You've no doubt heard that every diamond is unique -- not unlike a snowflake. Diamonds come in many shapes, sizes, and even colours, which are further enhanced by an array of internal and external features or characteristics. These precious stones are used both in bridal jewellery, such as engagement rings and wedding bands, as well jewellery for every other occasion. Diamonds can be used in custom- or ready-made jewellery for both men and women.

The diamond is the hardest of all natural substances known, and among the most rare. It is the also the only gem made of a single element: carbon. A diamond's formation occurs under extreme pressure deep inside our planet -- about 160 kilometres under the surface of the Earth. Only half a carat of diamond is found in roughly every two tonnes of rock extracted.

The Four C's

A diamond is value is based on its own unique combination of the "Four C's":

Clarity - a collective term for internal and surface characteristics. "Inclusions" are nuances of colour and matter that affect its clarity, further making a diamond unique and generally making it more affordable.

Colour - colourless diamonds are very rare. The larger a diamond is, the more apparent its colour.

Cut - the way a diamond is cut can affect its clarity and colour. The three major parts of a polished diamond, from top to bottom, are the crown, girdle, and pavilion. Please refer to the end of this section for more information.

Carat - diamond weights are stated in metric carats (ct.). 1 ct is equal to 0.200 g. Since larger diamonds are more rare, their value increases exponentially with size.


The diamond you select is truly one of a kind in that there is not another one with the exact characteristics of yours.

More On Diamonds

Fancy cut - cuts in shapes that aren't round. Some fancy cuts are brilliant cuts while others are step cuts. Fancy shapes are generally preferred for larger diamonds.

Brilliant cut - cut with 57 or 58 facets, depending on whether or not it has a culet. This cut generally shows more "fire" than step cuts, but step cuts are preferred when showing the colour of a diamond is desirable.

Culet - a facet on the bottom tip of the pavilion.

Step cut - diamonds that are roughly square or rectangular, with facets cut parallel to the girdle. These are sometimes referred to as "emerald cuts," since emeralds are often cut in this fashion.

Baguette - a small, four-sided step cut that is rectangular, square, or tapered.

Generally, setting a diamond in yellow gold makes slight amounts of yellow or brown in the stone less obvious.

White metal mountings make the colour in yellow- or brown-tinged stones more apparent, and enhance the appearance of colourless stones.

Blue fluorescence can make a light yellow diamond look closer to colourless in sunlight, as blue and yellow are complementary colours (due to their opposite hues).