THE DIAMOND GUIDE

DIGGING DEEPER INTO DIAMONDS

 

Every diamond is a miracle, created deep within the earth over millions of years and behind each purchase, lies thousands of years of history and is now part of your future story. Diamonds are as unique as snowflakes, each one has its own special, individual characteristics and no two are ever the same.

FLUORESCENCE

 

All diamonds should sparkle, but did you know they can glow too?

 

The term ‘fluorescence’ refers to a diamond’s tendency to emit a soft glow when viewed with ultraviolet (black) light. This can cause them to emit a bluish light but on rare occasions, diamonds can glow white, yellow, green, or even red in colour.

 

Fluorescence is one indicator or grading variable for a diamond, but its presence does not necessarily affect how a diamond looks.

 

 

NORMAL

Diamond without UV lightDiamond without UV light

FAINT

Diamond with faint fluorescenceDiamond with faint fluorescence

MEDIUM

Diamond with medium fluorescenceDiamond with medium fluorescence

STRONG

Diamond with strong fluorescenceDiamond with strong fluorescence

VERY STRONG

Diamond with very strong fluorescenceDiamond with very strong fluorescence

 

A diamond's fluorescence ranges from none through faint to medium, strong and very strong. A diamond with a strong or very strong fluorescence can sometimes have a milky appearance, although this is exhibited by less than 2% of diamonds with a strong or very strong fluorescence grade.
 
If you would like to find out more, please contact our team.

ARE NATURAL DIAMONDS ETHICAL?

 

The Kimberley Process is a joint initiative between governments, diamond industry bodies and civil society, mandated by the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, to stem the flow of ‘Conflict Diamonds.’
 
The diamond industry goes above and beyond the Kimberley Process by committing to a range of self-regulatory measures that encompass people, the planet, and business ethics.
 
Find out more about Natural Diamonds >>

 

Uncut diamondsUncut diamonds

WHAT IS A CERTIFIED DIAMOND?

 

This is the process followed to grade a diamond; using evaluation and measuring techniques alongside equipment such as a jeweller’s loupe, a microscope and other industry tools to grade each diamond according to the 4Cs (the diamond grading standard created by GIA).
 
A completed certificate includes an opinion of the diamond’s dimensions, clarity, colour, polish, symmetry and other key characteristics.

 

Diamond in tweezers above a certificateDiamond in tweezers above a certificate

 

Unfortunately, certificates do not give the peace of mind you are made to believe as very often too much emphasis is placed on the colour and clarity rather than the cut, fluorescence and whether it has been infilled. Many believe that the certificate guarantees a good quality diamond – it does not.
 
It is important to know the provenance of a diamond and be able to view it unmounted so no nasty surprises can be disguised.
 
At Baker Brothers, our diamonds are certified by one of the World’s top four gem labs. Still, we prefer to supply you with a 10x jeweller’s loupe, show you how to use it and guide you through how to grade the diamond you’re choosing using the 4Cs, giving you the added bonus of a 5th C, Confidence!