DIAMOND EDUCATION
Choosing the perfect diamond can feel overwhelming, but understanding a few basic principles can make the process much easier. This guide will cover the 4 Cs of diamonds—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat—and explain the differences between lab diamonds and natural diamonds.
LAB OR NATURAL DIAMONDS
Trying to decide between a natural mined diamond or a lab grown diamond? There's no right or wrong answer.
At MOHSTEN, we offer both options and an unbiased opinion to help educate you to choose the right option.
Both lab and natural diamonds are real diamonds that a graded in the exact the same way. The only difference is in their origins and how they are produced.
Both make beautiful choices for engagement rings and fine jewellery, and at MOHSTEN, we offer both options to suit our clients' preferences.
Lab diamonds, also known as lab-grown, are created in a controlled environment using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond forming process. They are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds but come at a lower price point.
Natural diamonds, on the other hand, are formed over millions of years deep within the Earth. They are rare and finite, and therefor come with a premium price tag. Natural diamonds carry a historical allure, and lab diamonds are celebrated for their ethical and sustainable origins.
THE 4 C'S
1. Cut
The cut of a diamond refers to how well it has been shaped and faceted. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, giving it a stunning sparkle and brilliance. The quality of the cut is determined by the diamond's proportions, symmetry, and polish. The most popular cut grades range from Excellent to Poor. At MOHSTEN, we only source diamonds of a higher cut grade to enhance the diamond’s natural brilliance.
2. Colour
Diamond colour is graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). A diamond closer to D is more desirable as it is considered rarer and purer. However, some clients may prefer the warm tones of diamonds further down the scale. The colour you choose should align with your personal preference and setting style.
3. Clarity
Clarity refers to the presence of internal or external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes. The clarity scale ranges from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions visible to the naked eye). While flawless diamonds are rare, a diamond with a slightly lower clarity grade can still appear flawless to the naked eye and offer excellent value.
4. Carat
Carat measures the weight of the diamond, not it's physical size. Depending on the cut, two 1.00ct diamonds may look different sizes. While larger diamonds are generally more expensive, the carat weight should be balanced with cut, colour, and clarity to find the perfect diamond for your budget and style. Remember, a higher carat weight doesn’t always mean a better diamond.