Diamonds at first sight might look the same, but in actual fact they are very different. Our trained and experienced staff at Jacobson's Jewellery can educate you to help you understand why two diamonds of equal size may have different price tags.

See our Diamond Characteristics Chart

Diamond Selection
Diamonds for centuries have captivated the hearts and minds of people from all parts of the world. Diamonds represent images of rarity, precious, desirable, beautiful, mysterious, magical sparkyling and above all tokens of love.

If you are planning on buying a diamond you are about to become part of a world of romance, beauty, legend and history.

Its absolutely appropriate that diamonds have become the ultimate gift of love due to three major factors. Firstly diamonds are durable. A diamond is the hardest substance known to man, making it resistant to deterioration. When cared for properly, diamond jewellery can be worn every day and passed on as an heirloom to the next generation and then onto the generation after that. Secondly, diamonds are rare. Even though new resources for diamonds are being explored and discovered, the supply of these gems remains limited. And thirdly, diamonds have enduring value. Even after years of worn and ejoyment, diamonds retain their value.

An informed and knowledgeable decision must be made when selecting a diamond. It is important to know about diamonds because at first glance two diamonds might appear the same but in actual fact are very different with widely varying values. Our experienced staff will take the time to educate you so that you personally can tell the difference between diamonds

Education
Our team of experienced staff and jewellers are more than willing to pass on their knowledge that has been built up over years of experience in the jewellery industry to our customers.

As a starting point let us explain to you the different terms and expressions used by jewellers when talking about diamonds and rings:

Anniversary / Eternity Ring - Mostly worn on the same finger as the engagement ring and wedding band. It is often bought to celebrate the first wedding anniversary or the birth of the couple's first child. Traditionally a half or full hoop of diamonds but in todays day its usually designed according to individual design.

Argyle Diamond - Diamonds which are sourced from theArgyle Mine in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, the world's most productive mine.

Baguette - This refers to a rectangular shaped diamond which is often used to enhance the setting of the larger centre stone.

Bezel - A facet on the crown (face) or upper part of the diamond above the girdle.

Diamonds 4 C's
The quality and value of a diamond is judged on four fundamental criteria known as the four C's. The Carat-weight, Colour, Clarity and Cut. By understanding these qualities you can determine which traits are most important to you, and find a balance between them that best suits your needs.

Cut
Cut refers to the shape, which is determined by an individuals taste. There are many different shapes available so take time to look around and see what shape is your preference. The Round Brilliant is the most traditional shape, however the Square Princess, Square emerald or Asscher cut, as well as other fancy cut diamonds have become very popular. More importantly cut refers to the proportions, symmetry, and finish or make of the diamond. The cut of a Diamond is the only property, which is totally dependent on man. Each stone loses, on average, more than half its original weight during cutting and polishing. Proportions and angles influence the internal reflection of light as well as the dispersion of light leaving the diamond. This determines the brilliance and fire (brightness and sparkle) of the diamond, and ultimately its beauty. How well cut a diamond is will reflect in the price. Diamond Characteristics Chart

Carat - Weight
The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats. The word carat comes from the carob tree whose seed was used as the standard of weighing precious stones. 1 carat equals 0.2 grams. A carat is further subdivided into 100 points. 0.50 ct = 1/2 carat = 50 points. Weight is the most obvious factor in determining the value of a diamond. But two diamonds of equal weight may have very unequal values, depending on their quality. Furthermore weight only indicates size. Depending on proportions two diamonds weighing the same may appear very different in size. Internationally, the weight of a diamond is mentioned to two decimal places. Diamond Characteristics Chart

Colour
Most gem quality diamonds fall within the Cape series, a range of colour from colourless to yellow. D or colourless diamonds are rare. The colour of a diamond is determined on the basis of a visual assessment by comparing it to a set of master diamonds under laboratory conditions. The differences between colours are very subtle and graded according to the International Colour Grading Scale. Diamond Characteristics Chart

Diamonds exist in many colours, such as blue, pink, purple, yellow or red. With the exception of these natural fancy colours, the colourless grade "D" is the most valuable. Colours D to J are best for setting in white gold or platinum. Yellow gold settings are better for lower colours. Diamonds with a slight brown or grey body colour will be given an Equivalent Colour Grading (ECG).

Clarity
Most diamonds have inclusions or imperfections. The number, size, position, contrast and visibility of these inclusions determine the clarity grading. Clarity is graded under overhead lighting with 10-x magnification. Grades correspond to the International Clarity Grading Scale. Inclusions falling into grades of SI and better are generally not eye visible. Depending on your preference you may choose a diamond of lower clarity and better colour or larger size, or vice versa. Diamond Characteristics Chart