Most diamonds that enter the market will be professionally assessed by four of their characteristics, known as the 'four Cs': carat weight, cut, clarity and color. These are the criteria by which diamond dealers and grading experts compare diamonds and assess their overall value, and are common terms on industry-standard diamond grading reports.

Commonly believed to represent a diamond's size, carat actually refers to the weight of a diamond. It owes its name to carob beans, which were once used to measure the weight of precious goods, given their seeds were believed to be of equal weight.

A diamond's 'brilliance' can be significantly maximised or weakened according to the way it is cut. Its proportion, symmetry and polish strongly influence how the diamond reflects light, which is what gives it its flashy sparkle.

While the extreme heat and pressure located deep below the earth's surface does a beautiful job of forming diamonds, such elements can also leave behind inclusions and blemishes within them. When diamonds are being professionally graded, gemmologists and experts look for natural markings, bruises or cracks that reduce their overall clarity or clearness. Usually, these imperfections cannot be seen with the naked eye and require magnifying equipment to detect.

When diamond experts and graders appraise the color of a diamond, they're actually looking for a lack of color or degree of transparency. The most valuable white diamonds contain no color at all and are composed purely of carbon. This is extremely rare, however, and most diamonds contain traces of nitrogen, which turn them a little yellow or brown, or other elements that may also affect their transparency. Fancy-coloured diamonds can be coloured blue, red, pink, green, orange, yellow, brown and black – or even multi-coloured in some cases – and these are a different class of diamond and not typically what we refer to when we assess color as one of the 'four Cs'.

Diamond cutting began in the 14^th century with around seven shapes, which have now evolved into 10 contemporary diamond styles that are internationally recognised as the industry standard. Each of the shape's unique characteristics influence the diamond's appearance, quality and overall feel.

The most important certification document you should ask for when purchasing a diamond is a diamond grading report. The established international organisations that examine and appraise diamonds to produce such reports are the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the European Gemological Laboratories (EGL USA and E.G.L. International), the International Gemological Institute (IGI), and the American Gem Society (AGS). Also commonly called diamond certificates, these comprehensive reports outline and evaluate a diamond's characteristics in its loose state (as opposed to within a jewellery setting). These include the 'four Cs' – carat size, cut, clarity and colour, as well as its measurements and additional aspects that contribute to its unique fingerprint, or 'diamond DNA'. A diamond sold without an official diamond grading report from the GIA, EGL USA, E.G.L. International, IGI, or AGS has not been formally verified, and should not be trusted or purchased.

Every diamond we sell is accompanied by a GIA, AGS or IGI authentic Diamond Grading Report, commonly referred to as a Diamond Certificate. These grading reports document the characteristics and qualities of a specific diamond. We offer an outline of each grading report and explain the terms and evaluations listed on a typical diamond certificate.

Diamonds are one of the strongest natural elements found on earth; however, they still need careful attention to ensure they don't crack, break, darken or even shatter. Like any physical object, diamonds may also collect dirt, dust and grease, and should be kept clean to maximise their beauty and sparkle.

People generally tend to follow the 'four Cs' of carat weight, cut, clarity and colour when researching diamonds to buy, but there are other features that can greatly affect a diamond's appearance and quality – some of which are considered when diamonds are professionally graded.

Nicknamed 'blood diamonds', conflict diamonds originate from countries embroiled in civil wars between militia groups and governments. Diamonds from these areas are often used to finance such rebellions, and the workers who mine them are commonly subjected to severe human rights violations. Conflict diamonds became an international issue in the early 1990s in Sierra Leone; however, their production and sale by rebel groups has also occurred in The Republic of Congo, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Liberia, and The Ivory Coast. As it is difficult to trace a diamond’s origin once it has entered the market, the identification and eradication of conflict diamonds continues to challenge the diamond industry.

Diamond rings have long been synonymous with romantic proposals due to their classic beauty, strength and rarity. However, the preciousness of diamonds and their brilliant shine has also made them a popular stone in other types of rings.

Few necklaces will go with any outfit as well as a diamond pendant, which tastefully and elegantly enhances the neckline with their subtle shine. While diamond pendants are designed in many classic and unique styles, they typically feature one or a series of diamonds hanging off a delicate chain made from precious metal.

Diamond bracelets are a classy accessory on girls and women alike, bringing beauty to any outfit with their versatility and eye-catching beauty. The most common designs are the diamond bangle bracelet and diamond tennis bracelet.