Although it is possible to spend hours learning about diamonds online, we have tried to simplify everything you need to know to select your perfect diamond below.

Of course, if you have any further questions or would like to discuss your choices, please contact one of RJD Diamond’s experts, who have all been carefully trained to select only those diamonds that are a cut above the rest.

SHAPE

Diamonds come in a variety of shapes, each with its own unique characteristics. From elegant and eccentric designs to sparkly and subtle touches, the shape can surely define the style of the jewellery item you are seeking. The most popular diamond shapes are shown below:

THE FOUR C’S

CUT

The Cut refers to the diamonds proportions, symmetry and polish, all in turn which influence how well the diamonds reflects light, and ultimately how well the diamond shines.

A diamond’s cut grade is an objective measure of a diamond’s light performance, or, what we commonly refer to as sparkle. Riari J’Dorn Diamonds ensure all diamonds sold on our website are of the highest cut grade possible within the price ranges listed.

CARAT

A diamond’s weight is measured through Carats. One Carat is equivalent to one fifth of a gram (0.20g). As expected, the price of a diamond and its value increases with its Carat weight.

Do consider when selecting Carat weight that it is not the same attribute as size. In order to influence how large a diamond appears is also determined by other factors, namely Shape and Cut. However we leave it to you to determine, as after all size does matter…

COLOUR

The grading of a diamond’s colour measures the scale at which it approaches colourlessness. The fewer colours (perfect white being the highest) the more desirable a diamond is.

Colour is graded from D (perfect white) down to Z (severely discoloured). Grades D to F are considered to be the top grades, as these stones have marginal evidence of diamond colour that can only be noticed by an expert eye. The diamond colour range is exhibited below:

CLARITY

Diamond clarity refers to the measure of perfection in a stone. The majority of diamonds have slight impurities, labelled as “inclusions”, but they can vary in visibility to the naked eye.

The Clarity of a diamond is determined by the occurrence, extent and positioning of the inclusions as they may impact the path of light through the diamond. As expected, the clearer the diamonds are, the more valuable they become. Their appearance is tracked through the clarity scale shown below.

CERTIFICATION

Diamond certificates are available for nearly all diamonds, and provide a confirmation on the stone’s technical characteristics, value and identity.

There are a variety of laboratories that provide certifications for diamonds. The most widely acknowledged certification laboratories consist of:

• The GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
  The GIA is an independent, non-profit organisation, whose grading method has become the standard for the international gem and jewellery industry.

• HRD (Diamond High Council – Hoge Raad voor Diamant)
  The HRD, or Diamond High Council, is a non-profit organisation representing the Belgian diamond industry and trade. Its certificates are valued globally as a guarantee of authenticity.

• IGI (International Gemmological Institute)
  Established in Antwerp with a network of labs in a number of different countries. IGI has developed into the largest independent gem certification institute, with a reputation for reliability and integrity.

ETHICAL DIAMONDS

Riari J’Dorn Diamonds ensure that all our diamond suppliers are carefully assessed to ensure compliance with The Diamond Trading Standards. We take every possible step to avoid diamonds of unclear provenance, and can guarantee that all our diamonds are conflict free.