A Guide to Diamonds | Cassandra Goad

A Guide to Diamonds

What to consider when choosing your diamond

When it comes to diamonds we stick firmly to the four 'C's - the universally acknowledged way of judging the quality of diamonds. A diamond is a very rare natural stone, no two are exactly alike visually, or in quality. The four 'C's are a way of measuring the main attributes of a diamond.

All Cassandra Goad diamonds are certified under The Kimberley Process and any diamonds over 0.5 carats are certificated by GIA or IGI.

The most prized and pure diamonds are colourless and composed entirely of carbon. They are faceted to display a unique combination of this adamantine lustre and fire, displaying a higher degree of dispersion than any other natural colourless gemstone.

Colour

Or rather the lack of colour is what we are looking for. Imagine the purest drop of clear water with no hue or tint of colour. That would be D, E or F grade, near colourless is G-J and faint colour is K-M. The scale goes down to Z but you won't find those at Cassandra Goad.

Cut

The sparkle of a diamond depends on how light entering the stone reflects back from it, so the skill with which it is cut - the angles, facets, symmetry and polish - is hugely important to its quality. Cut is considered one of the most important factors and the only one of the 4 C's affected by human hands.

Clarity

The number, size, relief, nature and positions of natural inclusions or blemishes in a stone also help to determine its quality. While no diamond is perfectly pure, as nature is never perfect, the closer it comes, the higher its value.

Carat

Assuming everything above is equal, diamond prices increase with diamond carat weight (size), because larger diamonds are rarer and more desirable. However, the quality (and therefore value) is as much, if not more, about the other 'C's as it is about carat weight.

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The Perfect Diamond

Diamond

Aster Solitaire Ring 18ct White Gold

Diamond

Emma Ring Platinum

Diamond

Heloise Ring 18ct White Gold

Bespoke Engagement Rings

If you're looking to create a ring that is completely unique or to transform an old heirloom into a new design, indulge your imagination and creativity and discover the wonderful ways in which we can bring your bespoke ideas to life.

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