Diamonds are a girl’s best friend for a reason. Their mesmerising sparkle and exceptional hardness are just a couple of the reasons why diamonds remain so highly desired today. At W Hamond, we have been created breathtaking collections of diamond jewellery for over a century and in the meantime have become experts in the characteristics and properties of this valuable gemstone.
Whether you are searching for the perfect diamond engagement ring, diamond wedding ring, eternity band, diamond earrings, diamond necklace or diamond set bracelet, we have a team of experienced diamond specialists who are always on hand to help and offer advice on selecting the finest quality diamond jewellery.
Before you begin exploring our stunning range of diamond jewellery, learn everything you need to know about these precious gemstones with our helpful diamond buying guide. Let us give you both the knowledge and confidence to buy diamonds of only the highest quality.
The 4 C’s of Diamonds
The 4 C’s are incredibly important when it comes to making a decision on which style of diamond is right for you. Each of the 4 C’s affects a diamond’s perceived quality and value, therefore it is extremely important to consider each of these factors when purchasing diamond jewellery.
The 4 C’s include: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight.
It is recommended that you research how each of these significant characteristics impact and influence the overall appearance and value of a diamond. One example is to always concede on size – or carat weight – over quality to ensure you can get the best quality diamond for your budget.
At W Hamond, we carefully grade and assess each individual diamond using the 4 C’s using an international grading scale. Our team of highly skilled jewellers are always on hand to help with any queries you might have about selecting your ideal piece diamond jewellery, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Cut
Cut is one of the most important factors when assessing the overall appearance of a diamond. A diamond’s cut relates to the overall shape of the gemstone when it has been cut and faceted. The fire and brilliance of a diamond depends heavily on its cut and may be affected by the shape of the stone.
Round brilliant cut diamonds are one of the most popular diamond cuts and believed to be the ideal shape for a diamond. Its increase in facets minimizes the amount of light that escapes from the bottom of the stone and consequently emits the most brilliance (or sparkle). Other diamond cuts include princess cut, emerald cut, radiant cut, asscher cut, oval cut, pear cut, marquise cut and heart cut.
Diamond cut also relates to the proportions, symmetry and polish of a stone which is always taken into consideration when assessing, grading and certifying a diamond.
Colour
Colourless diamonds are the most desirable of its kind since they allow the most refraction of light. This means they have a greater brilliance and sparkle which also makes them highly coveted for engagement rings.
Diamonds which draw colour or show any saturation of colour absorb the light which in turn inhibits a diamonds brilliance. Coloured diamonds are graded differently and measured on their individual brightness and colour intensity.
Clarity
Most diamonds have their own set of unique characteristics like surface blemishes, inclusions and other internal imperfections. These natural occurring flaws occur during the formation process. The clarity of a diamond is subject to the amount and severity of these flaws.
Flawless or internally flawless diamonds are more highly coveted and higher priced than diamonds with a few or many flaws. To determine the overall clarity of a diamond, it must first be carefully assessed and individually graded based on the visibility, number and size of these inclusions.
Carat Weight
A carat is the unit of weight by which a diamond is measured. Larger diamonds are often considered rarer, and therefore often command a higher value. It is very important to understand how factors such as cut, colour, and clarity affects the overall value of a diamond.
1.00 carat = 0.2 gram.
What is the Ideal Cut for a Diamond?
A round brilliant and princess cut diamond are examples of an ideal cut for a diamond. These shapes have the perfect proportions, angles and symmetry to reflect almost all the light that enters the stone. An ideal cut diamond is used as a benchmark for grading all other diamonds.
Diamond Certificates
A diamond certificate or grading report is a great way to understand the unique characteristics of a diamond whilst also offering reassurance of its true quality. At W Hamond, we only work with qualified professionals and trusted international diamond laboratories including the GIA, HRD, IGI when carrying out diamond reports.
When buying diamond jewellery with W Hamond, you can feel assured and confident knowing that all our diamonds are carefully assessed and graded using an international diamond grading scale issued with its own individual report number.
W Hamond Jewellery
Discover the finest selection of diamond jewellery at W Hamond including diamond engagement rings, diamond wedding rings, eternity rings, diamond earrings, diamond necklaces and diamond bracelets, each with an incredible choice of diamond cuts to choose from.
Contact our dedicated and talented team of diamond experts today on 01947 603330 or by email at info@whamond.com for help and advice selecting your perfect piece of diamond jewellery.
