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4 C's of Diamonds?
At Oro De Rey we think you should consider:
The 6 C's of Diamonds
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Cut,
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Clarity,
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Colour,
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Carat,
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Country of Origin,
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Confidence in your Jeweller
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Cut
When we speak of cut we are more interested in the proportions of the diamond as opposed to its shape (Round Brilliant, Marquise, Pear, Princess, etc.) Every diamond regardless of its shape gets it brilliancy and scintillation by cutting and polishing the diamond facets to allow the maximum amount of light that enters through its top to be reflected and dispersed back through its top as shown above in the "ideal cut". As you can see if the angles are correct the light that enters is dispersed properly back through the diamond's top facets. When a stone is cut too deep or too deep the light that enters through the top is allowed to escape through the diamond's bottom and does not allow the maximum beauty of the diamond to be realized.
Clarity
The clarity of a diamond is determined by the amount and location of flaws, or blemishes, in the diamond when viewed under 10 power (10x) magnification. GIA rates clarity grades in diamonds from Flawless to Imperfect 3 (see chart below).
Most diamonds contain very tiny birthmarks known as "inclusions." An inclusion can interfere with the light passing through the diamond. The fewer the inclusions, the more beautiful the diamond will be.
Diamonds have the capability of producing more brilliance than any other gemstone. A diamond that is free of inclusions and surface blemishes is very rare...and therefore very valuable.
| F |
Flawless |
Free from all inclusions or blemishes. |
| IF |
Internally Flawless |
No inclusions visible at 10x magnification. |
| VVS1 |
Very Very Slightly Included #1 |
Inclusions that are extremely difficult to locate at 10x. |
| VVS2 |
Very Very Slightly Included #2 |
Inclusions that are very difficult to locate at 10x. |
| VS1 |
Very Slightly Included #1 |
Minor inclusions that are difficult to locate at 10x. |
| VS2 |
Very Slightly Included #2 |
Minor inclusions that are somewhat difficult to locate at 10x. |
| SI1 |
Slightly Included #1 |
Noticeable inclusions that are easy to locate at 10x. |
| SI2 |
Slightly Included #2 |
Noticeable inclusion that are very easy to locate at 10x. |
| I1 |
Included #1 |
Obvious inclusions. Somewhat easy to locate with the unaided eye. |
| I2 |
Included #2 |
Obvious inclusions. Easy to locate with the unaided eye. |
| I3 |
Included #3 |
Obvious inclusions. Very easy to locate with the unaided eye. |
Colour
Diamonds come naturally in every colour of the rainbow. However most people are concerned with diamonds in the white range. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) rates the body colour in white diamonds from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow).
The best colour for a diamond is no colour at all. A totally colourless diamond allows light to pass through it easily, resulting in the light being dispersed as the colour of the rainbow. Colours are graded totally colourless to light yellow. The differences from one grade to the other are very subtle and it takes a trained eye and years of experience to colour grade a diamond.
Carat
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 This is the weight of a diamond measured in carats. As the carat weight of a diamond increases so does its rarity and therefore its price.
One carat is divided into 100 "points," so that a diamond of 75 points weighs .75 carats. The carat-weight of a diamond is the easiest measurement to determine. Most importantly, two diamonds can be of equal carat-weight, but their value can differ greatly due to their cut, colour, and clarity.
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Country of Origin - Canadian Diamond Industry
Canada's diamond industry has now become an industry worth more than $2.0 billion with all indicators pointing to potential for future growth. Canadian diamond production in 2003 was about 11.6 million carats and in 2004 was 12.6 million carats. As of 2004, Canada was producing 16% of the world's diamonds.
Canada's diamond industry is part of a minerals and metals industry that is one of the world's largest producers and exporters. This highly productive and technologically advanced industry provides a source of stable, high income for northern, remote and Aboriginal communities.
The Kimberley Process was initiated by South Africa in May 2000 to develop an international certification scheme for rough diamonds in order to help prevent conflict diamonds from entering legitimate markets. Conflict diamonds originate in areas controlled by rebel groups and are often used to fund military action that targets governments.
Canada has been a leader in the process to control the conflict diamond trade. It has supported the United Nations in this initiative and, in June 2002, in Kananaskis, Alberta, this country and other G8 leaders pledged support for an international effort. Canada has now passed legislation to control the import, export and transit of rough diamonds in Canada. By participating in the Kimberley Process, Canada is doing its part to halt the devastating impact that trade in conflict diamonds is having on peace, security and sustainable development in affected countries.
Oro De Rey is proud to support the Canadian Diamond industry and works exclusively with suppliers who respect the Kimberley Process.
Confidence in your Jeweller
Gary King and Oro de Rey have over 25 years experience in the design, manufacturing and service of all types of jewellery. Our professional goldsmiths are "true crafts persons" when it comes to ensuring all of our jewellery has been designed and manufactured to the highest standards.
Working closely with numerous diamond companies provides us with a broad selection of the best quality for the best price.
We are very proud to represent the Canadian diamond industry. Your jewellery will be appraised by reputable, experienced gemologists.
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