A Guide to Choosing Natural Diamonds: Unveiling the Brilliance Within.

Diamonds, with their timeless allure and unrivaled beauty, have captivated hearts for centuries. As you embark on the journey to choose a natural diamond, understanding key factors is crucial in ensuring that your selection reflects both your style and investment value.

1. The 4 Cs - A Foundation of Brilliance:

• Cut: The cut of a diamond influences its sparkle and brilliance. Opt for an excellent or ideal cut to maximize light reflection, enhancing the overall appearance.

HRD grading system for the cut. It is recommended to have at least 1 or 2 in the excellent grade and not go lower than very good since these proporties give the diamond its infamous brilliance. The optimal proportions for a cut make sure that with the diamonds refractive index the most of the light will exit the stone on top towards the observer.

• Color: Diamonds range from colorless to light yellow. The less color, the more valuable. Choose a diamond with minimal color for a stunning, clear appearance. Unless you are opting for a fancy coloured diamond.

• Clarity: Clarity refers to the presence of internal or external imperfections. Seek diamonds with fewer inclusions for a cleaner and more valuable gem. Also the position of an inclusion matters to the value of a diamond. If it is less visible, e.g. not in the center of the stone, or it is on the pavillion - bottom part of the stone, generally it should have a better clarity rating.

  It is also worthwhile to mention that inclusions in the VS or SI1 range are hardly visible to the naked eye. So depending on your desire you can buy a larger diamond with a few more inclusions.

• Carat Weight: Carat measures a diamond's size. Balance cut, color, and clarity with your desired carat weight to achieve the perfect combination.

  Take into account that a diamond’s carat weight has a non-linear relationship with its price. Because larger stones are rarer the price for double the weight of a diamond often exceeds a double in price.

GIA poster illustrating the 4 Cs.

2. Certification Matters:

• Always opt for diamonds certified by reputable gemological laboratories like GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or HRD (Hoge Raad Voor Diamant (Dutch) - Diamond High Council (English)). Certification ensures authenticity and provides a detailed analysis of the diamond's 4 Cs.

3. Shape and Style:

• Choose a diamond shape that resonates with your personal style. Classic round brilliants are timeless, while fancy shapes like princess or oval offer a distinctive flair. Consider the setting and metal choice to complement the diamond's shape.

4. Understanding Diamond Fluorescence:

• Fluorescence is the reaction of a diamond to (longwave) ultraviolet light. While some diamonds exhibit fluorescence, it's a matter of personal preference. Assess the diamond in various lighting conditions to ensure it meets your expectations.

  Diamond fluorescence, a topic of much debate in the industry, is often misunderstood, with many believing it imparts a hazy appearance to the gemstone. However, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) found this belief largely unfounded. Fluorescence, in fact, has negligible impact on a diamond's transparency, except in rare cases where the diamond already has a light-scattering defect. Importantly, these defects, not fluorescence, cause the perceived haziness. This misconception often leads to diamonds with strong fluorescence, particularly in the D to H color range, being undervalued, despite their color and transparency being mostly unaffected.
  
  Conversely, fluorescence can actually enhance the appearance of diamonds with faint yellowish color. Blue fluorescence can make these diamonds appear more colorless in UV light, a component of natural daylight, often resulting in a slightly higher price per carat for such stones. The perception of fluorescence is subjective and varies from person to person.

  Therefore, if you're considering a fluorescent diamond, it's advisable to view it under various lighting conditions and trust your own judgment. In the end, the beauty of a diamond is in the eye of the beholder.

5. Ethical Considerations:

• For those who prioritize ethical sourcing, inquire about the diamond's origin. Many jewelers offer conflict-free diamonds, ensuring your purchase aligns with ethical standards.

  The G7-countries have agreed to tighten their rules on Russian diamonds, leading to a complete ban on these diamonds. They will try to implement these measures during the year of 2024. However, at the time of writing it is not yet fully clear which proposal of several will be implemented.

6. Budget Conscious Choices:

• Set a budget before embarking on your diamond quest. Understanding the 4 Cs allows you to prioritize based on personal preferences while staying within your budget.

7. Consider the Setting:

• The setting enhances the diamond's beauty. Whether opting for a classic solitaire or a more intricate design, choose a setting that complements the diamond's characteristics.

8. Seek Expert Guidance:

• When in doubt, seek advice from a trusted jeweler or expert. An experienced professional can guide you through the selection process, helping you make an informed decision.

Choosing a natural diamond is a journey that goes beyond the visual appeal. It's about understanding the unique characteristics that make each diamond special. With these considerations in mind, you're equipped to embark on this exciting journey and choose a natural diamond that not only dazzles but also tells your unique story.