack of colour. Diamond colour is rated from D – Z, with D being the most colourless and therefore the best. The more colour in a diamond, the less beautiful it will be, no matter how well it is cut.
Carat
Finally, we have the carat weight. There’s some confusion over this because the term ‘carat’ also refers to the quality of metal in a piece of jewellery. But for diamonds, it’s actually the carat weight you need to look at. This is different to the size, because some diamonds may be denser and weigh more. So, if you fall in love with a large diamond, remember to check that the carat weight is still strong for a diamond of that size.
Custom diamond rings or off-the-shelf?
The other choice you’ll need to make is whether you go for custom diamond rings or simply purchase them off the shelf. Here at Catanach’s, all of our diamond rings are unique and hand-crafted by our master jeweller. However, our bespoke service allows you to bring your ideas and have a diamond ring created according to your specifications. So, regardless of which way you go, you’ll still get high-quality, one-of-a-kind jewellery when you shop at Catanach’s. Contact us today or visit us in-store to find out more.
What You Need to Know About Diamond Rings
Everybody loves diamonds, especially the highest quality ones. There’s something about that delightful sparkle you get from a diamond in natural light. But it’s certainly true that not all diamonds are created equal. Here’s what you need to know about diamond rings.
The Four C’s of Diamonds
The most important information you can learn about diamond rings is the Four C’s. We’re talking about the cut, clarity, colour and carat of the diamond. These 4 factors combine to determine the overall quality of a diamond, and subsequently the price.
Understanding these four determining factors helps you make a smarter choice when buying diamond rings.
Cut
The cut of a diamond is one of the most important factors in determining quality. The cut of a diamond refers to how it is cut and shaped. So, you’ll need to look at the angles, check for symmetry and proportion, and also take note of the finish. A poorly cut diamond doesn’t have the same beautiful finish as a high-quality piece. In that sense, the cut can also affect the clarity, which we’ll touch on next.
Clarity
The clarity refers to the number of blemishes on the stone’s surface. While diamonds are reflective, their brilliance actually comes from the way light passes through them. So, a diamond with blemishes on the surface won’t allow light to pass through with such beauty. Fortunately, there’s a rating system for the cut of diamonds. Flawless is the highest rating, while Inclusions is the lowest, meaning there are a lot of blemishes and inclusions on the surface.
Colour
Another factor with its own rating system is the colour of a diamond. As we mentioned, the beauty of a diamond comes from its ability to let light pass through it. So, when we talk about a diamond’s colour, what we really mean is a lack of colour. Diamond colour is rated from D – Z, with D being the most colourless and therefore the best. The more colour in a diamond, the less beautiful it will be, no matter how well it is cut.
Carat
Finally, we have the carat weight. There’s some confusion over this because the term ‘carat’ also refers to the quality of metal in a piece of jewellery. But for diamonds, it’s actually the carat weight you need to look at. This is different to the size, because some diamonds may be denser and weigh more. So, if you fall in love with a large diamond, remember to check that the carat weight is still strong for a diamond of that size.
Custom diamond rings or off-the-shelf?
The other choice you’ll need to make is whether you go for custom diamond rings or simply purchase them off the shelf. Here at Catanach’s, all of our diamond rings are unique and hand-crafted by our master jeweller. However, our bespoke service allows you to bring your ideas and have a diamond ring created according to your specifications. So, regardless of which way you go, you’ll still get high-quality, one-of-a-kind jewellery when you shop at Catanach’s. Contact us today or visit us in-store to find out more.