25 Mar Diamond – Birthstone for April

Diamond

Diamond is the traditional birthstone for April and the gem of the 60th anniversary.  Diamond is the hardest of natural gemstone materials. Diamonds have incredible age being millions of years old.

The universally recognised method of assessing the quality of a diamond, Is by the 4 C’s of diamond quality – colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight, this grading system was introduced by the Gemmological Institute of America.  The GIA is a worldwide non-profit organisation founded to protect the gem buying public through research, education and analysis of gems.

Colour

In terms of colour.  When evaluating a gem quality diamond you are actually looking at the absence of colour.  In simple terms, a perfect diamond would be absolutely colourless. The GIA grading scale is D to Z.

D – Colourless to Z – Light. (Noticeable colour)

Clarity

Diamond clarity is grading under standard viewing conditions at 10 x magnification.  A minimum of two graders evaluate the stone assessing clarity, polish and symmetry.  They will also look for any evidence of artificial enhancement.

Cut

The GIA have a sophisticated method of grading the cut of standard brilliant round diamonds based on years of research and thousands of observations which relates to brightness, fire and scintillations (flash of light or sparkle).  The ratings are poor, good and excellent.

 Carat weight

A diamond is weighed and measured using very precise instruments to establish caret weight. Diamond weight is expressed in ‘carats.’  One carat equals 200 milligrams or 0.007055 ounces. In metric terms a carat is divided into points. 100 points equals 1 carat.  A 50-point diamond is half of a carat or 0.5 carats. 

Diamonds have been used in engagement rings since the 15th Century.  In the 1930’s 1 in 10 brides-to-be had a diamond engagement ring.  Since that period the percentage has grown tremendously.

Our goldsmith uses diamonds extensively in individual bespoke pieces made in our own workshop, for example the exquisite 18ct yellow gold pendent set with a 0.40ct round brilliant diamond graded G SI.

In our workshop we can remodel pieces of jewellery and reset your own diamonds  into new settings.

We have a range of diamond pieces available in our shop and online. 

Due to our experience, and connections built up over 35 years we are able to supply loose diamonds and other gemstones to our customers. Call us and speak to an experienced member of staff for help and advice.