There are so many diamond shapes to choose from when shopping for an engagement ring. Shape describes a diamond’s basic outline when viewed face up (Round, Square, Oval, etc.).
Some diamonds, most commonly square or rectangular shapes, are step cut. Emerald cut and Asscher cut diamonds are examples. The step cut has concentric rows of facets on the crown and pavilion for a more elegant look. However, not all square or rectangular diamonds are step cut; many are brilliant cut, like the Radiant, Pear, Oval and Princess cut diamond.
All diamond shapes other than Round are called fancy shapes.
We mainly advertise the followings most popular shapes of the diamonds on our website.
Diamond carat weight measures how much a diamond weighs.
A metric “carat” is defined as 200 milligrams. Each carat is subdivided into 100 ‘points.’ This allows very precise measurements to the hundredth decimal place.
The diamond colour evaluation of most gem-quality diamonds is based on the absence of colour. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of pure water, and consequently, a higher value. GIA’s D-to-Z diamond colour-grading system measures the degree of colourlessness by comparing a stone under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions to master stones of established colour value.
Many of these diamond colour distinctions are so subtle that they are invisible to the untrained eye; however, these distinctions make a very big difference in diamond quality and price.
Diamond Clarity Refers to the Absence of Inclusions and Blemishes
Natural diamonds are the result of carbon exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth. This process can result in a variety of internal characteristics called ‘inclusions’ and external characteristics called ‘blemishes.’
Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics, as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone. While no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes, the higher its value.
The GIA Diamond Clarity Scale has 6 categories, some of which are divided, for a total of 11 specific grades.
Included (I1, I2, and I3) Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification which may affect transparency and brilliance
Cut mainly refers to the sparkle, brilliance and light reflection within the diamond. All the diamonds have different light reflection depends how well cut the diamond is. We, at Nova Diamonds ONLY offer two of the best Diamond cut grades by GIA, EXCELLENT and VERY GOOD, because we believe in giving our customers the best possible well-cut diamonds.
Polish is graded on a scale from Excellent to Poor based on the presence and visibility of polish features at 10x magnification. We, at Nova Diamonds ONLY offer two of the best Diamond Polish grades by GIA, EXCELLENT and VERY GOOD, because we believe in giving our customers the best possible sparkling diamonds.
Symmetry is evaluated on a scale from Excellent to Poor dependent on the nearness and perceivability of balance deviations at 10x magnifications. We, at Nova Diamonds ONLY offer two of the best Diamond Symmetry grades by GIA, EXCELLENT and VERY GOOD, since we have confidence in giving our clients the most ideal shining precious diamonds. Followings are the GIA Symmetry gradings:
What is diamond fluorescence?
Diamond fluorescence, in its most simple form, is the effect that ultraviolet (UV) light has on a diamond. When you stand under a blue light or ultraviolet light, sometimes you can see your whites get brighter or your teeth appear to glow. This is the same effect the diamond has under the UV rays. Fluorescence is the visible light that a diamond emits when it is exposed to the UV rays.
On a GIA Diamond Grading Report, fluorescence refers to the strength, or intensity, of the diamond’s reaction to long-wave UV, which is an essential component of daylight. The light emitted lasts as long as the diamond is exposed to the ultraviolet source.
Is fluorescence common?
Yes. Of the diamonds submitted to GIA over the past decade, approximately 25% to 35% exhibit some degree of fluorescence. However, only 10% of those show strengths of fluorescence that may affect appearance (i.e., strengths noted on laboratory reports as medium, strong, or very strong).
In more than 95% of the diamonds that exhibit fluorescence, the visible colour is blue. As blue is the complementary colour to yellow, the most common tinted colour in diamonds, blue fluorescence can make yellowish diamonds look white or colourless. In rare instances, the reaction to fluorescence is yellow, white or another colour.
What impact does fluorescence have on the appearance of a diamond?
GIA studies show that for the overwhelming majority of diamonds, the strength of fluorescence has no widely noticeable effect on appearance. In the GIA Fluorescence Study, it was found that the average person could not make a distinction between a diamond with fluorescence and a diamond without.
In many instances, observers prefer the appearance of diamonds that have medium to strong fluorescence. In rare cases, some diamonds with extremely strong fluorescence may appear hazy or oily; fewer than 0.2% of the fluorescent diamonds submitted to GIA exhibit this effect.
Does fluorescence compromise the structural integrity of the diamond?
No. A diamond that fluoresces has the same integrity as one with no reaction to UV. Submicroscopic substitutions and/or shifts in the diamond structure can cause fluorescence or can prevent it. Nothing in either instance inherently weakens or is bad for the diamond.
Should I buy a diamond that exhibits fluorescence?
The preference to buy a diamond that exhibits fluorescence is a personal one, as a diamond’s appearance must be taken as a whole. Other factors can influence colour appearance more strongly than fluorescence, such as how the diamond has been cut, whether the diamond is viewed in natural or artificial light, and even what you’re wearing on any given day.
All prices are inclusive of VAT.
Our diamonds and jewellery experts available for any help you may need. Please get in touch with us using any of these following.