Demystifying Diamond Grading: An insider's look at how industry standards for cut, colour, clarity, and carat are applied to assess diamond quality. We'll show you how to interpret these grades for informed decision-making.
Diamonds are the world's hardest natural mineral, formed over a billion years ago deep beneath the Earth's surface. Carbon atoms bonded under extreme pressure and high temperatures, create these precious gems. Volcanic activity transports diamonds to the Earth's surface in magma.
First discovered in India in the 4th Century BC, diamonds remain one of the most coveted objects on Earth.
NATURAL DIAMONDS:
Were formed billions of years ago in the Earth's mantle and transported to the surface via volcanic kimberlite and lamproite pipes. They symbolize eternity and have relatively stable value. We ethically source all our natural diamonds from international diamond sightholders, tracing them back to reputable mines.
LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS:
Are physically and chemically identical to natural diamonds but have a different value and origin story. They're created in factories using crystallized carbon from natural diamond mining, replicating the Earth's high-pressure, high-temperature conditions in a matter of weeks. Due to their on-demand production, lab-grown diamonds have less stable value compared to natural diamonds.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed a universal standard for evaluating diamonds known as the 4 C's: cut, color, clarity, and carat. This scale provides an objective method to assess and describe diamond quality. Understanding these criteria is crucial when comparing and selecting diamonds, as each factor contributes to a diamond's overall value and appearance. While personal preference plays a role in diamond selection, the 4 C's offer a consistent framework for evaluating diamond quality across the industry.
Refers to the angles, proportions, and symmetry of a diamond, determining how its facets interact with light to produce brightness, scintillation, and fire.
Indicates the visibility of natural inclusions within the diamond, whether visible to the naked eye or requiring magnification. Fewer visible inclusions indicate higher rarity.
Measures the presence or absence of color in a diamond based on the GIA scale from D (colorless) to Z. D-E diamonds are the rarest.
The unit of measurement for a diamond's weight, with 1 carat equaling 0.2 grams. Higher carat weights are rarer.
We offer a refined, personal experience that brings together forward-thinking design and deep gemological knowledge, curating pieces that are as unique and considered as you are.
As a family-owned business, we’re steeped in values of passion, care, expertise, transparency, and integrity—principles that guide every part of what we do.
Hamish Whiting, founder and GIA Gemologist with HRD Antwerp Diamond Grader certification, goes a GRADE ABOVE™ in his rigorous diamond sourcing process, personally hand-selecting each stone. Drawing on 20 years of diamond buying expertise, his carefully developed strategy ensures our clients receive diamonds that represent both exceptional performance and outstanding value on a global scale.
Hamish Whiting, founder and GIA Gemologist with HRD Antwerp Diamond Grader certification, goes a GRADE ABOVE™ in his rigorous diamond sourcing process, personally hand-selecting each stone. Drawing on 20 years of diamond buying expertise, his carefully developed strategy ensures our clients receive diamonds that represent both exceptional performance and outstanding value on a global scale.
We use independent certifications from GIA, HRD, or IGI, with GIA being the most accurate in our opinion. However, a certificate alone doesn't guarantee a beautiful diamond, which is why expert selection is crucial.
We source our modern diamonds directly from Global Sightholder companies, allowing us to trace each diamond back to reputable mining operations. These mines implement social, environmental, and economic programs benefiting local communities. They provide fair wages, safe working conditions, community empowerment, and work towards net zero emissions.
Our modern diamonds include top performing white diamonds as well as coloured diamonds (champagne and yellow).
Shape refers to a diamond's external appearance, and is distinct from its cut (internal facet arrangement). Round is the most popular, with other shapes such as emerald, marquise, and oval being considered 'fancy' shape.
Ethically sourced in person from the Antwerp diamond bourse, our antique diamonds are our most rare collectible gemstones. Genuine antiques, cut by hand from the 1600’s to 1930’s have a unique charm and character unobtainable in modern day cutting.
Introducing ‘LA CUSH’ Cut - An original diamond cut invented by our co-founder GIA gemologist Hamish Whiting.
Inspired by genuine antique Old European and Old Mine Cut diamonds, Hamish decided it was high time he released his very own cut; suitably named ‘La Cush’.
Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This scale, developed in 1822, measures a material's resistance to scratching. Only another diamond can scratch a diamond, making these gems exceptionally durable. This durability makes diamonds ideal for daily wear, particularly as centerpieces in jewelry and engagement rings. Their hardness ensures they maintain their beauty and structure even with constant wear.
Diamond fluorescence is the reaction of a diamond to ultraviolet (UV) light, which is present in daylight. It's graded based on the intensity of this reaction to long-wave UV. While fluorescence can cause diamonds to emit a blue or yellow glow under UV light, it typically doesn't affect a diamond's appearance in regular lighting or its structural integrity.
In rare cases, strong fluorescence may influence a diamond's appearance in sunlight. Some diamonds with strong fluorescence might appear slightly blue in natural light, or look whiter than their actual color grade. This occurs because the blue fluorescence can counteract any yellow tint in the diamond.
It's important to note that fluorescence is neither inherently good nor bad - its impact on a diamond's appearance can vary and is often subtle. When selecting a diamond, it's best to view it under various lighting conditions to assess its overall appearance.
Diamond prices vary greatly based on rarity and quality. Higher grades in cut, color, clarity, or larger carat weights command higher prices due to their rarity. Lab-grown diamonds are less expensive than natural diamonds.
When selecting your ideal diamond, consider these key steps:
At CUSHLA WHITING, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse selection of ethically sourced, high-quality diamonds. Our expert team is available to guide you through the selection process, answering any questions you may have. We encourage you to use our website's search filters to explore our collection based on your preferences for shape and the 4 C's.
For a more personalised experience, we invite you to schedule an appointment to view diamonds in person at our showroom. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect diamond that meets your criteria and budget.