Marilyn Monroe’s breathy “Diamonds are a girl”s best friend’ certainly captured the feeling women have towards these dazzling stones, and with the rise of hip hop and bling everywhere you look, it seems that men have got in on the act too. Diamonds are lusted after, desired and admired. It’s now that question-popping time begins with the diamond industry expecting lots of nervous men looking for the ultimate gem to propose to their beloved.

First thing to know – the four Cs

There are four factors that are considered when a diamond is valued.

Carat – this is the word meaning the weight of the diamond, and is measured in points. Carat doesn’t determine the value alone but it is an important consideration.

Cut – the shape, angles and proportion of the stone. The cut will give rise to the fire and brilliance of the stone, and can make a substantial difference in how it sparkles.

Colour – diamonds come in a range of colours. White is the colour most sought after, but with the colour range going from D to Z, diamonds towards the end of the spectrum that are yellow are in demand too.

Clarity – a graded scale that determines what flaws a diamond has. The amount and size of the inclusions (flaws) determine value too.

How diamonds get their shine

The reason a diamond sparkles so is due to the way light enters it. This explains why the cut of the stone is so important. What is more, a diamond that is expertly cut can look a third bigger than a diamond which has been poorly cut.

There is a highly evolved science to cutting diamonds, but experts agree that when consumers are buying diamonds they must buy what they think is beautiful. Technically a diamond may have a brilliant cut but if it is not beautiful to you, then look for something else. One of the best pieces of advice comes from a diamond expert who has been in the industry for many years and he says that beauty is something you see, not something you measure.

Buying a diamond

Aside from the four Cs, when buying a diamond it should come with a certificate. The diamond certificate is a report put together by a qualified gemologist with information on the stone’s dimensions, cut, clarity, carat, colour, finish and symmetry.

There are also three laboratories that are much respected in diamond circles for being labs that are most consistent in their diamond grading. These are GIA, AGS and HRD laboratories.

Diamonds will hold their allure forever and with these factors in mind, it will be easier for you to choose your piece of perfection!