In this set there is a gorgeous pendant with two brilliant-cut clear crystals that play with light in amazing ways. The matching set of pierced earrings also flaunt 2 brilliant-cut clear crystals. The set is an absolute classic. The earrings come as a pair.
Price: GBP 70.00
Be the star with this timeless rhodium-plated ball pendant on a chain. Gleam with the brilliance of clear crystal pavé that runs across the entire ball. Star-shaped cut-outs add a three-dimensional sparkle to this pendant that transforms your look.
Price: GBP 90.00
In this set there is a gorgeous pendant with two brilliant-cut clear crystals that play with light in amazing ways. The matching set of pierced earrings also flaunt 2 brilliant-cut clear crystals. The set is an absolute classic. The earrings come as a pair.
Price: GBP 70.00
So you’re a diamond lover. You’ve got countless pieces of jewelry studded with diamonds. You are one of those people who just can’t resist the glitter and brilliance that goes with a diamond. Then you learn about the existence blood diamonds. Your world is suddenly turned upside down.
That may be a satiric narrative but the subject is dead serious. Blood diamonds are used to fund wars and other brutal activities in certain parts of the world. Diamonds sold in this illicit trade promote violence and kill people; you want to make sure that your own non conflict diamonds. .
Many sectors emphasize the difference between “clean” diamonds, often called non conflict diamonds and blood diamonds”. Even the UN General Assembly was quick to point out that diamonds mined and sold legally help the economy and promote prosperity in certain parts of Africa. In a resolution made in December 2000, they were also emphatic in stating that the sale of blood diamondsonly brings about pain and suffering. That is why restrictions and standards have been put in place to differentiate non conflict diamonds from the blood diamonds.
Non Conflict Diamond Identification Tips
The practical question would then be: How do I know if a diamond is a blood diamond or a non conflict diamond? For all intents and purposes, the answer would really be: “There is no absolute way you can tell, especially if the diamond has already been polished.” Tough? Yes.
This is especially difficult if you want to know whether or not the diamond you already own is “tainted” or if it’s a non conflict diamond. However, there are still some precautionary measures which are in place and which you can take in order to avoid purchasing a blood diamond. For one, the international community has established a system wherein a “Certificate of Origin” is required. There are known areas from where blood diamonds originate. With these certificates, you can have a way of knowing the origin of the diamond. Of course, certificates can and have been forged. Stricter measures and even stricter implementation is needed in order for this system to work efficiently.
In addition to this system, some countries have set up their own measures in order to ensure that blood diamonds are not released in their markets. Amnesty International suggests asking four questions when you are out shopping for diamonds. First, ask the salespeople how you can be sure that what they are selling are non conflict diamonds. Second, ask them if they know where their diamonds come from. Third, ask for the company policy on purchasing diamonds. Fourth, ask if they can show you a written guarantee from their suppliers. Chances are that if they are unwilling to help you out with your questions, they might have something to hide. They might be unable to answer you simply because they themselves do not have assurances as to the nature of their goods. In such instances, Amnesty suggests that you go some place else.
These questions can help assure that you purchase only non conflict diamonds. However, unless everyone cooperates and there is international transparency, there are still chances that some blood diamonds may get through.
The cut of a diamond is the physical measurement and relative proportion of a polished diamond and is the most important characteristic in producing a diamond’s beauty. A single number does not define cut. Instead, it is a myriad of measurements, relative percentages, angles, finish, and performance of light within the diamond.
The brilliance and sparkle of a diamond is the result of the reflection and refraction of light within a diamond and is the cumulative effect of the many facets on the surface of the three-dimensional diamond shape. What makes judging cut difficult is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Different people perceive the beauty of a diamond differently in terms of what they perceive as beautiful.
In recent years, major diamond grading laboratories like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS) have established cut grades to help the consumer make better decisions for purchasing diamonds based on cut characteristics. However, the cut grading systems are different from each other and constantly changing. As a result, there is no single official cut grade but the current systems are a giant leap ahead of the past with no cut grades.
The quality of the cut is most visible in terms of how light performs in a diamond to produce Brightness, Fire, and Scintillation.
Brightness is the visual effect of all the internal and external reflections of white light. This brightness (also known as brilliance) results primarily from the angles of the facets and the relative size of the top facet called the table.
Fire is the visual effect of rainbow colored flashes of light caused by the separation of white light into various colors when the diamond acts as a prism.
Scintillation is the visual effect of sparkle and patterns of light and darkness. Sparkle is the points of light that flash as the diamond, the light source or the observer moves. The arrangement and contrast between the bright and dark areas is important to what the eye perceives as beautiful. An all-bright diamond or an all-dark diamond is less attractive than a diamond with a balanced, symmetrical and contrasting pattern of reflection.
Some of the more important diamond measurements influencing the cut grade are depth percentage, table percentage, crown angle, and pavilion angle. The initial cut grade research focused on round brilliant diamond shapes but the grading laboratories are slowly introducing cut grades for the fancy shapes like the princess, emerald, oval, radiant, cushion and others. Each diamond shape has its own set of cut parameters that produce the optimal light performance and beauty for that particular diamond shape.
If the cut of the diamond is the key to its beauty, why would anyone purchase a diamond without great cut? Probably the main reason is lack of knowledge by the consumer. Until recent years, it has been difficult for the consumer to assess the cut of the diamond because jewelers focused on color, clarity and carat weight. The jeweler used the bright lights in the showroom to mask the light performance of the diamond. As the diamond shopper becomes more aware of what constitutes cut and has access to the GIA or AGS cut grades on the diamond grading reports, they will be able to filter out the average and poor cut diamonds in their purchase decisions.
Sometimes budget is a factor in purchasing something less than the best cut. However, cut is typically a real bargain since there is little visual difference between the top echelons of diamond cut and the price difference between average and exceptional cut is often minimal. Perhaps the real cost of getting better cut in a diamond, is the time and effort to learn about cut and to find a retailer who can provide diamonds with exceptional cut at reasonable prices.
Once a diamond shopper has determined what shape of diamond they want to purchase, they need to research what cut parameters contribute to desirable appearance. Some diamond shoppers fall into a trap of narrowly defining their acceptable range for every diamond measurement, not realizing that the beauty of the diamond results from the interrelationships of all the facets. Simply picking the middle of the range for each parameter can lead to a mediocre result. The cut grades are an attempt to rate how a combination of factors work together in the diamond.
Regardless of the cut grade systems today or in the future, only the diamond shopper can determine what is most appealing to their eye. Cut is critical to the beauty of the diamond so making the best diamond purchase decision means understanding the importance of cut and finding that special diamond that is beautiful to behold.
Diamond simulant are gemstones that resemble natural diamonds but in reality are not natural diamonds. These simulants may be natural or man made. The craze and demand for diamond jewelry has resulted in the high number of diamond simulants floating in the market today. But even as people try and pass off diamond simulants as diamonds, the beauty, brilliance, light reflection property, sparkle and luster of the natural diamond will always remain unmatched.There is nothing wrong in buying, selling and trading diamond simulants. In fact there is a significant market for these simulants since many jewelers use them in fashion jewelry to showcase their designs and also sell them to clients and customers who cannot afford the exorbitantly priced diamonds. The reason why the diamond simulants are priced less is due to the fact that they are almost always readily available. This is sometimes due to abundant availability of the diamond simulant gemstones rough or the fact that they are factory produced in bulk. Using diamond simulants in jewelry can help in catering to a larger clientele since natural diamonds cannot be purcahsed by all the people.If you are in the diamond industry there is only one way in which you can avoid being swindled or misled ever. The answer to this is simply – awareness and knowledge. Since the diamond simulant market exists on its own, there is every possibility that they make their way into the diamond market. The losses that one can incur can be very high if one ends up buying a diamond simulant assuming it to be a natural diamond. In fact, you can get into bigger trouble if you buy a diamond simulant assuming it to be a natural diamond and sell it to another customer.Another concern with diamonds is that many so-called-diamonds are locked up in family heirlooms. These come in the market at some point during which the owner refuses to accept that fact that the piece that he has is not a diamond. For some reason it is assumed that a piece that has been in the family for a long time should be an expensive diamond.The only way to aviod getting trapped by intentional and unintentional fraud is by being aware of the various diamond simulants, knowing to identify a natural diamond and by remaining alert all the time.Be extra cautious while buying diamonds! Make sure that your defenses are alert all the time. Con artists and swindlers have their own strategies of diverting your attention so that certain specific checks that you may otherwise done are left out. Keeping your alertness levels at the peak is extremely important since a small lapse can cause a major problem. This is not to state that most people who visit your store are not legitimate. In fact most are. But then the losses that accrue due to the inefficiencies of a few people can undo the profits and revenues gained from the others.During a specific sale or purchase of a diamond do not get swayed by the smooth talk of the con artist. In case the diamonds are being sent to you in a packet or parcel, make sure that you open and check them in front of the seller. When buying in larger numbers, diamond simulants can be hidden in rough diamonds or finished diamonds. Look for the luster variation, facet edges and differences in thermal reaction.It is obvious to state that dealing in diamond simulants can actually put you in a position of strength (as long as you are aware of what you are buying) because it positions you as an expert. The larger customers that you can attract with your relatively low cost designer jewelry can get you clients that buy higher value items later as well.
The world’s most famous diamonds are its largest diamonds. At staggering weights up to thousands of carats, these diamonds have been cut, re-shaped and sold many times, contributing to their rich, interesting histories. Despite diamond’s natural, clear brilliance, some of these stones have a dark side.
Diamonds are beautiful jewels and are used in many types of jewelry from diamond necklaces to diamond rings to diamond watches. They are becoming more and more popular with both men and women due to the fact that they do not have to be too flashy. Both men and women continually look for new ways to use diamonds. Diamonds are not a rarity by any means. They are very easy to find and purchase.
The diamond watch is becoming more and more popular. They have become less expensive. It is also easier for consumers to find diamond watches. Diamond watches are something that both men and women can wear. The diamond watches are made in many sizes, shapes and styles. The prices of diamond watches vary just about as much as the styles do.
There are diamond watches that can be worn by women out on the track. These diamond watches are a way of showing that women can wear the diamond watches even when they are active. This type of diamond watch functions just like any other sport watch, but it has the diamonds and looks a bit nicer than the typical sport watch.
Women still wear the classic style of diamond watch. This type of diamond watch is typically worn for a nice evening out on the town. Some of the popular brands that make the classic style of diamond watch include Rolex, Seiko, Citizen, Omega, Bulova, and Cartier.
Men are sporting diamond watches more and more. The diamond watch for men is distinguished and beautiful at the same time. Many of the same dealers that make women’s’ diamond watches also make men’s diamond watches. So men’s diamond watches are just as readily available as women’s diamond watches. The dealers do not make men’s diamond watches to look the same as women’s diamond watches, though. The men’s diamond watch is larger and more masculine looking. They look more powerful looking than a woman’s diamond watch.
When purchasing a diamond watch it is important to know what you are getting. You want to know the quality of the diamonds in the diamond watch you are purchasing. Price and quality do not always match when it comes to diamond watches. Purchasing a more expensive diamond watch does not necessarily mean that you are purchasing high quality diamonds. Instead of looking at the price of diamond watches, be sure to purchase your diamond watch through a reputable dealer.
Whether you are a man or a woman you can find a diamond watch to fit your personality and lifestyle. A diamond watch is sure to be in style as long as man continues to exist. Diamond watches step a wardrobe up a notch from ho hum to ooh nice. It does not matter how much money you make, you can find a diamond watch from a reputable dealer that will fit into your budget. Go out and shop for your diamond watch. Watch and see for your self how a diamond watch can enhance your wardrobe step up the excitement in your life.
A diamond engagement ring laid with a large diamond can catch people’s attention and make its wearer proud. However, large diamonds are costly. So you go for a ring studded with tiny diamonds. Do you know that it is possible to make these tiny diamonds look like a large diamond?
If you don’t, read the following tips. You might then be able to show off a diamond engagement ring set with an impressive “large” diamond.
Before we get into these tips, let us first sound a warning against a common practice. Sometimes diamond buyers go for diamonds with a shallow cut. These are diamonds that have not been cut deep enough to give them brilliance. Diamonds get their brilliance from their light reflecting characteristic.
Light hitting shallow-cut diamonds go out their back, instead getting reflected back. The result would be a loss of brilliance, even though the diamond might look bigger. Saving cost by going for shallow-cut diamonds might thus not be the best decision.
So how do you make tiny diamonds look like a big diamond?
Select Fancy Shaped Diamonds
The typical choice involves round shaped diamonds. If you select instead diamonds shaped in elongated shapes like oval or pear, diamonds of the same weight will look larger. There is also the possibility to make your diamond engagement ring look more impressive by tasteful selection of the shape.
Go for a Pave Setting
A pe setting consists of several diamonds set closely together. Small beads of setting metal hold these diamonds in place and make them look like a single diamond – a single ‘large’ diamond. The problem with the pave option is that the intricate metalwork involved can cost more than the difference in cost between a large diamond and several tiny diamonds. You might it less expensive to go for a large diamond.
Consider and Illusion Setting
An illusion setting creates an illusion of a larger and more brilliant diamond by first mounting the diamond on a mirror-like plate before setting it on the ring. Mirrors can create quite effective illusions, as you might have noticed in some shops which seem stocked with double the merchandise. Downside: Illusion set diamond rings are difficult and expensive to repair. And you don’t want your diamond engagement ring in disrepair!
Ask for a Bezel Setting
A bezel setting covers the entire (or part of the) diamond and even the rim at its top, holding it securely. A bezel using white gold or platinum will blend with the diamond and can make it look larger. A gold bezel can, on the other hand, can throw a yellowish tint back onto the diamond, creating a strange effect.
One major plus point for bezel setting it that it can cover any chipping on the diamond. Bezel setting is also ideal for people who follow an active lifestyle, as it protects the diamond from damage.
An Engagement Ring with Side Diamonds
This is an option to add more pizzazz to your ring, rather than make the diamond look larger. Small diamonds are set on either side of a focal, larger diamond. The central stone won’t look larger, but the whole arrangement could create a greater impression.
Explore the Options for Your Diamond Engagement Ring
Your engagement ring has great sentimental value. Do try to make it an impressive showpiece. After all, you have decided to go for a diamond engagement ring. Let the diamond come out really impressive.
What is the diamond shape
Many buyers often confuse between the diamond cut and shape of a diamond. The cut of a diamond refers to the number of facets and angles of a diamond. The shape of a diamond however refers to the geometrical form of a diamond, after it has been cut and polished. Here is a list of the popular shapes available in the market and how buyers can choose from them.
Round diamonds
These are by far the most popular and expensive, and not without reason. Round brilliant have the maximum fire and brilliance. They also give flexibility for balancing the grades of color, cut and clarity. Finally, these can be put into diverse settings quite easily. These diamonds have fifty eight facets (including the culet). Highest brilliance can be obtained by choosing round diamonds of ideal or very good grades of cut. The ideal proportions are achieved in round brilliants only, by maintaining proportions.
Round Brilliant Diamond
Emerald shaped diamonds
As the name implies, this shape was more popular for emeralds before it was used on diamonds. Thus stones here are basically rectangular in shape while the pavilion is cut with rectangular facets. Corners are cropped for added effect. Step cuts that resemble stairs, in the stone give it a special optical appearance of flashes of light. The large and open table of the emerald shape especially highlights the clarity of the stone. While opting for an emerald shaped diamond it is therefore important to choose a stone with high clarity and few inclusions. Location of the inclusions on the stone are also of importance and buyers must take care that the inclusions are not present near the table where they are easily visible. Price wise this shape is more economical as compared to the expensive round or princess diamonds.
Emerald Shape Diamond
Princess shaped diamonds
Besides the round diamonds, the princess shape is the next more popular and preferred shape, especially for engagement rings. The shape is highly popular for its property to bring out the best brilliance in a square cut diamond. This is a typically square or rectangular shaped diamond that comes with pointed corners and many sparkling facets. This cut is relatively new as compared to other shapes and looks quite flattering on long and slender fingers. While buying a princess shaped diamond, it is important to consider the length to width ratio of the stone. While a length to width ratio between 1 to 1.05 is suitable for square shaped princess diamonds, buyers may prefer a length to width ratio greater that 1.10 if looking for more rectangular princess diamonds. Also this cut requires more depth as compared to other cuts and thus a depth percentage of 70% or more is taken.
Princess Shape Diamond
Oval shaped diamonds
Oval shaped diamonds are quite popular in the market too and are well known for their flattering effect of length on short fingers. This shape is noted to have been created and introduced by Lazare Kaplan way back in the 1960s. Usually noted to have 56 facets, the weight of such diamonds is estimated by measuring the length and width of the stone. A ratio of 1.33 to 1.66 provides a good traditional range of oval shaped diamonds. While choosing an oval diamond ensure that it has ‘shape appeal’. Watch out for uneven shoulders or high shoulders or a bow-tie effect that can be visible to the naked eye. Also choose a good setting either in the east-west or north-south direction so that the diamond has high appeal.
Oval Shape Diamond
Marquise diamonds
This is an elongated diamond with both ends pointed. These diamonds are known to have taken their name from the famous smile of Marquise de Pompadour. It is renowned for its property to give a bigger looking diamond. Diamonds with this shape usually have 56 facets. The ideal length to width ratios while opting for marquise diamonds fall within 1.75 and 2.25. Buyers must look out for shape appeal and for a bow tie effect that is often visible in poorly shaped Marquise diamonds.
Marquise Shape Diamond
Pear shaped diamonds
This is also known as the teardrop shape owing to its resemblance and is considered as a hybrid between the marquise cut and the round brilliant diamond. The stone has one end rounded while the other end is pointed. Buyers can opt between varying length and width ratios for the ideal looking pear shaped diamond. Length to width ratios between 1.45 and 1.75 are suitable. Buyers should be careful while choosing stones and must look out for a bow-tie effect visible to the naked eye.
Pear Shaped Diamond
Cushion shaped diamonds
The cushion shaped diamonds are also known as pillow cut or candlelight diamonds, owing to the number of years for which this shape has had popularity. Those were ancient times, when stones were viewed in candlelight rather than artificial light. They have round corners and larger sized facets that enhance the brilliance of the stone. While this shape is not as fiery and brilliant as princess shaped diamonds, it lends a certain elegance to diamonds and is thus adopted by many. The cushion shape more or less resembles a hybrid between the old mine cut and the modern oval shape. As in other square stones, one can opt for cushion shaped diamonds that are square or rectangular. Finally, opt for cushion shape only if you plan to invest in diamonds over one carat.
Cushion Shape Diamond
Radiant diamonds
Radiant diamonds come with trimmed corners that gives this diamond its special shape. The shape can be both rectangular and square and buyers should consider the length to width ratio of the stone while opting. Usually the shape has seventy facets and more weight is directed into the depth of the stone for giving a high brilliance. A ratio of 1 to 1.05 gives a more square looking shape while a ratio over 1.10 gives a more rectangular looking diamond.
Radiant Brilliant
Heart diamonds
Heart diamonds are a symbol of love and are opted for by many. The diamond is typically a pear shaped diamond with the rounded end comprising of a cleft. Much skill goes into giving the perfect heart shaped diamond to dance with brilliance. It is thus advisable that before buying heart shaped diamonds, maximum attention be given to the cut and the highest grade of diamond cut be selected for purchase. Length to width ratios between 0.90 and 1.10 are advisable, but do be sure about the kind of heart shape you require, elongated and slim or short and broad.
Heart Shape
Asscher shape
The asscher shape resemble emerald cut diamonds with the exception that the diamond is square instead of rectangular. As compared to an emerald shape, this shape usually has a higher brilliance, smaller table and a deeper pavilion. Also the stone has bigger step facets. The shape highlights the clarity of the diamond and it is important to take a diamond with minimal inclusions, especially at the table, while opting for this shape. While you can opt for any carat weight in the asscher shape, you will get an amazing range even under one carat size. Look for shape appeal before purchasing the stone without using a loupe.
Asscher Cut
Trilliant shape
This special shape first designed in Amsterdam, gives a diamond the look of brilliant dancing fire. The stone basically has a triangular shape with pointed or rounded edges. There are usually twenty five facets on the crown and nineteen facets on the pavilion. The girdle is polished.
Trilliant Shape Diamond
What buyers must look for
Keeping the following aspects in mind will assist diamond buyers greatly while choosing a good diamond.
Usage: While all diamonds look beautiful, the right selection of shape can prove extremely beautiful. Thus while a woman with a small hand may prefer a princess shaped diamond or a round one, long fingers are better accentuated by a marquise shape or oval shaped diamond. Finally an elongated pear shaped diamond can make fingers appear slimmer and slender.
Appeal: Shape appeal is another important factor that buyers must consider. Look for a stone that appeals well to the unaided eye. This can be checked through considering the girdle of the stone. Also look for the bow tie effect that can be quite prominent in certain stones.
Size of diamond: While the carat weight determines the size of a diamond, a difference in shape can also make the size of the diamond look different. Thus a one carat emerald shaped diamond with less depth and more surface area can appear bigger as compared to a two carat round brilliant stone. The marquise shape is another option that can make a low carat diamond appear much bigger.
Clarity: Certain shapes like the Asscher and emerald shapes tend to highlight the clarity of the diamond. Thus if buyers are opting for stones of grade SI, it is important to check where the inclusions are present.
Setting of the stone: Finally the right setting of the diamond can accentuate its shape and appearance on wearing. Small round diamonds on either side of a marquise finger ring, can make fingers appear longer. Also in princess and emerald shaped diamonds, buyers must check that the setting protects the four corners, which can otherwise chip easily. Four pronged settings are thus advisable for such shapes.
Besides the above, diamonds take on various other shapes that are a hybrid of the above. Most of these shapes take form owing to the creativity of the cutter and the original shape of the diamond from which the shape is inspired, for retaining maximum carat weight and brilliance. While the shape you buy is finally your individual preference, opt for the right diamond with great care.
Perfect Diamonds is a boutique located in the heart of Melbourne, specializing in the sale of diamonds and diamond jewellery.Not only do we offer magnificent products, but also with our combined experiences we at Perfect Diamonds, take pride in over 25 years of specializing in diamond manufacturing and the “art of diamonds”.
Importance of Diamonds :
This style of cut has probably experienced the longest and most intensive history of development; it began as long ago as the first century B.C. and only in the 20th century did it mature in the form of a round brilliant cut. Most of the beauty of a cut diamond is in its amazing optical properties, particularly in the way it bends light, and its play of color. The round brilliant displays these properties in the cut state where all of the factors blend in optical harmony with one another to create the highest degree of brilliance.
Perfect Diamond’s diamond manufacturing facility, is staffed by the finest diamond cutters and craftsmen in the world. These artisans dedicate themselves to the total process of manufacturing, from rough diamonds to the highly polished diamonds.This type of dedication ensures that you receive the highest quality diamonds designed to suit your individual needs. Perfect Diamond’s inventory is stocked with the current and traditional styles, ranging in all colors and clarity’s to make sure you find that special something for the one you love. All stock is certified with a certificate from the worlds leading gemological laboratories guaranteeing you peace of mind. For insurance policies, we also provide to you valuations.
Once you have found your perfect diamond, we will then help you to create the perfect design for the setting of your choice.We, at Perfect Diamonds, will be with you through the entire process, to make sure that you have the exact jewellery that you want. Rest assured, that you will receive personal, professional and attentive service at all times.
In additional to offering fantastic and high quality diamonds at an unbeatable price, we also offer our customers the following services for peace of mind:
* Valuations
* Free Designs
* Cleaning and Polishing
* Valuations for insurance purposes
* Certificate of Authenticity
* Price savings
* Free gift box and packaging
As well as accepting Australian orders, we also welcome international orders.