Diamonds
When selecting our diamonds, we not only pay attention to the 4 Cs, but also to another crucial factor: BEAUTY! All of our diamonds are individually selected and have gone through a pre-selection process of the highest standards.
We are the experts for diamonds!
When it comes to buying or selling diamonds, it can be advantageous to seek expert advice. We are trained GIA Graduate Gemologists, GIA Accredited Jewelry Professionals, and HRD Rough Diamond Experts, with extensive knowledge of diamonds, including their characteristics, quality, and value. Our diamonds meet the highest standards and each one is individually selected by us. Additionally, we are members of diamond exchanges in Antwerp and Los Angeles and even hold a position on the board of the Young Diamantaires. We go beyond the well-known 4 Cs in our diamond selection process.
What are the differences in daimonds
Diamonds come in many shapes and colors. Our goal is to select only the most beautiful diamonds for you.
All of our diamonds are personally inspected by us. We don’t just blindly rely on the data from an appraisal, but we also consider the fire and brilliance of the gemstone.
This can only be done by physically holding the diamond and is not possible with just a piece of paper.
What colors do diamonds have?
The color of a diamond is indicated on a color scale from D-Z, with the best rating being D. A diamond can exhibit various hues and colors. In general, the more colorless a diamond is, the more valuable it is. An exception to this are the “Fancy colored” diamonds, where an intense coloration is desired.
How to recognize the clarity of a diamond?
The clarity of a diamond indicates how many visible inclusions it has. Inclusions can be various things, such as small crystals, black dots (carbon residues), minimal cracks, and so on.
Not only the grade, but also the position of an inclusion is a key point and determines the brilliance of a diamond.
FL-IF “loupe clean”: No inclusions
A diamond that is described as “FL = flawless” or “IF = internally flawless” has no visible inclusions or impurities when viewed under 10x magnification. Together, “FL-IF loupe clean” means that the diamond has no visible impurities both externally and internally when viewed under 10x magnification. This is a very high level of clarity and therefore a quality characteristic.
VVS: very very small minor inclusions
VVS” stands for “Very Very Small Inclusions.” Diamonds that are labeled as “VVS” have very small inclusions that are very difficult to see under 10x magnification through a loupe. Overall, VVS diamonds are very high quality and have excellent clarity, making them a popular choice for high-end diamond jewelry
VS1 – VS2: very small inclusions
“VS1” and “VS2” stand for “Very Small Inclusions”. Diamonds that are graded as “VS” have very small inclusions that are visible at 10x magnification, but are typically difficult to see. The differentiation between VS1 and VS2 relates to the size, location, and number of inclusions, with VS2 inclusions being slightly more noticeable than those in VS1 diamonds.
Sl1 – Sl12: slightly included
“SI1” and “SI2” stand for “Slightly Included”. Diamonds classified as “SI” have inclusions that are easily visible under 10x magnification. SI1 diamonds have smaller and less noticeable inclusions than SI2 diamonds, whose inclusions are slightly larger and more visible. However, they still offer acceptable clarity. As long as the inclusions are not too noticeable, they do not necessarily affect the beauty or brilliance of the diamond. SI diamonds can be a good choice if you are looking for a good value for money and still want a high-quality diamond.
P1: Visible inclusions
“P1” stands for “Piqué 1”. Diamonds that are classified as P1 have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. These inclusions can affect the clarity and brilliance of the diamond. P1 diamonds can be an attractive option due to their lower price if the budget is limited and one still wants to purchase a diamond.
However, it is important to note that the inclusions of P1 diamonds are visible to the naked eye and should therefore be carefully examined when choosing a diamond.
P2 – P3: heavely included
“P2” and “P3” stand for “Piqué 2” and “Piqué 3”. Diamonds that are classified as P2 have inclusions that are easily visible to the naked eye, while diamonds in the P3 category have even more pronounced inclusions that can affect the diamond’s brilliance and beauty. P2 and P3 diamonds are therefore generally less valuable than diamonds with higher levels of clarity. These diamonds can still be an option if you have a smaller budget for your diamond purchase, but the inclusions will be clearly visible to the naked eye.
Carat size on your finger
The carat size of a diamond indicates the weight of the diamond, but not the actual size of the diamond. Since diamonds can be cut in various shapes, they can have different sizes and dimensions even if they have the same carat weight.
Of course, these are only approximate indications, since the size of a diamond also depends on its shape. For example, a round diamond can look larger than a diamond with a different cut with the same carat weight. Therefore, it is always best to view diamonds in person to get a better idea of their size.
What kind of cuts and quality are available?
In our opinion, the cut is the most important criterion, as it is the only way to witness such beauty.
We not only offer the well-known brilliant cut (with 57 facets) but also, for example, the beautiful and unique Royal Asscher Cut. This is a patented cut, the Royal Asscher Brilliant Cut, for example, has 74 facets, thus producing even deeper brilliance.
These unique diamonds also exist: Royal Asscher Cushion Cut and Royal Asscher Oval Cut. With the purchase of such a diamond, the highest quality, European craftsmanship, fair trade, and sustainability are always at the forefront.
Ideal Cut Diamond
An ideal diamond cut will reflect and refract light optimally, resulting in a beautiful sparkle and a high degree of brilliance.
An ideal diamond cut is achieved through a combination of angles, symmetry, and polish. The angle of the cut must be carefully calculated to allow light to enter the diamond and break into all the colors of the rainbow. Symmetry is also very important to ensure that light is reflected evenly and the diamond has a balanced appearance. Finally, the polish of the diamond must be flawless to allow light to pass through it without obstruction.
It is important to know, that most diamonds on the market might be graded “Excellent” but would never qualify for our “Ideal Cut” standards. Only we can gurantee that you will get a diamond of exceptional beauty.
A deep cut in diamonds is a cut in which the diamond is deeper and narrower. With a deep cut, more facets are applied to the diamond, which leads to a higher degree of brilliance and fire. A deep cut can help light penetrate the diamond, be reflected multiple times and finally emerge as a sparkling beam from the diamond. Diamonds with a deep cut can also create the impression of being larger than they actually are, which can be advantageous in designing jewelry. Another advantage of a deep cut is that the proportions of the diamond are often better balanced, which creates a harmonious appearance.
Too flat cut diamond
A flat cut in diamonds is a cut in which the diamond is flatter and wider. A flat cut can be applied to some diamonds to obtain more weight and lower the price, as less diamond is removed. However, a flat cut can have disadvantages for the beauty of the diamond. A flat diamond may have less brilliance and appear less sparkling than a deeper cut diamond. As light cannot penetrate and reflect as effectively in the diamond, a flat diamond may also have less fire and sparkle.
Too deep cut diamond
A too deep cut in diamonds is a cut in which the diamond is deeper and narrower. With a deep cut, more facets are applied to the diamond, which leads to a higher degree of brilliance and fire. A deep cut can help light penetrate the diamond, be reflected multiple times and finally emerge as a sparkling beam from the diamond. Diamonds with a deep cut can also create the impression of being larger than they actually are, which can be advantageous in designing jewelry. Another advantage of a deep cut is that the proportions of the diamond are often better balanced, which creates a harmonious appearance.
Different kind of cuts
There are several diamond cuts that differ in the number of facets and how they are arranged. The following are some of the most common diamond cuts:
The cut of a diamond has a significant impact on its beauty, brilliance, and value. The cut can distinguish a perfectly cut, high-quality diamond from a lower-quality diamond.
A good cut ensures that the diamond reflects and refracts light optimally, maximizing its brilliance, fire, and light dispersion. A perfectly cut diamond can appear more sparkling, brighter, and more eye-catching than a diamond with a poor cut.
Where do our diamonds come from?
It is important for us to ensure the traceability of the origin of our diamonds. As we personally select each individual diamond, we can ensure this. Our diamonds come only from sustainable and ethically correct sources. But what are sustainable diamonds? They are diamonds that are mined, cut, and traded in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Sustainable diamonds are typically sourced from mines that are operated in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. This includes, among other things:
- Protection of the environment
- Working conditions
- Transparency
- Social responsibility
You can read about what these sustainable mines look like and what factors are important in one of our blog posts.
Carat Weight
What kind of special diamonds are on the market?
- Fancy Colored Diamonds: Fancy diamonds are colored diamonds that are particularly sought after because of their rarity and beauty. They come in various colors, including pink, yellow, blue, green, and red.
- Black Diamonds: Black diamonds are rare and have an unusual and mysterious charisma. They are often used in jewelry pieces that are meant to create a dramatic effect.
- Rough Diamonds: Rough diamonds are uncut diamonds that are popular because of their natural beauty and uniqueness. They are often used as collectibles or as an alternative to traditionally cut diamonds.
- Diamonds with Exceptional Shapes: Diamonds with exceptional shapes (also called “Fancy Cut Diamonds”) such as heart shape, oval, cushion, and pear are especially popular due to their uniqueness and beauty.
- Large Diamonds: Diamonds that weigh several carats are rare and highly sought after because of their size and brilliance.
Every diamond is unique and has its own peculiarities and characteristics. However, some diamonds are particularly sought after due to their rarity or unique features.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds are both types of diamonds, but they have different origins.
Natural diamonds form over hundreds of millions of years in the Earth’s mantle under high pressure and heat. They are then brought to the Earth’s surface by volcanic activity or other geological processes.
Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are manufactured in a laboratory by applying high pressures and temperatures. This process can create the same crystalline structures as in natural diamonds. It’s often claimed that the process is controlled and does not bring about environmental pollution or exploitation of human labor. Therefore, lab-grown diamonds are often considered a more environmentally friendly and ethical alternative to natural diamonds, as they don’t require mining and thus have no negative impacts on the environment and local communities. They can often be offered at a cheaper price than natural diamonds. However, this is only partially true: Most lab-grown diamonds come from countries like China where the energy for their creation comes from coal power plants, which is not environmentally friendly. Moreover, in comparison to natural diamonds, there are no international agreements that, for example, diamond cutters are paid fairly. These agreements from the United Nations have been in place for natural diamonds for decades!
The exception are lab-grown diamonds available from us: We source these from the USA! These are made with solar energy and are also mostly cut there. Only in this way can one be sure that the lab-grown diamonds actually deliver what is promised.
However, there are still many customers who prefer natural diamonds, as they are seen as a symbol of eternity and immortality and have a long tradition. Value retention or increase plays a role, too. In the end it depends on the individual preferences and values of the customer, whether he or she decides for a natural diamond or a lab grown diamond.