Diamond Information
Buying a diamond can be a difficult and daunting task, there are so many qualities and shapes to choose from and it’s hard to know where to start. Our aim is to ensure that you find the diamond that is perfect for you. Our experienced consultants will take the time to clarify all you need to know, to make the right decision!
As a certified member of the Jewellers Association of Australia, Salera's commits itself to the integrity of the industry by providing the majority diamonds in the Salera's Collections with a certificate from a gemological laboratory such as GIA and DCLA.
The 4C’s
Diamonds are graded according to characteristics known as the 4C’s:
Carat
Colour
Clarity
Cut
In fact, the determination of the actual quality of the diamond may be far more complicated than simply looking at the 4C’s. An experienced professional can show you what you need, what to look for and what will make your diamond stand out from the rest.
CARAT
Diamonds are measured by weight, the term used to describe this weight is carat and it is abbreviated to ct.
A diamond with a carat weight of 1ct is equivalent to 200 milligrams, or 0.2g. This is a global standard for representing the mass of gemstones and pearls
COLOUR
We automatically think all diamonds are colourless or clear, however, most diamonds have a trace of yellow or brown in them. Diamonds come in all colours, including black. It is this lack of colour that makes diamonds the most valuable and desirable gem.
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The finest diamond colour is called the “D” colour. This means these diamonds are completely colourless or pure white. As you go further down on the scale of colours, this pure whiteness decreases, and more traces of colour appear. Salera's stock a large range of different coloured diamonds, ranging from D to TLB (Brown).
CLARITY
Clarity refers to the amount (or lack of) natural features a diamond possesses.
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Inclusions are generally caused whilst the diamond is forming. Due to extreme heat or pressure, they can be as simple as a crystal trapped within a diamond or carbon spots etc; Except for in extreme cases, inclusions will not weaken a diamond in any way, and they do not change over time. An inclusion will always stay the same, they will not grow larger, nor shrink.
CUT
The cut of a diamond must not be confused with its shape. When referring to the quality of a cut in a stone, we are referring to the proportions of the diamond.
It is the cut, more than any other characteristic, that gives a diamond its sparkle.
A well-proportioned stone will dramatically influence the amount of fire (fire is the rainbow flashes of light reflected within the stone) as well as its brilliance (its brightness). A poorly cut diamond can look dull, lifeless, or too small for its carat weight. A well-cut diamond attracts a slightly higher price.
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A well-cut diamond should allow light to enter the stone and reflect from one facet to the other and then disperse through the top of the stone.
SHAPE
Not to be confused with the cut of a diamond, shape is purely a personal choice. Although traditionally the Round Brilliant cut was the most popular and still is, people are beginning to curb their interests into different shaped diamonds. There is no such thing as one shape being better than another, it¹s just a matter of what shape is more appealing to the Individuals taste.
FANCY COLOUR DIAMONDS
Salera's Jewellers stock an extensive range of natural-coloured diamonds. Natural Pink, Natural Yellow, Champagne and Cognac diamonds are beautifully showcased in elegant 18ct gold pieces of jewellery.
All items are locally handcrafted in your chosen design or you may let us design a unique piece to your specifications.