Discover the ultimate diamond buying guide with our comprehensive diamond education. Our articles go beyond the 4 C’s (carat, cut, colour, and clarity) to equip you with the knowledge needed to make a wise diamond buying decision. Known as the most precious gemstones in the world, diamonds have long been used to symbolise love and commitment. However, the process of purchasing a diamond can be a significant and emotional decision, which is why we offer invaluable guidance to help create a comfortable and stress-free purchasing experience, giving you confidence in your decision-making.
When it comes to diamonds, there are various factors that need to be considered. We at Cape Diamonds believe that the 4 Cs of Diamonds are very important characteristics that should not be ignored when choosing your diamond.
Clarity is determined by the ability to see imperfections under magnification. Diamonds ranging from IF to SI2 are considered visually perfect to the human eye. Some SI2 diamonds have tiny visible inclusions when diamonds are larger in size or the inclusions comprise a single black crystal in the middle of the stone. Cape Diamonds sorts through many SI2 diamonds, selecting only the best eye-clean stones.
Diamond colours are graded from D to Z. Stones graded at D are colourless and stones graded Z are yellowish. The reason that there are no A-C colours is that when the colour grading system was created, room was left for clearer diamonds that may be discovered in the future. No clearer diamonds other than the perfect colour D gemstone have ever been discovered.
Another thing to understand is the shape or cut of the stone. As you can see in the certificate, the shape of the diamond shown here is a round brilliant cut. All round brilliant diamonds require 58 facets or surfaces to qualify, or 57 if the diamond has a pointed base rather than a base culet/facet.
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. 0.2 grams is the same weight as 1ct. When a diamond weighs less than 1ct, it may be described in points or hundredths of a carat. This diamond may, therefore, be called an 80 pointer and similarly, a half carat might be known as a 50 pointer. A diamond’s value increases exponentially with size due to the rarity of larger diamond crystals.
From the rarest reds, greens, purples, and oranges to the coveted pinks and blues, each gem tells a story of unparalleled rarity and beauty. While yellows and browns grace the palette more commonly, they too possess a unique charm. Explore the world of fancy colored diamonds, where rarity meets fascination
Fluorescence is a diamond’s ability to emit a soft blue glow when viewed under ultraviolet light. On average, 30% of diamonds have fluorescence. Almost 95% of all fluorescence found in diamonds is blue. Fluorescence can be faint or very distinct. It is graded in categories: none, faint, medium, strong, and very strong.
GIA has established a diamond Polish scale. This grading system evaluates the smoothness and overall quality of the diamond’s polish, providing insights into its finishing finesse. The polish scale underscores the importance of flawless craftsmanship in diamond evaluation.
Diamond symmetry encompasses the precise alignment and shaping of a diamond’s facets, reflecting the craftsmanship of its cut. It signifies the arrangement, size, and shaping of these facets, ultimately defining the diamond’s aesthetic appeal and brilliance.
Diamonds are incredibly rare. They are the purest form of transparent, crystallised carbon in an isotropic 3D form, created under extreme conditions of high temperature and high pressure many kilometres below the earth’s surface.
Lab-grown diamonds, also known as man-made or cultivated diamonds, are created in a laboratory setting using advanced technologies that mimic the formation conditions of natural diamonds.
South Africa is renowned for its exceptional diamonds, both colourful and perfectly clear. However, finding a good deal isn’t easy. Ultimately, the best diamond purchases arise from well-informed decisions. Cape Diamonds is here to help make the diamond-buying process easier, allowing you to make an educated decision before you purchase diamonds in South Africa.
Discover the primary distinction between lab-created and natural diamonds. Lab-created diamonds are cultivated in controlled environments, while natural diamonds form deep within the Earth’s mantle. However, both types share identical chemical, physical, and optical properties, including remarkable hardness, brilliance, and fire.
Unlock your diamond dreams with the widest online assortment of conflict-free loose diamonds in South Africa. Responsibly sourced and ethically rated, discover top-tier diamonds at wholesale rates. Choose sustainability without compromising quality.
