Learn Diamond Criteria and Shapes | Know How to Buy Diamonds

We know that buying a diamond can be an emotional experience. At Lux Jewels in Vancouver BC Canada we’ll make you feel comfortable by helping you learn how to make the right decision for yourself – a decision you’ll feel comfortable with for many years to come.

There's a lot more to buying a diamond than the four C’s: cut, clarity, colour and carat. Other criteria include ratios for the fancy diamonds, depth, table and several other issues most diamond stores don’t even mention. They simply don’t equip their clients to assess the advanced criteria for selecting diamonds.

At Lux Jewels we examine ALL of the diamond criteria to determine which diamond to select for your jewelry and we always use conflict free diamonds.

Selecting a Diamond | Know How to Buy Diamonds

When selecting a diamond for your jewelry you must first consider the type of piece it will adorn. Engagement ring, earrings and mille diamonds (very small diamonds) all have different key points to weigh when selecting criteria.

To know more about our preference and learn what factors are important in selecting a diamond for different types of jewelry visit our Diamond Preference Page.

GIA Certification | Know How to Buy Diamonds

Diamonds used in most Lux Jewels pieces are rated on the GIA scale. - Established in 1931, the Gemological Institute of America is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, coloured stones, and pearls.

To know more about our preference in certification visit our Diamond Preference Page.

Diamond Criteria | Know How to Buy Diamonds

Because diamonds are so valuable, it's essential to have a universal grading system for comparing diamond quality. In the 1940's and '50's, GIA developed the 4Cs and the GIA International Diamond Grading System™ to objectively compare and evaluate diamonds.

In selecting a diamond, the rarity, value and beauty are determined by four factors called the 4C's: Carat Weight, Colour, Clarity, and Cut (proportions & finish). Today, many consumers are aware of the 4C's. However, understanding how they determine value is important to discover what appeals to you in selecting a diamond and getting the most for your money.

Carat Weight | Diamond Criteria | Know How to Buy

Carat weight refers to the size of the diamond. Based on a standard unit of measure, one carat is divided into 100 points. The term originated from carob seeds that were used to balance scales in ancient times.

Colour | Diamond Criteria | Know How to Buy

The most desirable diamonds are colourless because the absence of colour enhances the diamond's ability to reflect a rainbow of colour. Diamonds are graded on a colour scale of D (white) to Z.

Clarity | Diamond Criteria | Know How to Buy

Diamonds can contain slight imperfections. Often invisible to the naked eye, these natural birthmarks fall into two categories - inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external). Fewer inclusions increase the value of the stone.

Cut | Diamond Criteria | Know How to Buy

Cut gives the diamond its brilliance. Of the four C's, it's the only one dependent on a human touch. Using precise mathematical formulas, the cutter can transform a diamond in the rough into a sparkling jewel that reflects and refracts light.

Diamond Shapes | Know How to Buy Diamonds

Most people who receive diamonds as a gift or for an engagement have a shape preference. While the purchaser should determine other factors such as price and quality, the choice of shape should include input from the recipient of the diamond, if at all possible. This is especially true for fancy shape engagement diamonds.

Round Diamonds | Diamond Shape

See a large image of a round diamond

This shape has set the standard for all other diamond shapes, and accounts for more than 75% of diamonds sold today. Its 58-facet cut, divided among its crown (top), girdle (widest part) and pavilion (base), is calibrated through a precise formula to achieve the maximum in fire and brilliance.

Oval Diamonds | Diamond Shape

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An even, perfectly symmetrical design popular among women with small hands or short fingers. Its elongated shape gives a flattering illusion of length to the hand.

Pear Shaped Diamonds | Diamond Shape

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A hybrid cut, combining the best of the oval and the marquise, it is shaped most like a sparkling teardrop. It also belongs to that category of diamond whose design most complements a hand with small or average-length fingers. It is particularly beautiful for pendants or earrings.

Marquise Diamonds | Diamond Shape

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An elongated shape with pointed ends inspired by the fetching smile of the Marquise de Pompadour and commissioned by the Sun King, France's Louis XIV, who wanted a diamond to match it. It is gorgeous when used as a solitaire or when enhanced by smaller diamonds.

Heart Shaped Diamonds | Diamond Shape

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This ultimate symbol of romance is essentially a pear-shaped diamond with a cleft at the top. The skill of the cutter determines the beauty of the cut. Look for a stone with an even shape and a well-defined outline.

Emerald Cut Diamonds | Diamond Shape

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This is a rectangular shape with cut corners. It is known as a step cut because its concentric broad, flat planes resemble stair steps. Since inclusions and inferior color are more pronounced in this particular cut, take pains to select a stone of superior clarity and color.

Princess Cut Diamonds | Diamond Shape

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This is a square or rectangular cut with numerous sparkling facets. It is a relatively new cut and often finds its way into solitaire engagement rings. Flattering to a hand with long fingers, it is often embellished with triangular stones at its sides. Because of its design, this cut requires more weight to be directed toward the diamond's depth in order to maximize brilliance. Depth percentages of 70% to 78% are not uncommon.

Trilliant Diamonds | Diamond Shape

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This is a spectacular wedge of brittle fire. First developed in Amsterdam, the exact design can vary depending on a particular diamond's natural characteristics and the cutter's personal preferences. It may be a traditional triangular shape with pointed corners or a more rounded triangular shape with 25 facets on the crown, 19 facets on the pavilion, and a polished girdle.

Radiant Cut Diamonds | Diamond Shape

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This square or rectangular cut combines the elegance of the emerald shape diamond with the brilliance of the round, and its 70 facets maximize the effect of its color refraction. Because of its design, this cut requires more weight to be directed toward the diamond's depth in order to maximize brilliance. Depth percentages of 70% to 78% are not uncommon.

Cushion Cut Diamonds | Diamond Shape

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An antique style of cut that looks like a cross between an Old Mine Cut (a deep cut with large facets that was common in the late 19th and the early 20th centuries) and a modern oval cut.