Diamond Carat Visualizer
Carat Weight: 1.00 ct
Exquisite, beautiful and truly unique. Diamonds are the perfect way to express love and commitment to that special someone.
We believe when it comes to purchasing diamonds, it’s important to firstly consider the 4Cs: carat, clarity, cut and colour, as well as other important factors such as shape and certification. By offering some of the highest quality diamonds from reputable international suppliers and working smarter and more efficiently, we can provide products which are excellent value for money.
Here at Olga Jewellery Design Studio, we understand that choosing the right diamond may seem like a daunting and lengthy process, so here we have composed a simple guide to help. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Carat refers to the weight of the diamond and the overall diameter of the diamond, not the size. Carat weight is often confused with visual size, but it is actually the weight measurement of the diamond. Total carat weight refers to the total weight of all the stones used in one piece of jewellery when more than one diamond is used. For example, diamond earrings are usually quoted under total carat, signifying the combined weight of both earrings.
Carat Weight: 1.00 ct
Not to be confused with the shape or size of the diamond, the cut is all about proportions. A well-cut diamond reflects light and brilliance to ensure maximum sparkle, and is possibly one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing diamonds. Even a diamond with perfect clarity and colour grade can appear dull if it has been cut poorly.
Diamonds which are cut in equal proportion enable light to be returned out of the top, producing the signature sparkle. If they are cut too deep then light is transferred out of the side, whereas too shallow and light will return from the bottom creating a less lustrous appearance.
Grades are assigned using the diamond cut grade guidelines established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Diamonds which are well cut will be attributed with ideal, excellent or very good cut grades.
Colour is another very important factor to consider when choosing diamonds. Rarity and purity are measured by a diamond’s lack of colour. Higher quality diamonds will have a pure, bright white appearance, whereas those lower in quality will have noticeable colour, and to the untrained eye, this can be tricky to spot.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) diamond colour grading scale represents the most widely accepted international standard for evaluating diamond colour, establishing a systematic approach to what was once a chaotic and inconsistent process. This comprehensive scale ranges from D (completely colourless) to Z (light yellow, brown, or grey), with the D to L range encompassing the most commercially significant grades for fine jewellery applications. The colour of the diamond has a huge impact on its value.
However, this rule is not to be confused with coloured diamonds. Coloured diamonds are graded on a separate diamond colour scale and can even be more rare or valuable than the diamond.
Colourless Category (D-F)
Grade D diamonds represent the pinnacle of colour perfection, exhibiting complete absence of any detectable colour even under magnification. These exceptionally rare stones display no traces of yellow, brown, or grey tinting and are considered the benchmark for quality in the diamond industry. D-grade diamonds command premium prices due to their scarcity and unrivalled brilliance, making them the preferred choice for the most prestigious jewellery pieces.
Grade E diamonds appear nearly identical to D-grade stones, with differences typically only discernible to expert gemologists under controlled conditions using specialised equipment. These diamonds maintain exceptional value and visual appeal whilst being slightly more accessible than D-grade stones. The minute traces of colour present in E-grade diamonds are so subtle that they remain virtually undetectable to anyone other than trained professionals.
Grade F diamonds complete the colourless category, containing very slight colour traces that remain invisible to the naked eye and appear colourless in normal viewing conditions. These diamonds offer excellent value within the colourless range, providing the aesthetic benefits of higher grades at a more accessible price point. F-grade diamonds are often indistinguishable from D and E grades when viewed without direct comparison.
Near Colourless Category (G-J)
Grade G diamonds represent the highest tier within the near colourless category, exhibiting minimal colour that appears primarily colourless to untrained observers. These diamonds offer exceptional value, combining near-perfect appearance with significantly lower prices compared to colourless grades. The faint colour present in G-grade diamonds typically becomes visible only when compared directly to higher-grade stones under optimal viewing conditions.
Grade H diamonds maintain excellent visual appeal whilst showing slightly more warmth than G-grade stones. The faint yellow tint in H-grade diamonds becomes more apparent under magnification and bright lighting, particularly when compared to higher colour grades. These diamonds represent a popular choice for engagement rings, offering an excellent balance between quality and value.
Grade I diamonds provide outstanding value for money, featuring a slight yellow tint that becomes noticeable when compared side-by-side with higher-grade diamonds. The warm undertone in I-grade diamonds can complement various metal settings, particularly yellow or rose gold, where the slight colour becomes an asset rather than a detraction.
Grade J diamonds mark the boundary between near colourless and faint categories, displaying a yellow tint that may become visible to the naked eye under certain lighting conditions. These diamonds offer significant cost savings compared to higher grades whilst maintaining attractive appearance, especially in round brilliant cuts where the facet pattern helps conceal colour.
Faint Category (K-L)
Grade K diamonds enter the faint category, displaying a slight yellow colour that becomes visible even to untrained observers under normal lighting conditions. These diamonds are classified as having a “faint tint” and offer considerable value for buyers seeking larger carat weights at reduced prices. K-grade diamonds perform exceptionally well when set in yellow gold, where the metal’s colour complements the diamond’s natural warmth.
Grade L diamonds exhibit a yellow tint that becomes readily apparent to the naked eye in standard lighting conditions. These diamonds provide excellent value for cost-conscious buyers, particularly when set in complementary metal colours that harmonise with their natural warmth. L-grade diamonds work best in round brilliant cuts, where the superior light performance helps minimise the appearance of colour.
Diamond clarity is the assessment of imperfections on the surface or within the diamond. Inclusions are internal defects and are very common within most diamonds whereas flaws to the surface are known as blemishes. Diamonds with the least amount of defects will have a higher clarity grading. Inclusions can appear black, grey or white in appearance and are graded under x10 magnification.
Five grading factors which are considered are:
Most diamonds are imperfect, however, our most popular grade is VS1 – VS2 as they appear almost flawless to the naked eye. This makes them a great option for good value.
Diamonds can come in a variety of shapes. Not to be confused with cut, the diamond shape refers to the shape it was cut into, and influences the entire look and feel of the diamond. This makes selecting your chosen shape a very personal choice.
Round diamonds tend to show more brilliance and scintillation than other shapes and are a popular choice due to their timeless appeal. However, as the wearer, you should ultimately choose a shape that suits you and that you love. Personal preference should always prevail when choosing your ideal shape.
A rounded diamond in the shape of a circle. Timeless in looks, it’s a popular choice owing to its classic appeal.
Beautifully proportioned, the oval shape diamond also has a brilliance which is similar to that of the round diamond.
Also known as the ‘teardrop’ due to its rounded edge and single point, this shape can help flatter and elongate the appearance of the finger when set in a ring.
The emerald diamond shape is unique with its pavilion cut in rectangular facets to create an elegant finish.
The princess is a square-shaped diamond which has grown vastly in popularity due to it being both brilliant and unique.
A diamond’s anatomy, or structure, consists of eight components. They are diameter, table, crown, diamond’s, pavilion, depth and culet. Anatomy is what helps determine a diamond’s proportion, brilliance and scintillation. If you have a good understanding of each component, you will be able to find the perfect diamond.
Here is each component explained:
A diamond’s cut is what determines how well it sparkles. One that has an ideal cut will sparkle beautifully, while one that is poorly cut will lacklustre. At Olga Jewellery Design Studio, we only sell diamonds with an excellent cut grading to guarantee that your diamond creates the most amount of sparkle.
An ideal cut diamond has perfect proportions, excellent polish and ideal symmetry. It is among the rarest cuts and requires precision and skill to create. Ideal cut diamonds are perfectly proportioned to reflect almost all the light that enters, allowing the diamond to produce plenty of fire and brilliance – creating the sparkle that we know and love.
