Monroe Yorke DiamondsThe Diamond Education Centre

Cut is widely considered the most important factor in a diamond's beauty. A well-cut diamond will exhibit superior brilliance, fire, and scintillation. A larger diamond with a poor cut will appear dull and lifeless compared to a smaller, excellently cut stone. We always recommend prioritising cut grade above carat weight -- the difference in visual impact is dramatic.

Natural diamonds formed deep within the Earth over billions of years under extreme heat and pressure, while lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments using advanced technology -- either HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition). Both are chemically, physically, and optically identical -- real carbon crystals with the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), brilliance, and fire. Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 60-80% less than natural diamonds of equivalent quality, making them an excellent choice for maximising size and quality within a budget.

For white gold or platinum settings, colours D-G will appear perfectly colourless. For yellow or rose gold settings, you can comfortably choose H-J grades as the warm metal tone masks slight body colour. Colours D-F are classified as "colourless" and command premium prices, while G-H offer exceptional value with virtually no visible difference to the naked eye. Our gemologists generally recommend G colour as the best balance of quality and value for most customers.

In the vast majority of cases, yes. VS2 (Very Slightly Included 2) diamonds are eye-clean, meaning their inclusions are not visible without 10x magnification. VS2 represents one of the best value propositions in diamond buying -- you get a visually clean stone without paying the premium for VVS or IF grades. In rare cases, a VS2 inclusion may be visible in step cuts (emerald, Asscher) due to their large, open facets, so we always inspect these individually.

A certified diamond has been independently evaluated and graded by a gemological laboratory such as the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute). The certificate documents the diamond's 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, carat weight), precise measurements, proportions, and any identifying characteristics. It serves as your diamond's identity document and quality guarantee, enabling you to verify exactly what you're purchasing and compare diamonds objectively.

A GIA certificate includes several key sections: the report number (for online verification at GIA.edu), the 4Cs grades (cut, colour, clarity, carat weight), precise measurements in millimetres, a proportions diagram showing table percentage, crown angle, pavilion angle, and girdle thickness, a clarity plot mapping inclusions, fluorescence grade, and any additional comments. Focus first on the cut grade (for round brilliants), then colour and clarity grades. The proportions diagram reveals whether the diamond is well-balanced for optimal light performance.

Round brilliant diamonds command the highest premium due to market demand and greater rough diamond waste during cutting. Fancy shapes like oval, cushion, and pear typically cost 20-40% less per carat while offering unique character and style. Elongated shapes (oval, marquise, pear) also face up larger than their carat weight suggests, giving you more visual size for your budget. If maximum size is your priority, consider an oval or marquise -- they offer the largest face-up appearance per carat.

Natural diamonds, particularly high-quality stones with strong certification, tend to hold their value over time, though they are not primarily investment vehicles. Historically, diamond prices have shown steady long-term appreciation. Factors that help retain value include excellent cut grades, sought-after sizes (1ct and above), high colour and clarity grades, GIA certification, and natural origin. Lab-grown diamonds, while identical in beauty, currently have lower resale value. We recommend choosing a diamond primarily for its beauty and emotional significance.

Fluorescence is a diamond's tendency to emit a soft glow -- usually blue -- when exposed to ultraviolet light. About 25-35% of diamonds exhibit some degree of fluorescence. Faint to medium blue fluorescence is generally harmless and can actually improve the appearance of lower colour diamonds (I-M) by counteracting yellow tones, making them appear whiter. Strong fluorescence may occasionally cause a hazy or milky appearance, though this affects only a small percentage of strongly fluorescent diamonds. We recommend evaluating each diamond individually rather than automatically avoiding fluorescence.

Clean your diamond regularly at home using warm water, a few drops of mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush. Soak for 20-30 minutes, gently brush around the setting (particularly underneath where oils accumulate), rinse thoroughly under running water, and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine and bleach, home ultrasonic cleaners, and wearing diamonds during heavy physical work or gardening. Have your jeweller professionally clean and inspect your setting at least once a year to ensure prongs and settings remain secure.