Diamonds Decoded: Your Sparkling Guide to Choosing the Perfect Stone
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 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 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 our diamonds are rated "3X" , meaning they received an “Excellent” rating for all three criteria, ensuring optimal shine and shine.
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's what these color grades mean:
- D, E, F: Colorless (the rarest and most valuable)
- 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 exceptional color purity.
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 goes 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 vibrancy
It is important to note that grade I3 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, because 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
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. Thus, two diamonds of the same carat weight can appear different sizes depending on their size and shape.
Although larger ones 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 assessment emphasizes that lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically and optically identical to mined diamonds.
Scientists can control the conditions of growth, allowing interesting possibilities:
- Size: Lab-grown diamonds can be grown to optimize size, potentially giving excellent plus size notes constantly.
- Color: Although most lab-grown diamonds are grown to be colorless, scientists can also create a range of fancy colors, providing more options for hues unique and vivid.
- 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 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 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 mined or laboratory.
- The IGI (International Gemological Institute): Founded in 1975, the 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): Established 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 laboratory-grown diamonds.
These certifications provide an assessment objective and detailed account of each diamond, ensuring that you receive exactly what is described, whether for a mined diamond or a laboratory diamond.
Remember, whether mine or lab-grown, the 4Cs help ensure that you get a diamond that meets your expectations for beauty and brilliance. The choice between the two often depends on personal preferences and values.
