The Most Beautiful

Gemstone on Earth

Unveiling the Brilliance of Diamonds

A beginners guide to some general information about diamonds to empower you to make informed choices that will forever enhance your love for diamonds.

How Do Diamonds Form?

Traditionally, diamonds formed in nature, but recent advancements in technology now allow diamonds of gem quality to be grown in a lab. The main difference between the two types of diamonds is how they are formed. Both lab-grown and natural diamonds possess the same chemical and physical properties, resulting in stunning gems that captivate with their beauty and durability.

A closeup of a rough cut diamond held between two fingers
Scattered diamonds on a table with a loupe and tweezers
What is a Natural Diamond?

Natural diamonds are formed over hundreds of millions of years deep within the Earth's mantle under immense heat and pressure, and are one of the most durable and sought-after gemstones in the world. They have been treasured for their beauty, rarity, and symbolic significance for generations.

Two diamonds on a table with a tweezers
What is a Lab Grown Diamond?

Lab grown diamonds, are created in a laboratory environment using one of two advanced technological processes. Like a natural diamond, as long as they are precisely cut, they sparkle beautifully.

Why Are Diamonds Graded?

Diamond grading is the process of evaluating a diamond's unique characteristics, such as cut, color, clarity, and carat weight by an independent third party. It is a complex process that requires expertise and specialized tools, and it is performed by trained gemologists. The grading results have added a lot of transparency to the business by helping to determine the value of a diamond.

DISCOVER THE FOUR C's

Major Independent Organizations that Provide Diamond Certification

GIA

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a well-respected and globally recognized nonprofit organization that provides diamond grading and certification services based on rigorous standards and research-backed methods. They recently acquired the AGS lab and have incorporated their light performance report into some of their reports.

GCAL

Gem Certification and Assurance Lab (GCAL) is a diamond grading laboratory that utilizes advanced technology and a comprehensive grading system to provide accurate and reliable diamond certification services to consumers and the jewelry industry.

IGI

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is a leading independent gemological laboratory that offers diamond and jewelry grading and certification services, and is one of the major laboratory offering lab-grown diamond grades.

Two graphics, one showing two diamonds that are both graded SI1 but appear different and the other graphic showing two diamonds both graded an I color but displaying different colors
Do Diamonds with the Same Grade Always Appear the Same?

Even diamonds with the same grades, from the same lab can appear significantly different. Besides the varying in the 4Cs, a diamond's sparkle and fire are not measured on a certificate and should be inspected with the naked eye. 

We carefully inspect thousands of diamonds before selecting the gems we offer to our clients.

What is the Best Way to Buy A Diamond?

While certifications, photos and descriptions of diamonds are a great start, there is simply no substitute for seeing a diamond in person.

A diamond's appearance can vary widely depending on factors such as lighting, viewing angle, and the specific characteristics of the individual diamond.

By examining a diamond in person, a potential buyer can better assess its beauty, sparkle, and overall appeal based on your personal taste.

SCHEDULE A DIAMOND VIEWING