Diamond Guide
2. Diamond Shapes
The shape of a diamond impacts its style and overall look. Below are the most popular diamond shapes:
β’ Round Brilliant β The most popular, with maximum sparkle.
β’ Oval β Elongated for a slimming effect.
β’ Cushion β Square with soft, rounded corners.
β’ Princess β Sharp-edged, modern square cut.
β’ Radiant β Rectangular with extra brilliance.
β’ Asscher β Square with vintage step cuts.
β’ Heart β Romantic heart-shaped diamond.
β’ Emerald β Rectangular with elegant shine.
β’ Pear β Teardrop shape, unique and brilliant.
β’ Marquise β Pointed ends, maximizes size.
β’ Trillion β Bold triangular-cut diamond.
β’ Baguette β Rectangular, sleek, often side stones.
Each diamond shape offers a unique style and character, making it a personal choice based on preference.
3. Diamond Anatomy
Understanding a diamond's anatomy helps in evaluating its quality and cut precision. A diamond is made up of the following parts:
Table β The largest facet on the top of the diamond.
Crown β The upper portion between the table and the girdle.
Girdle β The thin outer edge separating the crown from the pavilion.
Pavilion β The lower part of the diamond that directs light back through the table.
Culet β The small point at the bottom of the pavilion (ideally very small or nonexistent).
A well-proportioned diamond will maximize light reflection and enhance brilliance.
4. Natural vs Lab Grown Diamonds
Natural Diamonds
β’ Formed naturally over millions of years
deep within the Earth.
β’ Each diamond is unique, shaped by
natureβs pressure and time.
β’ More expensive due to rarity and
mining costs.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
β’ Created in a controlled lab environment using advanced technology.
β’ Chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds.
β’ More affordable, costing up to 40% less for the same quality.
β’ Ethical & eco-friendly, as no mining is required.
No Chemical or Structural Difference
Lab-grown and natural diamonds are identical at the atomic levelβboth are made of pure carbon and have the same crystal structure. Even gemologists need specialized equipment to tell them apart.
The choice between lab-grown and natural diamonds depends on budget and personal preference, but both offer stunning beauty and brilliance.
5. Diamond Certification & Quality Assurance
When purchasing a diamond, certification is essential to ensure authenticity, quality, and value. A diamond certificate is an independent grading report that evaluates key characteristics such as cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. At Carat House Jewellery, we only offer diamonds certified by the worldβs most reputable grading laboratories.
Trusted Diamond Certification Labs
GIA (Gemological Institute of America) β Recognized as the gold standard in diamond grading, GIA is the most trusted and accurate certification authority worldwide. Their rigorous, unbiased evaluations ensure consistent quality and transparency.
IGI (International Gemological Institute) β A globally respected grading lab, widely used for lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds alike. IGI reports provide detailed diamond characteristics and are trusted in the international jewellery market.
SGL (Solitaire Gemmological Laboratories) β Known for comprehensive and precise diamond assessments, SGL certification ensures confidence in both natural and lab-grown diamonds, commonly used in retail markets.
Each of these certification bodies follows strict evaluation processes, giving you complete peace of mind when choosing your perfect diamond.