Listerhorsfall Jewellers
Welcome to Listerhorsfall
CARAT
Refers to the weight of a diamond.
In bygone days diamonds were weighed using the very uniform seeds of the cotoneaster bush for which the Latin name is "Caratonia Siliqua", hence the name Carats was derived as an expression of weight.
The word Carat is often confused with physical size in spite of the fact that it is actually a measure of weight. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams and can also be divided into 100 "points." A 75 point diamond is equal to a 3/4 carat diamond or 0.75cts
Cut and mounting can make a diamond appear larger (or smaller) than its actual weight but proportion is crucial to the brilliance of the stone. Diamonds cut for maximum diameter at the expense of good proportions will invariably result in a stone which lacks life and brilliance..
Refers to the weight of a diamond.
In bygone days diamonds were weighed using the very uniform seeds of the cotoneaster bush for which the Latin name is "Caratonia Siliqua", hence the name Carats was derived as an expression of weight.
The word Carat is often confused with physical size in spite of the fact that it is actually a measure of weight. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams and can also be divided into 100 "points." A 75 point diamond is equal to a 3/4 carat diamond or 0.75cts
Cut and mounting can make a diamond appear larger (or smaller) than its actual weight but proportion is crucial to the brilliance of the stone. Diamonds cut for maximum diameter at the expense of good proportions will invariably result in a stone which lacks life and brilliance..
CLARITY
Refers to the presence of inclusions in a diamond.
Every diamond is unique. Nature ensures that each diamond is as individual as the person who wears it. Naturally occurring features - know as inclusions - provide a special fingerprint within the stone. Inclusions are natural identifying characteristics such as minerals or fractures, appearing during the formation of diamonds in the earth. They may resemble tiny crystals, clouds or feathers.
To view inclusions, jewellers use a magnifying loupe. This tool allows jewellers to see a diamond at 10x its actual size so that inclusions are easier to see. The position of inclusions can affect the value of a diamond. There are very few flawless diamonds found in nature, thus these diamonds are much more valuable.
Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection, known as clarity, which was established by the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA). The clarity scale, ranging from IF (Internally Flawless) to Included (I), is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x.
Some inclusions can be hidden by a mounting, thus having little effect on the beauty of a diamond. An inclusion in the middle or top of a diamond could impact the dispersion of light, sometimes making the diamond less brilliant. The greater a diamond's clarity, the more brilliant, valuable and rare it is.
Refers to the presence of inclusions in a diamond.
Every diamond is unique. Nature ensures that each diamond is as individual as the person who wears it. Naturally occurring features - know as inclusions - provide a special fingerprint within the stone. Inclusions are natural identifying characteristics such as minerals or fractures, appearing during the formation of diamonds in the earth. They may resemble tiny crystals, clouds or feathers.
To view inclusions, jewellers use a magnifying loupe. This tool allows jewellers to see a diamond at 10x its actual size so that inclusions are easier to see. The position of inclusions can affect the value of a diamond. There are very few flawless diamonds found in nature, thus these diamonds are much more valuable.
Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection, known as clarity, which was established by the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA). The clarity scale, ranging from IF (Internally Flawless) to Included (I), is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x.
Some inclusions can be hidden by a mounting, thus having little effect on the beauty of a diamond. An inclusion in the middle or top of a diamond could impact the dispersion of light, sometimes making the diamond less brilliant. The greater a diamond's clarity, the more brilliant, valuable and rare it is.
COLOUR
Refers to the degree to which a diamond is colourless.
Diamonds are found in almost every colour of the rainbow, but white-coloured diamonds remain most popular.
Diamonds are graded on a colour scale established by the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA), which ranges from D (colourless) to Z. Warmer coloured diamonds (K-Z) are particularly desirable when set in yellow gold. Icy winter whites (D-J) look stunning set in white gold or platinum.
Colour differences are very subtle and it is very difficult to see the difference between, say, an E and an F. Therefore, colours are graded under controlled lighting conditions and are compared to a master set for accuracy.
Truly colourless stones, graded D, treasured for their rarity
Nature has also created diamonds in intense shades of blue, green, yellow, orange, pink or - rarest of all - red. These diamonds are called 'coloured fancies' and are extremely rare and highly treasured.
Refers to the degree to which a diamond is colourless.
Diamonds are found in almost every colour of the rainbow, but white-coloured diamonds remain most popular.
Diamonds are graded on a colour scale established by the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA), which ranges from D (colourless) to Z. Warmer coloured diamonds (K-Z) are particularly desirable when set in yellow gold. Icy winter whites (D-J) look stunning set in white gold or platinum.
Colour differences are very subtle and it is very difficult to see the difference between, say, an E and an F. Therefore, colours are graded under controlled lighting conditions and are compared to a master set for accuracy.
Truly colourless stones, graded D, treasured for their rarity
Nature has also created diamonds in intense shades of blue, green, yellow, orange, pink or - rarest of all - red. These diamonds are called 'coloured fancies' and are extremely rare and highly treasured.
CUT
Refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond.
Nature determines so much about a diamond, but it takes a master cutter to reveal the stone's true brilliance, fire and ultimate beauty.
Based on scientific formulas, a well-cut diamond will internally reflect light from one mirror-like facet to another and disperse and reflect it through the top of the stone. This results in a display of brilliance and fire, thereby placing well-cut diamonds higher on the Diamond Quality Pyramid than deep or shallow-cut diamonds. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow lose or leak light through the side or bottom, resulting in less brilliance and ultimately, value.
Cut also refers to shape-round, square, pear, or heart for example. Since a round diamond is symmetrical and capable of reflecting nearly all the light that enters, it is the most brilliant of all diamond shapes and follows specific proportional guidelines. Non-round shapes, also known as "fancy shapes," have their own guidelines to be considered well cut.
Refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond.
Nature determines so much about a diamond, but it takes a master cutter to reveal the stone's true brilliance, fire and ultimate beauty.
Based on scientific formulas, a well-cut diamond will internally reflect light from one mirror-like facet to another and disperse and reflect it through the top of the stone. This results in a display of brilliance and fire, thereby placing well-cut diamonds higher on the Diamond Quality Pyramid than deep or shallow-cut diamonds. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow lose or leak light through the side or bottom, resulting in less brilliance and ultimately, value.
Cut also refers to shape-round, square, pear, or heart for example. Since a round diamond is symmetrical and capable of reflecting nearly all the light that enters, it is the most brilliant of all diamond shapes and follows specific proportional guidelines. Non-round shapes, also known as "fancy shapes," have their own guidelines to be considered well cut.