Diamonds.co.nz Blog

All diamonds are graded for Clarity; this is another component that makes up the 4C’s which determines each diamonds value (price). Clarity is a diamonds freedom from clarity characteristics, which are classified in two parts –Inclusions and Blemishes.

Inclusions are enclosed within a diamond, or they extend into the diamond from its surface. Blemishes are confined to the diamonds surface. Inclusions generally have more influence on a diamonds clarity grade than blemishes.

The clarity characteristics found in a diamond make it unique. It is very unlikely that two diamonds would have the same clarity characteristics in exactly the same position.  

When grading diamonds, a clarity grading scale is used. The scale provides a universal method for describing a diamonds clarity. The scale consists of 11 clarity grades.

Diamonds form under tremendous heat and pressure; it is extremely rare to find a diamond that does not contain any internal and external clarity characteristics. Clarity characteristics are caused by the diamonds formation and help Gemologists separate natural diamonds from synthetics and simulants, and identify individual stones.

All diamonds are graded for colour which is one component of the 4C’s that helps determine a diamonds value (price). Diamonds that range from colourless to light yellow and light brown fall within the normal colour range, this is also called the D-to-Z scale. A diamond that shows yellow or brown colour beyond the D-to-Z scale is classified as a fancy-coloured diamond, as well as any other colour i.e. pink.

The scale begins with D (Colourless) and continues through the alphabet to Z (light yellow). When all other value factors are the same, meaning a diamond has the same clarity, cut, and carat weight. Colourless diamonds are the most valuable.

The levels of the colour scale are divided into colourless D-E-F, near colourless G-H-I-J, faint yellow K-L-M-N, very light yellow N-R, light yellow S-Z.

The difference between one colour grade and another on the D-to-Z scale can have a big impact on value (price).

When purchasing a diamond the colour is not the only factor you should consider. You need to be aware of the 4C’s and make your decision based on all four factors. Just because a diamond has a colour grade of D-E-F doesn’t mean it is a perfect diamond. You need to consider the clarity (clarity is a gemstones relative freedom from inclusions and blemishes), cut (cut refers to a diamonds proportions and the quality of its finish), as well as the colour before you make the decision that this is the diamond you would like to purchase.

These days there is a lot of emphasis put on the diamond report that usually accompanies a diamond. There are a large number of diamond grading laboratories operating around the world. Many are country specific diamond grading labs such as www.gemlab.co.nz in New Zealand or international laboratories operating in the major diamond trading centers around the world. The major international labs include the Gemolgical Institute of America - GIA, the Diamond High Council – HRD in Antwerp and the International Gemological Instute – IGI which is actually the largest diamond grading laboratory in the world.

Diamonds listed by www.diamonds.co.nz above 0.50ct come with one of the above diamond grading reports. We purchase our diamonds from new production and then get them graded at these laboratories. Many diamond merchants and online diamond jewellery retailers promote for sale diamonds already with a diamond grading report. Therefore, we have our opinions on the grade of the diamond and if we do not agree with an international diamond grading report we will state our grading on our listing.

Our advice to consumers is to get an independent diamond grading report from a local diamond laboratory before purchasing any diamond with an international diamond grading report. This will give you piece of mind that you have verified that the diamond is the diamond that should be accompanying the report.

At the end of the day you are buying a diamond and not paper, so you should always pay a lot more attention to  the diamond and not the diamond grading report as this can be verified locally. This is why you should always view a diamond first before purchasing and not buy a diamond that you cannot view personally.

Welcome to our blog where in the future we will be discussing all things related to diamond, diamonds, diamond grading including diamond clarity, diamond colour, diamond weight,diamond reports, diamond treatments, conflict diamonds, diamond rings, engagement rings, synthetic diamonds and polished diamonds.

We are diamond merchants operating since 1984 and travel regularly to the diamond markets of the world including Antwerp, Mumbai and New York.

Diamonds are natural minerals and as such contain inclusions and other characteristics that make each diamond unique. We try and view all of our diamonds before purchase – we do not buy our diamonds over the internet or link back to virtual diamond stock that has multiple owners in multiple countries. This is very unprofessional but is happening much more frequently now in New Zealand.

Diamonds are only a part of jewellery and you need to have access to good jewellers to create your diamond ring, engagement ring, eternity ring or dress ring into a special piece to be treasured for generations.

Enjoy the future posts to the diamonds.co.nz blog.