Diamonds are forever

Is there a special someone in your life?

Poets, singers and lyricists have all described and waxed lyrically about the beauty, joy and pain of love.

You've finally met the person of your dreams and you just can't wait to show them how much you love them. There is no better way of doing this than with diamonds.

Diamonds, the magical gem

Diamonds. The mere mention of the word fills the mind with a multitude of concepts and images. Diamond is a mineral, a natural crystalline substance, the transparent form of pure carbon. Diamond is something superb, the peerless "king of gems" that glitters, dazzles, and symbolizes purity and strength. Diamond is for engagement and the 75th wedding anniversary, for a commitment to never-ending love. Diamond is indomitable, the hardest surface known. Diamond is exotic, formed in Earth's interior and shot to the surface by extraordinary volcanoes. A diamond is likely the oldest thing you will ever own, probably 3 billion years in age, fully two thirds the age of the Earth. Diamond is a strategic and high-tech supermaterial for our technological society. Diamond is a shape. This exhibition presents the fascinating story of the nature of diamonds.

Diamonds are a girls best friend

Diamonds, so they say, are a girl's best friend and a diamond ring is certainly the first choice for thousands of young lovers every year.

This gorgeous jewel is reputed to bring peace and serenity to the wearer and it also signifies constancy, fidelity and innocence. Diamonds are also reckoned to be the appropriate token or gift between estranged lovers … so if you had a bit of a bust-up with your boy friend you might hint that a diamond could well help mend your broken heart.

Diamond jewellary comes in many shapes and sizes. Regardless of your loved ones tastes a diamond will always go down well. Whether it's a diamond ring, diamond necklace or diamond earings it will be a treasured and memorable gift.

Understanding your diamonds: The four C's

Diamond Cut

The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions. Of the 4C's, the cut is the aspect most directly influenced by man. The other three are dictated by nature.

Quite often the cut of a diamond is confused with its shape. Diamonds are cut into various shapes depending upon the original form of the uncut diamond, which is referred to as "rough." Whatever the shape, a well-cut diamond is better able to reflect light.

A diamond's ability to reflect light determines its display of fire and brilliance. Diamonds are usually cut with 58 facets, or separate flat surfaces. These facets follow a mathematical formula and are placed at precise angles in relation to each other. This relationship is designed to maximize the amount of light reflected through the diamond and to increase its beauty.

Diamond Colour

The best colour is no colour. Diamonds allow light to be reflected and dispersed as a rainbow of color. This light dispersion, or color flash, has no effect on the technical grading of color. The absolute finest colorless stone carries a D rating, descending through each letter of the alphabet to Z, designating a diamond of light yellow, brown, or gray. We recommend selecting a diamond with a color grade of K or better.

Diamond Clarity

Almost all diamonds contain very tiny natural birthmarks known as inclusions. To determine a diamond's clarity, an expert views it under 10 power magnification. In addition to internal inclusions, surface irregularities are referred to as blemishes. These two categories of imperfections-inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external)-make up clarity.

The fewer the imperfections, the rarer and more valuable the diamond. Many inclusions are not discernable to the naked eye and require magnification to become apparent. A laboratory-certified clarity rating of SI2 represents the point at which inclusions are technically not apparent to the average naked eye.

Contrary to popular belief, higher clarity does not always mean more beautiful. If the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, a higher clarity does not really improve the appearance of a diamond but rather the rarity and price. A higher clarity is more desirable and valuable, but knowing that you have selected the right clarity for the right reasons is most important. We recommend a clarity of SI2 or better.

Diamond Carat Weight

Most people compare carat weight to size. The larger the diamond the more it weighs. The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats. The word carat originated from the carob tree or Ceratonia siliqua. The tiny seeds of this tree are well known for their uniformity and consistent weight. Traditionally diamonds and gemstones were weighed against these seeds until the system was standardized, and one carat was fixed at 0.2 grams. One carat is divided into 100 points. A diamond weighing one quarter of a carat can also be described as weighing 25 points or 0.25 carats. Points are generally not used to describe weights over one carat.

Whatever its size or quality diamonds make a truely lasting memory and a wonderful gift for your loved one that they will treasure for ever.

Good Gift Guide Recommendation : 5/5