that weighs 0.25 carats as a ‘twenty-five pointer.’ Diamond weights greater than one carat is expressed in carats and decimals. A 1.08 carat stone would be described as ‘one point oh eight carats.’ The Rapaport Diamond Report is a weekly diamond price list, published by Martin Rapaport, CEO of Rapaport Group of New York, for different diamond cuts, clarity and weights. It is currently considered the de-facto retail price baseline. We trade diamonds at negotiated discounts off the Rapaport price.The price per carat does not increase linearly with increasing size. Instead, there are sharp jumps around milestone carat weights, as demand is much higher for diamonds weighing just more than a milestone than for those weighing just less. As an example, a 0.95 carats (190 mg) diamond may have a significantly lower price per carat than a comparable 1.05 carats (210 mg) diamond, because of differences in demand.

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The 4C’s CARAT

Diamond carat weight is the measurement of how much a diamond weighs. A metric “carat” is defined as 200 milligrams.Each carat can be subdivided into 100 ‘points.’ This allows very precise measurements to the hundredth decimal place. A jeweller may describe the weight of a diamond below one carat by its ‘points’ alone. For instance, the jeweller may refer to a diamond

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COLOUR

GIA’s diamond D-to-Z colour-grading scale is the industry’s most widely accepted grading system. The scale begins with the letter D, representing colourless, and continues, with increasing presence of colour, to the letter Z.The diamond colour evaluation of most gem-quality diamonds is based on the absence of colour. GIA’s D-to-Z diamond colour-grading system measures the degree of colourlessness by comparing a stone under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions to master stones of established colour value.D-E-F are the “colourless” grades and the most prized.G-H-I-J are “near colourless”. K-L-M diamonds have a faint yellow tint.The difference in each letter grade is very subtle however many of these distinctions make a big difference in diamond quality and price.

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CLARITY

Diamond clarity refers to the absence of inclusions and blemishes. Most inclusions present in gem-quality diamonds do not affect the diamonds’ performance or structural integrity. When set in jewellery, it may also be possible to hide certain inclusion behind mounting hardware such as prongs in a way that renders the defect invisible. However, large clouds can affect a diamond’s ability to transmit and scatter light.Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics, as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone. While no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes, the higher its value

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CUT

Diamonds are renowned for their ability to transmit light and sparkle so intensely. We often think of a diamond’s cut as shape (round, emerald, pear), but a diamond’s cut grade is really about how well a diamond’s facets interact with light.There are mathematical guidelines for the angles and length ratios at which the diamond is supposed to be cut in order to reflect the maximum amount of light. Round brilliant diamonds, the most common, are guided by these specific guidelines, though fancy cut stones are not able to be as accurately guided by mathematical specifics.Precise artistry and workmanship are required to fashion a stone so its proportions, symmetry, and polish deliver the magnificent return of light only possible in a diamond

Before you go engagement ring shopping, it’s important to know the basics of ring cuts and shapes. From princess to emerald, find out the little details that make each ring cut unique.

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MARQUISE CUTThe marquise is an oval with pointed ends. It can make the hand look longer and

slimmer but also the diamond looks larger than it actually is.

CUSHION CUTThe cushion cut is a cross between a rectangle and an oval; it has a pillow shape,

first becoming popular in the 18th century it is also sometimes called an “antique cut.”

OVAL CUTEssentially an elongated circle, this shape first came about in the early 1960’s and

was a fresh take on the gorgeous sparkle of a round brilliant cut diamond.

EMERALD CUTAn emerald cut (originally developed for the gem of the same name) is rectangular

with cropped corners and long, stair-step-like facets.

ASSCHER CUTAn asscher is similar to an emerald cut, but square, so it looks octagonal (the

radiant is a popular variation of these but with facets that give it even greater sparkle).

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PRINCESS CUTA relatively new but very popular diamond cut, the princess cut is a brilliant square

stone.

ROUND CUTOne of the most popular cuts for an engagement ring, the round or brilliant cut is

also a classic diamond shape. A round stone with 58 facets, it has the most sparkle.

RADIANT CUTTrue to it’s name, a radiant cut diamond catches the light in a big way. Designed to

have the best qualities of both round brilliant and emerald cut diamonds.

HEART CUTA century old shape the heart-shaped diamond resembles its name, so the diamond

is in the shape of a love heart.

PEAR CUTAlso known as a teardrop, pear-cut diamond also resembles its name. An added

bonus to the pear shape is that if you wear it with the point facing away from your body, it makes your finger look long and slender.

Ring Trend 1: Rose GoldThis kind-to-the-skin ultra-feminine shade is making a big comeback. it also gives a vintage appeal to even the most modern settings.

Ring Trend 2: Floral AccentsEverything’s coming up roses..... or daisies or any other flower you can think of! Details like vines or buds on the band of the ring give a touch of romance to this sparkler.

The solitaire is a classic, but fashions change all the time.Here’s a look at the hottest new looks in engagement ring style.

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Ring Trend 3: East-West SettingsThis unusual setting is being worn by some big stars right now and starting something of a craze. This way of setting particularly oval, marquise or emerald cut stones also makes them look larger!

Ring Trend 4: Colourful Diamond Engagement RingsFor a those who have an individual style, a coloured engagement ring is a good bet. The Duchess of Cambridge’s sapphire ring (also worn of course by Princess Diana before her) shows that even the most classic minded of women can wear this trend.Try a ruby, emerald or a yellow or pink fancy diamond if your taste goes beyond Royal blue.

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Ring Trend 5: Double-Halo SettingsThe halo setting has been popular for a while now, but what’s better than one halo? The addition of a second tier of sparkle means this ring is sure to turn heads!

Ring Trend 6: Mixed-Metal Engagement RingsIf you can’t choose between yellow gold, rose gold or platinum? Or if you often wear jewellery in both white and yellow gold, this is a modern way to ensure your ring works with whatever else you wear.

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Ring Trend 7: Art Deco AppealBlame Baz Luhrman, but since The Great Gatsby and the style of the roaring 20’s was brought back to the silver screeen in glorious technicolour, echoes of flapper chic are to be found in every facet of bridal style and Art Deco jewellery design is definitely having a big moment.

Ring Trend 8: One Ring to Rule them AllIf you’re the type of woman who prefers a no-fuss approach, a combo engagement/wedding ring is a great idea. Look for a wider band with perhaps a main diamond and accent diamonds on the sides, but the possibilities are endless. They don’t have to be this ornate, or they can be even fancier.

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