Diamonds Decoded: Your Sparkling Guide to Choosing the Perfect Stone

The 4Cs that make every diamond unique:

Every diamond is a unique gem, evaluated according to four essential criteria: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat. These 4Cs determine not only the beauty and value of a diamond, but also its distinctive character. Understanding these criteria will help you choose the perfect diamond that fits your taste and budget. Whether you are looking for the dazzling brilliance of an exceptional cut, the clarity of an inclusion-free diamond, or the rarity of a particular color, the 4Cs will guide your decision.

Cut: The Diamond’s Dazzle Factor

Cut isn’t just about the shape, but how the diamond is cut to reflect light. A well-cut diamond will shine brighter, no matter what shape it is. From the classic round brilliant cut to the elegant pear shape (like our Loop Pear ring!), each cut has its own charm.

It is important to note that some diamond cuts make a stone appear larger than its carat weight. For example, pear and marquise cuts tend to appear larger than their actual carat weight, providing excellent visual value.

The quality of the size is evaluated according to three main criteria:

1. Cut: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor
2. Polish: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor
3. Symmetry: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor

At LAUREDI, all our diamonds are rated "3X", which means that they have received an "Excellent" rating for these three criteria, thus guaranteeing optimal brilliance and sparkle.

Color: When Less is More

For white diamonds, the less color, the more valuable they are. The scale runs from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Here's what these color grades mean:

- D, E, F: Colorless (the rarest and most precious)
- G, H, I, J: Almost colorless
- K, L, M: Lightly tinted
- N to R: Very slightly tinted
- S to Z: Tinted

At LAUREDI, all our white diamonds are grade D, E or F, guaranteeing exceptional color purity.

If you like vivid hues, colored diamonds like blue, pink, or green are prized for their unique tones. These diamonds are graded differently, ranging from “Faint” to “Fancy Vivid.” Our colored diamonds are all graded “Vivid,” offering the most intense and sought-after hues.

Purity: The Imprint of Nature

Clarity refers to the tiny imperfections within a diamond, called inclusions. These are like nature's fingerprints, making each stone unique. The clarity scale ranges from:

- FL (Flawless): No inclusions visible under 10x magnification
- IF (Internally Flawless): No internal inclusions, but may have minor external features
- VVS1, VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included): Inclusions very difficult to see, even for an expert
- VS1, VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Minor inclusions, difficult to see under 10x
- SI1, SI2 (Slightly Included): Inclusions visible under 10x, sometimes with the naked eye
- I1, I2, I3 (Included): Inclusions visible to the naked eye, which may affect transparency and shine

It is important to note that I3 grade diamonds have a higher risk of brittleness due to their significant inclusions. In contrast, a VS1 diamond with inclusions that are not under the table (the top flat surface of the diamond) is generally considered excellent, as these inclusions are less visible and do not significantly affect the brilliance of the diamond.

At LAUREDI, all our diamonds are grade VS1 or higher, guaranteeing exceptional clarity and lasting beauty.

Carat: Size and Weight

Carat is a unit of measurement that represents the weight of the diamond. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams. It is important to understand that carat measures the weight, not the visible size of the diamond. Therefore, two diamonds of the same carat weight may appear to be different sizes depending on their cut and shape.

While larger diamonds are often more valuable, remember that clarity, color, and cut quality also play a large role in a diamond's value. A smaller, high-quality diamond may be more valuable than a larger, lower-quality one.

Lab Diamonds: The 4Cs in the Lab

Lab-grown diamonds, like the ones we use in our Loop Pear ring, are composed of the exact same material as mined diamonds. As a result, they are graded using the same 4Cs and by the same independent agencies as mined diamonds. This identical grading emphasizes that lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically and optically identical to mined diamonds.

Scientists can control the growing conditions, allowing for exciting possibilities:

- Cut: Lab-grown diamonds can be grown to optimize cut, potentially yielding excellent cut grades more consistently.
- Color: Although most lab-grown diamonds are grown to be colorless, scientists can also create a range of fancy colors, providing more options for unique and vivid hues.
- Clarity: The controlled environment often results in fewer inclusions, but lab-grown diamonds are not always perfect – they can also have unique clarity characteristics.
- Carat: Lab-grown diamonds can be grown to desired carat weights, offering a wide range of size options.

At LAUREDI, our lab-grown diamonds undergo the same rigorous evaluation process as mined diamonds. This means you get the same brilliance and quality, with the added benefits of ethical sourcing and technological innovation.

Diamond Certification

All our diamonds of 0.3 carat and more are certified on these criteria by the IGI (International Gemological Institute) or the GIA (Gemological Institute of America). These certifications guarantee the authenticity and quality of our diamonds, whether they are mined or laboratory-grown.

- IGI (International Gemological Institute): Founded in 1975, IGI is one of the largest independent grading and certification organizations for diamonds, gemstones and jewelry. It is recognized worldwide for its high standards and expertise in the evaluation of laboratory diamonds.

- The GIA (Gemological Institute of America): Founded in 1931, the GIA is the most respected institution in the field of gemology. It developed the 4C system for evaluating diamonds, which has become the global standard. The GIA is particularly recognized for its certifications of mined diamonds, but also certifies laboratory diamonds.

These certifications provide an objective and detailed evaluation of each diamond, ensuring that you are receiving exactly what is described, whether it is a mined diamond or a lab-grown diamond.

Remember, whether mined or lab-grown, the 4Cs help ensure that you get a diamond that meets your expectations for beauty and brilliance. Choosing between the two often comes down to personal preference and values.