Diamonds are one of the most beautiful and most sought after precious stones in the world, and there are many different varieties on offer presented in all kinds of stunning jewelry settings from engagement rings through to earrings and necklaces. Diamonds can be very expensive, and so you do need to do your research before you start buying to ensure you are getting what you want, at the right price.

Cut and Shape
Diamonds are cut and shaped in a number of different angles and proportions in order to allow light to reflect through their many facets, which brings out the stunning beauty of the stone. Diamonds can be cut into many shapes, and the traditional cutting is a rounded shape with up to 58 facets, which reflects light brilliantly creating a dazzling, intense effect. Cutting diamonds is an art, as the craftsmen will need to understand which shape will bring the best out of the stone, and the better the cut the more expensive the diamond.

Carat
Diamonds are sold in carats and this indicates their weight (1 carat = 200mg) and also price, and it is important to check the carat before buying as some settings can make the diamond look bigger than it actually is. Large diamonds are very rare and of course very expensive, and are not always suitable for engagement rings because they are simple too big and heavy.

Colour
All diamonds have a trace amount of colour, and this is commonly a slight yellow or brown, and although colourless diamonds are the generally the most rare and valuable, very deeply coloured diamonds are even rarer and deep blue, black, green, red and canary yellow stones have been discovered, and some of these diamonds are so rare they are literally priceless

Clarity
The large majority of diamonds have tiny flaws, which are often undetectable to the naked eye, but they do devalue the stone as they interfere with light reflection and dim the intensity of the brilliance. Flawless diamonds are very rare and very expensive, but diamonds can be cut so that the flaws are removed or hidden by the setting.

Certification
Diamonds can now be produced synthetically and these are not worth as much as natural stones, so when you are buying a diamond it is important that you get a certification of authenticity, which will state the origins, grade, cut, carat, colour and clarity of each stone, and will often include an independent quote of its market value.