The Diamond Ring Guide
Know the Four C’s
Diamonds are graded by four characteristics known as “The Four C’s”. These characteristics are stated on the Diamond’s Certificate (also referred to as the fifth C). Cut — one C for quality Carat, Colour & Clarity — three C’s for Rarity
Cut
It is the Cut that gives a Diamond its brilliance and releases its true and everlasting beauty and sparkle. The Fire, Brilliance and Scintillation (Sparkle) of a Diamond is largely determined by the skill of the Diamond Cutter when polishing and shaping a Diamond.
The term “Cut” is sometimes used to refer to both the general shape of a diamond (such as, Pear, Oval, Marquise) as well as to the make and quality of the Diamond. While shape is probably the first decision you will make when choosing a ring,the quality of the cut is the most important.
Because Cut is the only ‘C’ that nature does not determine, it is important to get the perfect cut to realize the full potential of your Diamond. Less than 10% of Diamonds are cut to top quality.
Your 5 Diamond Lifetime-purchases
“The 2unique Cut”
“The2unique Cut” equals the highest quality cut. It means optimum brilliance, optimum symmetry, optimum light performance, and optimum beauty. All 2unique diamonds are “2unique Cut” quality. To qualify for the attribute “2unique Cut” a diamond must fulfil very strict requirements. First and foremost the symmetry of the diamond must be perfect, as the smallest deviation can disturb its beauty. Furthermore, the proportions, angles and finish must adhere to very precise limits.
Colour
When thinking of colour think of purity. Imagine a glass of perfectly pure distilled water held to the light. This is what perfect colour means in a diamond. Exceptional colour will mean exceptional beauty. Diamonds come in a multitude of colours. Most diamonds may appear colourless, but actually have slight tones of yellow or brown. That colour can lessen a diamond’s brilliance. ‘White’ Diamonds are alphabetically graded. Grades D, E and F are considered colourless. Grades G and H are considered near colourless.
Clarity
Most diamonds have natural internal birthmarks known as inclusions and external surface irregularities referred to as blemishes. The extent to which inclusions and blemishes are present, determines a diamond’s clarity. The Inclusions and Blemishes in Diamonds of clarity VS2 and better are invisible to the naked eye. Always ask to see diamonds under natural light. Shop lights can mask defects in Diamonds and enhance the Diamond’s sparkle unnaturally.
Shape
can be cut in various shapes. The round brilliant is the best known and most popular. For all other shapes it is important that the proportions are right to ensure maximum brilliance.
Carat
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. As weight usually compares to size, the larger the diamond, the more it weighs. Size being a determining factor in the rarity of a diamond, it is recognised that the value of a two carat diamond is much greater than twice that of a one carat stone. Even though it is only twice the weight, the two carat diamond is a much rarer find and as such carries more value. It is important that the Diamond has the correct ‘spread’ for its size.`
Certification
Once you have chosen your diamond how can you be sure the Diamond you are Certification Once you have chosen your diamond how can you be sure the Diamond you are getting really reaches the standards assigned to it. One way to guarantee its value is to receive an independent Gemmological Laboratory Diamond Certificate. This is considered the Diamonds passport. A Diamond over half a carat in weight should be accompanied by Diamond Certificate. This statement assures that the characteristics as contained in the certificate are those determined by experienced diamond graders using recognized gemological instruments and expertise. AGS; HRD; GIA; IGI and Anchorcert are recommended.
Conflict
2Unique’s diamonds are sourced from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and are in compliance with the United Nations resolutions. 2Unique guarantees that our diamonds are conflict free, based on personal knowledge and/or written guarantees.
“CLARITY – those tiny fingerprints, left by the hands of nature
The stunning and dazzling targeted lights used to display diamonds beautifully complement a diamond’s sparkle. Unfortunately however, these lights can mask a diamond’s inclusions. This is why we show you diamonds under natural light day light conditions. This is the ideal way to see a diamond’s true beauty.
A diamond free of both internal and external characteristics is very rare. However, almost all diamonds have natural internal birthmarks known as inclusions and external surface irregularities referred to as blemishes. The extent to which inclusions and blemishes are present, determines a diamond’s clarity.
A laboratory-certified clarity rating of Si1 is awarded where technically inclusions are not discernible by the naked eye. “
“CUT – Because Cut is the only ‘C’ that nature does not determine… it is in the all important Cut that perfect diamonds are created. It is the Cut that releases a diamond’s true and everlasting beauty and sparkle. At Liffey Gold we pride ourselves on our exquisite Round Brilliant Cut quality……
Consider the following three levels of cut quality
If 1000 diamonds were viewed in Canada the likelihood is only ten of these would be of ‘Hearts and Arrows’ quality….but only one will be of Liffey Gold Cut standard.
Our exquisite Liffey Gold Cut quality ensures that all our diamonds perform perfectly.
Our diamonds possess the extremely rare and extraordinarily beautiful ‘Hearts and Arrows’ effect but why not take “Hearts and Arrows” to the next level?…
Our diamond’s proportion and symmetry provide inimitable depth and sparkle.
Our precise cutting combined with our high quality of polish means Liffey Gold Diamonds illustrate their full shine, sparkle and stunning potential.
And this is why Liffey Gold Diamonds are so beautifully distinct.
“CARAT – eternal beauty is worth the weight”
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. As weight usually compares to size, the larger the diamond, the more it weighs.
Originating from the traditional use of tiny carob seeds to determine weight, one carat was fixed at 0.2 grams. Breaking it down further, one carat is divided into 100 points. Hence a diamond weighing 25 points is one quarter of a carat and so on.
Size being a determining factor in the rarity of a diamond, it is recognised that the value of a 1.00 carat diamond is much greater than twice that of a .50 carat stone. Even though it is only twice the weight, the 1.00 carat diamond is a much rarer find and as such carries more value.
“COLOUR – Exploring the colours of your Diamond Engagement Ring
Liffey Gold exclusive diamonds range from white to colourless
When thinking of colour think of purity. Imagine a glass of perfectly pure distilled water held to the light.
This is what perfect colour means in a diamond.
Exceptional colour will mean exceptional beauty.
Allowing light to be reflected and dispersed in the ultimate colour flash, the finest colouration for a diamond is actually no colour.
The premium colour rating achievable is D, descending through the alphabet scale to Z. Diamonds of colour D and E are termed “exceptional white”. Diamonds of colour F and G are termed “rare white”. Diamonds of colour H are termed “white”. the above colours provide maximum sparkle. Diamonds lose their vibrancy as they descend the scale.
These variances in colour will become apparent when you compare stones of different ratings.”
When searching for diamonds we often hear of the four C’s
Colour
Clarity
Carat
Cut
The first three are a diamond’s rarity the last is a diamond’s quality
Carat – larger diamonds are rarer, not of a higher quality
Colour – D colour or pink or blue diamonds, are rarer, not of a higher colour
Clarity – Flawless diamonds are rarer, not of a higher quality
The only C that ‘we’ can affect is cut – if we cut a diamond better, it will have more sparkle, fire, brilliance, scintillation, light return
