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Diamond 4 C’s
The 4Cs (Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat) of a diamond is a universally accepted and known method for assessing the quality and value of any diamond. It was minted in the twentieth century by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and has since been a common language for both consumers and producers in the diamond industry as an International Diamond Grading System.
Today, there are various, well-recognized institutions out there with advanced and complex grading system for evaluating the quality of a diamond. BAEMONT recommends diamonds grading by GIA for their prominent grading standards.
Purchasing a diamond can be complicated. Therefore, it is important to learn from a trusted source to understand the basic anatomy of a diamond. This will help you in deciding which parameters of a diamond are important for you as an individual and ultimately choosing the ideal piece for you or your beloved partner.
Figure: Anatomy of a Diamond
Cut
A diamond’s cut determines the “shininess” it produces. It is commonly overlooked by most buyers when choosing a diamond to purchase but in fact, probably the most important factor to consider. A diamond’s beauty and value come from how well its facets reflects the light therefore making the cut an immensely complex and technically challenging tasks to do.
Basically, a well-cut diamond will give it the ability to reflect white and coloured light back to your eyes and is luminous. It impacts the diamond’s brilliance and fire.
A diamond’s brilliance is the brightness of a white light reflection whereas the fire is the amount of coloured light that reflects off the table and facets.
BAEMONT recommends a grading of Excellent cut from GIA.
| Excellent | Excellent Cut Diamonds provide the highest level of fire and brilliance. Because almost all of the incoming light is reflected through the table, the diamond radiates with magnificent sparkle. |
| Very Good | Very Good Cut Diamonds offer exceptional brilliance and fire. A large majority of the entering light reflects through the diamond’s table. To the naked eye, Very Good diamonds provide similar sparkle to those of Excellent grade. |
| Good | Good Cut Diamonds showcase brilliance and sparkle, with much of the light reflecting through the table to the viewer’s eye. These diamonds provide beauty at a lower price point. |
| Fair | Fair Cut Diamonds offer little brilliance, as light easily exits through the bottom and sides of the diamond. Diamonds of a Fair Cut may be a satisfactory choice for smaller carats and those acting as side stones. |
| Poor | Poor Cut Diamonds yield nearly no sparkle, brilliance or fire. Entering light escapes from the sides and bottom of the diamond. |
Clarity
A diamond’s clarity determines the “cleanliness” of the stone. The term “eye-clean” is widely used when it comes to choosing the clarity of a diamond to ensure that inclusions are not visible to the naked eye. It shows if a diamond has any inclusions or blemishes that will impact the quality of a diamond.
The GIA grades a diamond’s clarity as follows:
- FL (Flawless)
- IF (Internally Flawless)
- VVS1 (Very, Very Slightly Included 1)
- VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included 2)
- VS1 (Very Slightly Included 1)
- VS2 (Very Slightly Included 2)
- SI1 (Slightly Included 1)
- SI2 (Slightly Included 2)
- I1 (Inclusions 1)
- I2 (Inclusions 2)
Generally, a diamond with clarity of VS2 and above is said to not have any inclusions or blemishes visible to the naked eye.
BAEMONT recommends choosing diamonds with clarity VS2 and above.
Learn more about Diamond Clarity.
Colour
A diamond’s colour determines how “white” the stone is. To the untrained eye, it can be challenging to determine the exact colour of a diamond unless being directly compared to.
The difference between one colour grade and the other is very small and almost impossible to differentiate with the naked eye. Best value diamonds are in the near colourless range ie. G or H where it is still “white” and appear colourless when cut excellently.
Generally, there are 3 groupings of diamond colours:
- Colourless (D-F)
- Near Colourless (G-J)
- Faint (K-M)
| Diamond Colour Grade: | Description: |
|---|---|
| D |
D is the highest colour grade, meaning it has nearly no colour. Under magnification and to the naked eye, a D colour diamond will appear colourless. D colour diamonds are usually set in platinum or white gold, as yellow gold and other jewellery settings detract from the diamond’s uncoloured beauty. Diamonds with a D colour grade are the most rare and expensive on the market, with a significant price premium over other colour grades. |
| E |
E colour diamonds look almost identical to D colour diamonds. Most of the time, the differences in colour between a D and E diamond are only visible to an expert gemologist when the two diamonds are viewed under magnification. Like D colour diamonds, E colour diamonds are usually set in platinum or white gold to avoid the colour of the jewellery detracting from their near flawless colour. Although these diamonds are less expensive than D colour diamonds, they still command a hefty premium. |
| F |
F colour diamonds are almost identical to D and E colour diamonds, with nearly no visible colour. Even under magnification and side by side, a D, E and F diamond will look almost identical to anyone other than an expert gemologist. |
| G |
G colour diamonds exhibit nearly no colour and appear primarily colourless to the naked eye. The G colour grade is the highest, best grade in the “Near Colourless” range of the GIA’s scale, which covers diamonds graded G to J. Although G colour diamonds have some tints of colour, they are almost impossible to detect with the naked eye. Like D-F diamonds, these diamonds should be set in platinum or white gold to reduce any effects of colour reflection from yellow or rose gold. |
| H |
H colour diamonds appear primarily colourless to the naked eye but have a faint yellow hue that’s often visible under magnification in bright lighting, especially when they’re compared to diamonds of a higher colour grade. Like G colour diamonds, these can be set in platinum or white gold without any issues. H colour diamonds are slightly less expensive than G colour diamonds and significantly more affordable than diamonds in the colourless range. This is the minimum colour grade we recommend for diamond shapes with a large table, such as the radiant and cushion cuts. |
| I |
I colour diamonds offer a great combination of near colourless looks and good value for money. These diamonds have a slight yellow tint that’s usually only visible when they’re viewed next to diamonds of a higher colour grade. An I colour round brilliant cut diamond can look fantastic in a platinum or white gold setting, as well as alongside metals such as yellow or rose gold. As you would expect, I colour diamonds are less expensive than G or H colour diamonds. This is the minimum colour grade we recommend for princess cut diamonds. |
| J |
J colour diamonds look mostly colourless to the naked eye, but usually have a faint yellow tint that is easy to notice under bright lights and magnification. In diamonds with a large table, the colour might also be visible with the naked eye in certain lighting conditions. From a value for money perspective, J colour diamonds can be fantastic choices. We recommend this colour for round brilliant cut diamonds set in platinum or white gold (solitaire setting), as the cut of the round diamond is great at concealing colour. However, the J colour grade is not recommended for diamond shapes with a larger table and fewer facets. |
BAEMONT recommends choosing diamond in the near colourless range and above.
Learn more about Diamond Colour.
Carat
A diamond’s carat determines the weight (and size) of a diamond. The word carat originated from carob seeds where it was historically used to measure the weight of a diamond.
The carat is commonly perceived as the most sought-after decision factor when choosing a diamond and quite often mis-leading the value of a diamond due to its sizing factor.
Fact: A single 2 ct. diamond will be more expensive than 2 x 1ct. diamond. The reason simply because a single large rough diamond is much rarer than a smaller rough diamond of the same quality.
Learn more about Diamond Carat.
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Engagement Rings
You are probably wondering how much you should spend on an engagement ring. What is a reasonable budget (without breaking your bank)?
Choosing an engagement ring can be nerve-wrecking but it does not have to be. There are a few components, but it requires little effort to understand them. With a little time and “googling”, your decision can be a simple one.
An engagement ring is probably one of the most significant purchases one will ever make. It symbolizes your love to the person you are presenting it to and making an official statement (or an announcement) to everyone!
It needs to be personal, it needs to be practical and more importantly it needs to stand out with a WOW! factor.
We’re here to help. One of the most important first step is understanding ring style. Solitaire, Pave, and Channel Set are some of the favourites for an engagement ring style. Read on to learn more about these design style.
Solitaire
A solitaire engagement ring represents a single stone (ie. diamonds or other gemstones) used in a simple ring setting. It is the most common style used in an engagement ring appealing to those who seeks a classic yet elegant look.
It does not have any stones on the shank of the band and its design purpose is to bring attention and focus to the centrepiece stone. The prongs, sometimes known as claws and usually in a set of 4 or 6, helps stand out the centrepiece stone making it appear more prominent. The width of the band is also a factor to consider as narrower width has the effect of making a smaller diamond appear larger.
Solitaires are amongst one of the most popular of choices for decades and is traditionally paired with a round-shaped diamond.
Pavé
Pavé is a French word, translated to “paved”. The design of the ring is literally paved with small diamonds, usually in the size of 0.01 to 0.02 ct. along the band of the ring. It resembles a paved or cobblestone road that is rather common in France.
The small diamonds are held together by prongs or beads in a continuous line on the band, hiding the metal whilst creating extra sparkles to the overall ring. Pavé design can go around the entire band or half-way, giving the ring a solid diamond-encrusted surface with a grandeur look.
Apart from the standard Pavé band, there are multiple variations or combinations such as a Pavé Halo, French Pavé or Micro-Pavé. Each style has its own unique enticing and captivating outlook that fits any shape of diamond or gemstones though it is mostly used with a brilliant round or princess cut.
Channel-Set
A channel-set ring is increasingly becoming popular in this era for its formidable design style. Small diamonds are embedded into the groove of the ring, creating a river-like layout of sparkles surrounded by metal. There are no prongs or beads in the design and the stones are held on the shank of the ring between two walls of the metal. Since the design flushes with the band, the small diamonds remain in a protective enclosure and does not protrude. Therefore, they are less likely to snag on clothes, in comparison to a Pavé.
This classic yet sophisticated design is most sought after by those who seeks a rugged and sturdy timeless piece. Its design matches almost any shape of diamonds or gemstones as if brings out both the fire and brilliance of the centrepiece.
Three-Stone
Three-stone engagement ring, also known as “Trinity” or “Trilogy”, consists of three stones that are placed next to each other with the centre stone usually larger than the other two stones on each side. It is held in place by three sets of prongs with the centre stone placed higher. Generally, the two side stones can be of any shape and its purpose is to highlight the centrepiece by adding depth to the ring.
Three-stone was first introduced as a first-year anniversary gift and later became popular for engagement rings. The three stones are said to symbolize “the past, the present and the future” with the centrepiece as the biggest stone representing loving memories in the current and as a reminder for all live in the present.
It is unique in any ways possible as there can be endless combinations of stones to be paired with the centrepiece, bringing out its prominence.
Halo
The Halo engagement ring design typically consists of pavé (or micro-pavé) diamonds surrounding the centrepiece. The effect is a larger looking centre stone complimented by the encircling small diamonds. Its effect is even more significant if the centre stone and encircling stone are of two different colours. It accentuates and enhances its visual appeal through the contrasting colours, drawing attention the prominent centre stone. The halo settings are generally more expensive due to its design requiring more metal and pave diamonds.
Apart from diamonds as centrepiece, Halo design is very commonly paired with other previous gemstones such as tanzanite or sapphire making it more interesting. With this, there are abundance of choices to go with a Halo ring setting creating a classic to contemporary to vintage design exuding elegance and class.
Blue Sapphires
Blue sapphire is considered a primary color gemstone; the purer the primary hue, the more valuable the gemstone. Blue sapphires are colored by trace amounts of titanium and iron. (By increasing the level of titanium and iron the color saturation is also increased.) The most common secondary hues found in blue sapphires are purple, violet, and green. Violet and purple can contribute to the overall beauty of the color, while green is considered to be the bane of a blue sapphire. The problem is that all blue sapphires will have a greenish component when viewed at the right angle. It is the cutter that makes sure that the green is not part of the face up position in a sapphire. When gray is included in the overall color of the gemstone, often referred to as a gray mask, the sapphire will have a cool or steely quality as opposed to the normal warm velvety hue of a sapphire. Gray is the normal saturation modifier or mask found in blue sapphires and will often mix with green.
Blue sapphires that are eye-clean or entirely free of inclusions are uncommon, especially in larger sizes. However, blue sapphires with some internal inclusions are still highly valued, as long as the inclusions do not reduce brilliance, obscure color, or otherwise detract from the gemstone’s beauty. Blue sapphires of one-carat weight or more are not usually cut to calibrated sizes or standard shapes. Each gemstone is shaped to maximize the color and weight of the gemstone.
In blue sapphires, cutting can influence color in surprising ways. Sapphires are dichroic gemstone, meaning their color varies depending on the angle from which it is viewed. Viewed in one direction, most blue sapphires appear blue to violet-blue. From another direction, they will appear slightly greenish blue. A skilled cutter will orient their gemstone so that the blue to violet-blue color shows through the finished gem’s crown.
Silk inclusions are also acceptable in blue sapphires, as long as they are not so dense as to compromise color or brilliance. In fact, silk inclusions can increase the value of a sapphire. The heat treatments used to alter color and clarity in blue sapphires break down rutile silk, so the presence of intact silk indicates that a sapphire is unheated. Certain other solid and liquid inclusions burst or deform under extreme heat and are also useful indicators of heat treatment.
Heat treatment and diffusion make attractive blue sapphires out of common corundum that would have little or no value without treatment. Heat treatment is widely used in the international sapphire market, and it is estimated that well over 90 percent of all blue sapphire in the market today has been subject to heat treatment. Diffusion treatment is far more controversial, and diffusion-treated blue sapphires sell for much less than those which have only been heat-treated.
Blue sapphires are found in a number of locations around the world including Kashmir, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Thailand, Australia, Tanzania, and the state of Montana in the United States.
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Wedding Bands
Wedding bands signifies the unity of love and commitment between a married couple. The band is a symbol representing eternity, with no defined beginning or end. It is therefore a significant piece of your ring aesthetic for your everyday-wear and comfort. From the design to engraving to choosing the right metal, there is a considerable amount of component pieced together to form the perfect wedding band fit to your persona.
BAEMONT has a large collection of wedding bands for you to choose from classics to the exclusive standout piece with or without diamonds or gemstones. One of the fastest ways to help you get started is to use your engagement ring as a guide to find your matching bands. Read on to learn more about different wedding band styles.
Classic Bands
A piece that will not go out of style, the Classic bands usually have a plain or a single pavé band design. It is a minimalist style and quite often the preferred choice for newlyweds. The focus is on comfort whilst still maintaining beauty and elegance of the band. Wedding bands are worn all year round and therefore important to get the right fit. By understanding the width of a ring, you can choose one that is comfortable enough to be always worn no matter the condition.
Classic bands have a wide range of width given its minimalist design and it can accommodate width ranges from 2mm-8mm. Depending on the wearer, the choice of width is a personal style and most will find great comfort fit between 2mm-5mm with a slightly curved design. Some prefer wider bands while others opt for narrower ones. Traditionally, wedding bands are often chosen to match with engagement rings and they can both complement each other even with different width.
Eternity Bands
In this 21st century, Eternity Bands have become a trending and sought-after style for wedding bands. It is loaded up with diamonds or gemstones and boasts plenty of sparkles to match with an engagement ring. Also known as infinity band, it consists of precious stones (normally diamonds) encircling the band, completing a loop. It is highly symbolic, representing not only eternal love but equality, completion and perfection of a relationship.
Various shapes of diamond or gemstone can be used in an eternity band and some of the most common ones are squared shape cuts ie. Emerald, Radiant, Cushion or Asscher. The sky is the limit when it comes to design of custom eternity bands.
Generally, there are two eternity categories namely full eternity or the half eternity. Full eternity is more expensive as they have more diamonds surrounding the band, hiding the metal and are usually harder to resize. The half eternity only has stones encircling half the circumference of the band. Depending on design and shape of gemstones used, eternity bands are great for adding to your stack of rings. It complements the engagement ring and together brings subtle attention to the centrepiece.
Apart from being associated with wedding bands, eternity bands are also perfect gifts for celebratory occasions such as anniversaries or Valentine’s day. Regardless of purpose of the band, it is customary to always wear an eternity band on the ring finger of your left hand as a symbol of lifelong commitment and union.
Diamond Bands
Diamond bands are suitable for those who wants to add a flashier yet subtle look and feel to their everyday wedding band. Some design caters for a matching pair with the partner’s ring to symbolize undying love and unity in their relationship.
It is becoming a trend, even for men to have diamonds on their wedding band as it brings a unique style in comparison to a classic band. Diamonds relate to eternal love but also reflects hardness and strength making it a perfect symbol for men’s jewellery. For women, diamond wedding bands are still a great choice for pairing with engagement rings or even for everyday wear. Most styles are diamond studded flushing together with the metal, giving it a small sparkle.
Diamond Studs
If you are looking to purchase the perfect diamond studs and give them as a gift to that special someone, consider a fabulous pair of diamond stud earrings. Diamonds have long been considered one of the best gifts to give someone and stud earrings are a classic piece of jewelry. Over the years, they have become a great gift for both males and females. When it comes to diamond stud earrings, there are many great choices. You can find earrings to suit every taste and style.
Tips for Finding and Selecting Diamond Studs Earrings
Diamond studs are an attractive gift - one that is sure to get any lady noticed. Classy and elegant, diamond studs earrings are the perfect gift for any occasion. Before you head off to your local jeweler to buy a pair for the lady in your life, consider the following tips for finding attractive white gold diamond studs for a great price.
There are a variety of diamond studs earrings on the market. Consider the following when making a purchase:
What is the shape of her face? If her face is thin, then a round cut diamond studs will look best. If her face is broader in appearance, then princess cut diamond studs will complement her look. You'll want to match up the right diamond for the right face to give her the right look.
What is her skin tone? The metal setting for the diamond should match her skin tone. White gold or platinum sets off a cool skin tone while yellow gold looks great on a woman with a warm skin tone. Don't settle for a cheap setting either - no diamond should be mounted on anything but a quality background.
Did you find the right setting? The snugger the diamond is against the ear, the better. Crown-style settings push the diamond too far out and away from the ear, lending a gangly appearance, while three- and four-prong martini or basket settings look elegant and refined.
When it comes time to shop for diamond studs, visiting your local jeweler is one choice to help you find a pair that she likes. However, the internet is also a place many men like to shop as nothing beats the convenience or value of shopping online.
Key jewelers, including Baemont, have a strong online presence and offer a wide selection of jewelry choices at competitive prices. Low overhead costs mean that the savings are passed on to you. In some cases you will find that the savings can allow you to step up to the next level and purchase earrings with a greater carat weight. The advantage of using a jewelry site like Baemont makes perfect sense: you save money and you get more for the money. Besides, you can even create her pair of diamond studs right online!
No matter whether you shop Baemont or another retailer, diamond studs are a special gift, one that complements her beauty and something that she will certainly cherish for many years to come.
A favorite gift to give for most any special occasion are diamond studs, earrings which look great and can be worn around the house or while attending a wedding or dinner party. Elegant, refined, and stylish, most women already own a pair of diamond studs but a second or third pair is always welcome. Thanks to the internet, you can shop for diamond studs online and save a tremendous amount of money for the same quality diamonds sold by your mall's jeweler. Please read on for some tips on how to safely shop and save money on your next pair of diamond studs.
The internet has changed the way that people shop as the availability of goods has expanded from local selling to a global marketplace. Truly, you can be living in New York and do your online shopping with merchants who are located in Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, Los Angeles and elsewhere. Lower overhead and stiffer competition has forced prices down, bringing deals to consumers as never seen before.
Even though a website may be selling diamond studs, not all merchants and not all diamond studs are equal. Some things to keep in mind when shopping for diamond studs include:
Types of diamond studs - studs - Princess cut diamonds look great on a woman with a broader face while round diamonds complement the woman whose face is narrow. Choose the setting based on your skin tone, with white gold or platinum enhancing the look of a woman with a cool skin tone and yellow gold matching well with the woman who has a warm skin tone. Visit this skin tone page to determine what your tone is if you are uncertain.
Choice of settings - settings - You'll find plenty of retailers selling diamond studs in a variety of settings, but some settings look much better than others. For example, a crown setting pushes the diamond too far out, giving it a hanging look. Three-prong pave or martini, four-prong basket, or six-prong coronets are well-fitting and look beautiful. Every wedding bride wants the best look on her special day.
Previewing diamond studs - One concern online shoppers have about diamond shopping is previewing the product before making a purchase. Clearly, you cannot hold the studs in your hand but an online merchant such as Baemont has 3D images of all of their products. Click on any image and the diamond studs will rotate giving you the same view you would see if you were at your local jewelry store.
Buying your studs - Some online merchants are experienced jewelers, having gained practice working with customers face to face while others are resellers who are simply trying to capitalize on the marketplace. You'll want to deal directly with a professional jeweler who knows diamonds, stocks his own inventory, and offers generous insurance, shipping and return policies. Never purchase jewelry from an unsecured site and be careful when purchasing your diamonds overseas as you may not be able to enjoy the consumer protection you do here.
Diamond studs make every woman feel and look beautiful, offering brilliance and clarity unlike anything else she will wear. Whether purchased for engagement, wedding, birthday or anniversary, she'll always remember your gift and your warm expression of love!