Searching for the right diamond can be a complex and confusing process. With so many factors to consider, including cut, clarity, carat weight, and color, it can be difficult to know where to start.
That's why we've created the Ralph Jacobs Diamond Guide - to help you navigate the process and select the best diamond for your needs.
Our guide covers all the key factors and provides you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Whether you're looking for a diamond for an engagement ring, a special occasion, or just because, our guide will assist you in finding the perfect diamond that meets your standards and budget.
At Ralph Jacobs, we understand that finding the right diamond can be a challenge, especially when you're working within a budget. That's why we've carefully selected a few diamonds that we believe offer the best value for your money.
These diamonds are rated as Very Good Cut, Faint Colour, and Very Slightly Included, ensuring that they meet high standards while still being affordable.
You can view our list of our pre-selected diamonds, where you'll find detailed information on each one, including carat weight, dimensions, and price.
We believe that this list represents the best options for those looking for a high-quality diamond at a budget-friendly price, and we're confident that you'll find the perfect diamond for your needs.
It's important to note that a diamond's cut grade plays a crucial role in determining its overall appearance and value.
Shop Natural DiamondsDiamond Cut refers to the quality of a diamond's facets, symmetry, and reflective qualities. This factor is critical in determining a diamond's overall brilliance and beauty. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) sets the standard for grading diamond cuts and uses a scale that ranges from Excellent to Poor. To determine the cut grade, the GIA assesses the diamond's proportions, symmetry, and the quality of its polish, taking into consideration how well these elements interact with light to create a beautiful and sparkling appearance. In short, the better the cut, the more radiant and stunning the diamond will appear.
"Excellent" Cut: A diamond with an Excellent Cut grade has exceptional proportions and symmetry, allowing light to enter and reflect beautifully from within the stone, resulting in maximum brilliance and fire.
"Very Good" Cut: A diamond with a Very Good Cut grade still has excellent proportions and symmetry, but with slightly less brilliance and fire compared to an Excellent Cut diamond.
"Good" Cut: Diamonds with a Good Cut grade have proportions that allow for good light reflection, but may not have the same level of brilliance and fire as those with a Very Good or Excellent Cut grade.
"Fair" Cut: A diamond with a Fair Cut grade has proportions that result in a lower level of light reflection and less brilliance, making it appear less sparkling.
"Poor" Cut: A diamond with a Poor Cut grade has poor proportions, symmetry, and/or polish, leading to a lackluster appearance with little to no sparkle.
It's important to note that the human eye can detect color differences between diamonds only when they are compared side-by-side. So, while a diamond's color grade is an important factor, it may not necessarily be noticeable to the average person.
Shop Natural DiamondsDiamond Color refers to the natural hue or absence of hue in a diamond, and is evaluated using the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) color scale. The GIA color scale ranges from "D" (colorless) to "Z" (light yellow or brown). The closer a diamond is to "D" on the scale, the more rare and valuable it is considered to be. To determine a diamond's color grade, the GIA compares it to a set of master stones under controlled lighting and viewing conditions. The diamond's hue, tone, and saturation are evaluated, and any yellow or brown body color is noted. The grade is assigned based on the least detectable hue to the naked eye.
"Colorless" (Grade D, E, F): A diamond that is considered "Colorless" has little to no body color, appearing white and transparent to the naked eye. These diamonds are the rarest and most valuable, as they allow the most light to pass through and create the maximum sparkle.
A diamond with a "Near Colorless" grade has a slight hint of color, but it is not easily noticeable to the naked eye. These diamonds still have a high level of clarity and are considered to be a great value.
"Faint" (Grade K, L, M): Diamonds with a "Faint" color grade have a more noticeable yellow or brown hue. While still considered to be in the acceptable color range, they may not have the same level of brilliance and sparkle as those with a higher color grade.
"Very Light" (Grade N, O, P, Q, R): A diamond with a "Very Light" color grade has a more pronounced yellow or brown hue, and may appear to have a yellowish tint to the naked eye.
"Light" (Grade S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z): Diamonds with a "Light" color grade have a noticeable yellow or brown body color, and may appear yellowish to the naked eye. These diamonds are the least valuable, as their body color detracts from their overall sparkle and brilliance.
It's important to keep in mind that a diamond's clarity grade is only one factor to consider when choosing a diamond. In some cases, a diamond with a lower clarity grade may have fewer and smaller inclusions that are not noticeable to the naked eye, making it a more appealing option for some people. Conversely, a diamond with a higher clarity grade may have larger and more noticeable inclusions, affecting its overall appearance.
Shop Natural DiamondsDiamond Clarity refers to the presence of natural inclusions and blemishes within a diamond, and is evaluated using the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) clarity scale. The GIA clarity scale ranges from "Flawless" (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to "Included" (inclusions and blemishes that are visible to the naked eye). To determine a diamond's clarity grade, the GIA examines the diamond under 10x magnification and takes note of any inclusions (internal characteristics) or blemishes (external characteristics) present. The size, number, position, nature, and relief of these characteristics are then used to assign a clarity grade.
"Flawless" (FL): A diamond with a "Flawless" grade has no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. These diamonds are extremely rare and highly valued, as their high clarity allows the most light to pass through and create the maximum sparkle.
"Internally Flawless" (IF): A diamond with an "Internally Flawless" grade has no inclusions visible under 10x magnification, but may have some surface blemishes. These diamonds are still highly prized, as their clarity allows for a high level of brilliance and sparkle.
"Very, Very Slightly Included" (VVS1 and VVS2): Diamonds with a "Very, Very Slightly Included" grade have inclusions that are difficult to see even under 10x magnification. These diamonds have a high level of clarity, and are considered to be of exceptional quality.
"Very Slightly Included" (VS1 and VS2): Diamonds with a "Very Slightly Included" grade have inclusions that are visible under 10x magnification, but not easily noticeable to the naked eye. These diamonds have a good level of clarity and are a great value for their price.
"Slightly Included" (SI1 and SI2): Diamonds with a "Slightly Included" grade have inclusions that are noticeable to the naked eye, although they may not be easily noticeable. These diamonds are still considered to be of good quality, but may have a slightly lower level of sparkle than diamonds with a higher clarity grade.
"Included" (I1, I2, and I3): Diamonds with an "Included" grade have inclusions and blemishes that are easily noticeable to the naked eye. These diamonds are the least valuable, as their inclusions and blemishes detract from their overall appearance and reduce their level of sparkle.
The carat of a diamond is the standard unit used to measure its weight. It is often the most noticeable characteristic when comparing diamonds.
Shop Natural DiamondsDiamond carat weight is the measure of a diamond's size, used to quantify how much a diamond weighs. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams, or 0.2 grams. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the standard used to determine a diamond's carat weight. The carat weight of a diamond is one of the most visually apparent factors when comparing diamonds. The higher the carat weight, the larger the diamond, and the more valuable it is likely to be. However, carat weight is just one of the Four Cs that determine a diamond's value, and a diamond with a higher carat weight may not necessarily be more beautiful than a diamond with a lower carat weight. The other factors, such as cut, color, and clarity, also play an important role in determining a diamond's overall appearance and value.
When choosing a diamond shape, it is important to consider both your personal style preferences and the diamond's cut, color, and clarity, as these factors can impact the diamond's overall appearance and value. Whether you prefer a classic round shape or a more unique, fancy shaped diamond, the shape you choose will be a reflection of your individual taste and style.
Shop Natural DiamondsDiamond shape refers to the external geometric appearance of a diamond. The shape of a diamond can greatly impact its overall appearance, and there are many shapes to choose from, including round, princess, emerald, pear, marquise, oval, cushion, and more. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a standard used to determine the shape of a diamond. The GIA is an internationally recognized authority on diamonds and gemstones, and their standards are widely accepted in the industry. The GIA determines the shape of a diamond by examining its external geometry, ensuring that it conforms to the specific shape criteria established for each shape.
Round Brilliant: The round brilliant is the most popular diamond shape, known for its classic, timeless beauty and exceptional sparkle. This shape features 57 or 58 facets and a circular outline, making it an ideal choice for those who want a diamond that maximizes light reflection and brilliance.
Oval: The oval shape is similar to the round brilliant, but features a more elongated outline, giving it a modern, elegant look. This shape is characterized by its soft curves and stunning brilliance, and is a popular choice for those who want a diamond that is both classic and contemporary.
Cushion: The cushion shape is a combination of a square and a round shape, and features rounded corners and a soft outline. This shape is known for its classic, timeless beauty and its ability to maximize light reflection, making it a popular choice for those who want a diamond with exceptional brilliance and sparkle.
Princess: The princess shape is a square or rectangular shape that is versatile and popular for its modern look. Princess diamonds are known for their sharp edges, making them a great choice for those who want a diamond with a contemporary edge.
Emerald: The emerald shape is a rectangular shape with cut corners, creating a look that is both classic and modern. This shape is characterized by its elongated lines and step-cut facets, which allow for a more subtle display of the diamond's brilliance.
Pear: The pear shape is a combination of a round and marquise shape, and features a rounded head and a pointed tail. This shape is both elegant and unique, and is a popular choice for those who want a diamond with a distinctive look.
Marquise: The marquise shape is a football-shaped diamond with pointed ends. This shape is known for its elegant and elongated appearance, and is a popular choice for those who want a diamond that makes a statement.
Diamonds have been treasured for their beauty and durability for centuries. While natural diamonds are formed in the Earth's mantle over billions of years, lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory using advanced technology. They both have the same chemical and physical properties, but lab-grown diamonds are typically less expensive and more sustainable than their natural counterparts. Moissanite, on the other hand, is a lab created and also used as a diamond alternative. It has a similar appearance to diamonds and is often less expensive, but it is not as durable and has a slightly different color and refractive index. When choosing a diamond or a diamond alternative, it's important to consider your personal preferences and budget, as well as the benefits and differences of each option.
A: Natural diamonds are a type of carbon mineral that are naturally occurring and formed in the Earth's mantle over millions of years. They are prized for their exceptional hardness, brilliance, and sparkling luster, and are widely used in jewelry, industrial tools, and other applications. Natural diamonds are found in volcanic pipes and kimberlite deposits and are extracted through mining.
A: Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds that are manufactured in a laboratory setting, rather than being naturally formed in the Earth's mantle. They are created using either High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods, which mimic the natural process of diamond formation. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically similar to natural diamonds and are often used in jewelry, industrial applications, and for scientific purposes. They are typically cheaper than natural diamonds and can be produced in large quantities.
A: Moissanite is a type of artificial crystal that is similar in appearance to diamond and is often used as a diamond simulant in jewelry. It is made using a process called chemical vapor deposition, which involves depositing a thin layer of silicon carbide onto a substrate. Moissanite is known for its brilliance, fire, and durability, and is often used as a cost-effective alternative to diamond. Unlike diamonds, moissanite is not as hard, but it is still a popular choice for those who want the look of diamond without the high cost.
A: When it comes to diamond ratings, the four C's - cut, clarity, color, and carat weight - are the most important factors to consider. A good diamond rating will depend on your individual preferences and budget. However, in general, diamonds with higher cut, clarity, and color ratings will be more valuable and have a better appearance. Additionally, carat weight can also play a role in a diamond's value, but it is not necessarily an indicator of its overall quality. Ultimately, the best way to ensure you're getting a good diamond rating is to purchase from a reputable jeweler like Ralph Jacobs Jewellers, who can provide expert guidance and help you select a diamond that meets your specific needs and preferences.
A: Diamonds are graded based on the 4 C's: Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat Weight. Cut is the most important factor, as it determines the diamond's brilliance and fire. Clarity refers to the presence of internal and external imperfections, or "inclusions" and "blemishes." Color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (yellow or brown tint), with D being the most valuable. Finally, carat weight refers to the size of the diamond, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams.
In addition to these main grades, some diamonds may also receive a cut grade, which can range from "Excellent" to "Poor." This grade reflects the diamond's symmetry, proportions, and overall appearance. Some diamond grading labs, such as GIA and AGS, also offer a clarity grade called "Flawless" for diamonds with no internal or external blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
At Ralph Jacobs Jewellers, we offer a wide range of diamonds with various grades and certifications, so you can find the perfect diamond for your budget and preferences. Our knowledgeable staff can help you navigate the different grades and select a diamond that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
A: The 4 Cs of a diamond are Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat Weight. These four factors are used to determine the quality and value of a diamond.
Cut refers to the diamond's proportions, symmetry, and finish, which impact its brilliance and overall appearance. A well-cut diamond will reflect light beautifully and sparkle from every angle.
Clarity refers to the presence of internal and external imperfections, or "inclusions" and "blemishes." These can affect a diamond's transparency and brilliance, and are graded on a scale from "Flawless" to "Included."
Color refers to the presence of any tint or hue in a diamond, ranging from colorless to yellow or brown. The most valuable diamonds are colorless or near-colorless.
Carat weight refers to the size of the diamond, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams. However, a diamond's value is not solely determined by its size, as the other three Cs can greatly impact its worth.
At Ralph Jacobs Jewellers, we offer a wide selection of diamonds with various cuts, clarities, colors, and carat weights. Our experienced staff can help you understand the 4 Cs and select a diamond that meets your preferences and budget.
A: Diamond certification is a process by which an independent gemological laboratory evaluates a diamond and issues a grading report that verifies its authenticity and quality. The certification process examines the diamond's 4 Cs - cut, clarity, color, and carat weight - and provides an objective analysis of the stone's characteristics.
The most well-known and respected diamond certification organizations are the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gem Society (AGS), and the International Gemological Institute (IGI). These labs use strict grading standards and state-of-the-art equipment to evaluate diamonds and provide an accurate and reliable assessment of their quality.
Having a certified diamond is important because it assures the buyer that they are getting a genuine and accurately graded stone. Additionally, the certification provides valuable information that can help buyers make an informed decision when purchasing a diamond.
At Ralph Jacobs Jewellers, we only sell certified diamonds from reputable grading labs, so our customers can have confidence in the quality and authenticity of their purchase. Our expert staff can help you understand the certification process and select a diamond that meets your specific needs and budget.
A: Buying a certified diamond provides assurance that you are getting a genuine and accurately graded stone. Certified diamonds have been evaluated and graded by an independent gemological laboratory using strict grading standards and state-of-the-art equipment. This ensures that the diamond's quality is accurately reflected in its grading report.
There are several benefits to buying a certified diamond. First, it assures you that the diamond is natural and not a synthetic or imitation stone. Second, the certification provides valuable information about the diamond's quality, including its 4 Cs - cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. This information can help you make an informed decision when purchasing a diamond and can also be useful for insurance purposes.
In addition, buying a certified diamond can also help protect you from fraud or misrepresentation. With a certification, you have an objective third-party evaluation of the diamond's quality, which can prevent you from paying more than the diamond is worth.
At Ralph Jacobs Jewellers, we only sell certified diamonds from reputable grading labs such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gem Society (AGS), and the International Gemological Institute (IGI). Our expert staff can help you understand the certification process and select a diamond that meets your specific needs and budget, ensuring that you are getting a high-quality and authentic diamond.
A: Yes, all of the diamonds sold by Ralph Jacobs Jewellers are certified by reputable gemological laboratories such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gem Society (AGS), and the International Gemological Institute (IGI). We understand the importance of buying a certified diamond, as it assures the buyer that they are getting a genuine and accurately graded stone.
Our certified diamonds come with grading reports that provide valuable information about the diamond's quality, including its 4 Cs - cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. This information can help our customers make informed decisions when purchasing a diamond and can also be useful for insurance purposes.
At Ralph Jacobs Jewellers, we are committed to providing our customers with high-quality diamonds that are ethically sourced and accurately graded. Our knowledgeable staff can help you navigate the certification process and select a diamond that meets your specific needs and budget. With our extensive selection of certified diamonds, you can be sure you are getting a genuine and high-quality diamond when you shop with us.
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