DIAMOND JEWELLERY
Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat
Diamonds are renowned for their rarity and
captivating beauty. The purest element in existence; the name Diamond
derives from the Ancient Greek ‘adamas’ meaning ‘invincible’.
Just as each person is unique; as is every
diamond. Therefore, your perfect diamond is as rare and individual as
you are. Formulated deep in the earth’s core, Diamonds are solely
composed of Carbon. The crystallisation of Carbon occurs due to the
extreme heat and force beneath the ground. Diamonds are then brought
to the surface by a volcanic eruption; over three billion years after
their initial formation.
When considering diamonds for your piece, consider the 4C’s – Cut,
Colour, Clarity and Carat. Each is important and can dramatically
affect the final finished product.
Cut
The cut of a Diamond is the only property
which is totally dependent on the jeweller. Often confused with the
Diamond’s shape; the cut refers to the arrangement of the diamond’s
facets – its proportions, symmetry and finish.
Cut can either enhance or distract from the
stone’s natural brilliance. A beautiful cut will release the stone’s
radiance and enable light to dance around the stone. It will also
limit the imperfections visible in the stone and magnify its beauty.
All cuts are based on scientific formulas to
maximize the return of light from the diamond. Proportions and
angles influence the internal reflection of light as well as the
dispersion of light leaving the diamond. This determines the
brilliance and fire (brightness and sparkle) of the diamond, and
ultimately its perceived beauty.
Colour
Colour plays a major role in determining the
value of your diamond. A diamond’s ability to reflect light, its
rarity and beauty; are all reliant on the colour.
Each diamond is evaluated and awarded a colour
grade. The Diamond colour grade uses the alphabet to graph these
precious stones on a scale from colourless to light yellow. Most gem
quality diamonds fall within a range from “D” colourless to “Z”
light yellow. A ‘Grade D’ Diamond is completely colourless and is
the highest of all colour grades. ‘Grade D’ Diamonds are extremely
rare and are of the greatest value. Diamonds classed between ‘Grade
N to Z” are light yellow in colour and are readily available.
Clarity
Diamonds may have various inclusions or
imperfections. Scratches, traces of minerals and other
imperfections; do appear in the majority of diamonds to different
degrees. The purity of a diamond is a reflection of its clarity.
Only 1% of the world’s diamond can be classified as flawless.
When choosing your diamond it is imperative to
consider its clarity as diamonds with numerous inclusions may appear
dull and lifeless. As with the colour of your diamond; a system of
grading is available to determine the clarity of your stone. The
diamond clarity system uses numbers and letters to portray the
extent of flaws within each stone. The number and size of inclusions
or imperfections determines the clarity grading. Most imperfections
in gem quality diamonds are not visible to the naked eye. For this
reason clarity is graded under 10-x magnification.
Carat
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats.
It is the standard measurement for Diamond weight.
Diamonds are a natural stone and therefore the properties of these
precious gems cannot be controlled. In the mining process various
sized diamonds are discovered; smaller stones being found more
frequently than larger ones. Larger carat sizes are very rare and of
extremely high value.
One carat weighs two hundred milligrams (200mg) and is referred to
as one hundred points. Therefore, when purchasing your diamond;
¼ carat = 25 points ½ carat = 50 points
¾ carat = 75 points 1 carat = 100 points
COLOURED GEMSTONES
With enchanting vibrancy and
brilliance, Coloured Gemstones have long been cherished for their unique
beauty, durability and radiance.
Gemstones are minerals which have
been crystallised as a result of high temperature and pressures exerted by
elements that form the earth’s crust. Today, Coloured Gemstones are
gathered from all corners of the globe. New Gemstones have also been
discovered, such as Mandarin Garnet and Tanzanite, to add to the
traditional selection of Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire. There are more than
40 popular gem varieties and many rarer collector gemstones. The range of
Gemstone colour, size and shape is practically limitless and we would be
delighted to assist you in finding the Gemstone that best suits you.
Over the centuries, Coloured Gemstones have had
many meanings. Initially coveted as charms or amulets to ward off
evil;
Coloured Gemstones later became a status symbol, worn by the
very powerful and the very rich.
Just a few of the Gemstones we are able to
source for you include;
• Ruby
• Sapphire
• Emerald
• Topaz
• Aquamarine • Amethyst
• Peridot
• Citrine
• Garnet
• Mandarin Garnet • Rhodolite
• Lolite
• Tourmaline
• Tanzanite
OPAL JEWELLERY
Opals are one of nature’s most beautiful gems,
delighting the senses in a dazzling array of colours and patterns.
Many millions of years ago, cataclysmic changes within the earth
forged this unique, rare gem. Often referred to as Australia’s
National Gem, 95% of the world’s Opal supply is produced in Australia.
Opal colour variations are practically
limitless. Opal may be divided into the categories of black / dark,
light, boulder and matrix. The classification of black / dark and
light is determined by the body tone. i.e. the degree of darkness in
the background.
The
magnificent variety of black / dark opals is typically the most valued
as their chic engulfing appearance distinguishes them from Light Opal.
Numerous legends and tales surround this
colourful gemstone, which can be traced back to the early Greeks. The
early Greeks believed the opal bestowed powers of foresight and
prophecy upon its owner. To the Romans, it was considered to be a
token of hope and purity; while in Arabian folklore, it is said that
the stone fell from heaven in flashes of lightning. Opals have also
been set in the Crown jewels of France and Napoleon presented his
Empress Josephine a magnificent red opal containing brilliant red
flashes called “The Burning of Troy.”
