Buying guide: how to choose your diamond

The 4Cs that make each diamond unique:

Each diamond is a unique marvel, evaluated according to four essential criteria: Size (Cut), Color (Color), Purity (Clarity) and Carat. These 4Cs determine not only the beauty and value of a diamond, but also its distinctiveness. Understanding these criteria will allow you to choose the perfect diamond that fits your tastes and budget. Whether you are looking for the dazzling brilliance of an exceptional cut, the purity of a diamond without inclusions, or the rarity of a particular color, the 4Cs will guide you in your decision.

Cut: The Dazzling Factor of Diamond

Cutting is not just about shape, but how the diamond is cut to reflect light. A well-cut diamond will shine more, whatever its shape. From the classic round brilliant cut to the elegant pear shape (like our Loop Pear ring!), each cut has its own charm.

It's 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 for money.

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 of our diamonds are rated "3X", meaning they have received an "Excellent" rating for all three criteria, ensuring optimum brilliance and sparkle.

Color: When Less is More

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

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

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

If you like bright 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 “Vivid” grade, offering the most intense and sought-after shades.

Purity: The Imprint of Nature

Clarity refers to the tiny imperfections inside a diamond, called inclusions. They are like nature's fingerprints, making each stone unique. The purity 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 with the naked eye, may affect transparency and brilliance

It is important to note that I3 grade diamonds have a higher risk of fragility due to their large inclusions. In contrast, a VS1 diamond with inclusions that are not below the table (the upper 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 of our diamonds are grade VS1 or higher, ensuring exceptional clarity and lasting beauty.

Carat: Size and Weight

The 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 the carat measures the weight, not the visible size of the diamond. So, two diamonds of the same carat weight may appear different sizes depending on their size and shape.

Although larger diamonds are often more valuable, remember that clarity, color and cut quality also play a big role in the value of a diamond. A smaller, high-quality diamond may be more valuable than a larger, lower-quality one.

Laboratory Diamonds: The 4Cs in the Laboratory

Lab-grown diamonds, like the ones we use in our Loop Pear ring, are made from exactly the same material as mined diamonds. Consequently, they are evaluated according to the same 4Cs and by the same independent organizations as mined diamonds. This identical rating highlights 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 size, 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, offering more options for unique, vibrant hues.
- Purity: The controlled environment often results in fewer inclusions, but lab-grown diamonds are not always perfect - they can also have unique purity characteristics.
- Carat: Lab-grown diamonds can be grown to the desired carat weights, offering a wide range of size options.

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

Diamond Certification

All our diamonds of 0.3 carat and above 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 mine or laboratory.

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

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

These certifications provide an objective and detailed assessment of each diamond, ensuring that you receive exactly what is described, whether for a mined diamond or a lab-grown diamond.

Remember, whether mined or lab-grown, the 4Cs help ensure that you are getting a diamond that meets your expectations in terms of beauty and of shine. The choice between the two often depends on personal preferences and values.

FAQ

Question 1: What are the 4 essential criteria for evaluating a diamond? The 4 essential criteria for evaluating a diamond are Size (Cut), Color (Color), Purity (Clarity) and Carat. They are commonly called the 4Cs.

Question 2: What is the Cut of a diamond and what are the evaluation criteria? The Cut of a diamond does not only refer to its shape, but to the quality of its cut which influences the way in which it reflects light and shines. It is evaluated on three main criteria: Cut, Polish and Symmetry, each rated from Excellent to Poor.

Question 3: How does Color affect the value of a white diamond?For white diamonds, the less color, the more valuable they are. The color scale goes from D (colorless, rarest and most valuable) to Z (light yellow or brown tint).

Question 4: What is the Clarity of a diamond and how is it assessed The Clarity of a diamond refers to the presence of tiny internal (inclusions) and external imperfections. It is rated on a scale from FL (Flawless, without visible inclusions) to I3 (Included, with inclusions visible to the naked eye that may affect the stone).

Question 5: What does the Carat of a diamond represent? The Carat is a unit of measurement which represents the weight of a diamond. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams. It is important to note that the carat measures the weight and not the visible size of the diamond.

Question 6: Are lab-grown diamonds different from mined diamonds in terms of valuation? No, laboratory diamonds are made of exactly the same material as mined diamonds and are evaluated according to the same 4Cs (Size, Color, Purity, Carat) by the same independent organizations.

Question 7: What are the main diamond certification bodies mentioned in the article? The main diamond certification bodies mentioned in the article are the IGI (International Gemological Institute) and the GIA (Gemological Institute of America). These certifications guarantee the authenticity and quality of the diamonds.