The Diamond Buying Guide
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.
Pre Selected Diamonds
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.
The 4'C of a Diamond
Diamond Cut
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.
Diamond Cut Grading
Diamond Shape
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.
Diamonds & Diamond Alternatives
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.
Q: What is Natural Diamonds?
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.
Q: What is Lab Grown Diamonds?
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.
Q: What is Moissanite?
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.
Diamond FAQs
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