Buyer's guide
Understanding Diamonds
Everything you need to buy with confidence — from the 4Cs to certification, ring sizes and natural vs lab grown.
The 4Cs of Diamond Quality
Cut
The most important C
Cut determines how well a diamond interacts with light — its brilliance, fire, and scintillation. A poorly cut diamond looks dull regardless of its colour or clarity.
GIA grades round brilliant cuts from Excellent to Poor. We recommend Excellent or Very Good cut as a minimum.
Pro tip: Prioritise cut above all other factors. An Excellent cut G VS2 outshines a poorly cut D IF.
Colour
Less colour = more value
Diamond colour is graded D (colourless) to Z (light yellow/brown). The difference between adjacent grades is subtle — often invisible to the naked eye.
For white diamonds in yellow or rose gold, H–I colour offers excellent value as the warm metal masks any slight tint. For platinum or white gold, we suggest G–H minimum.
Pro tip: G colour in yellow gold looks identical to D. Save the budget and put it towards a better cut or larger carat.
Clarity
Eye-clean is the target
Clarity grades measure the number and visibility of inclusions (internal) and blemishes (surface). Most inclusions are microscopic and invisible without magnification.
The goal is eye-clean — a diamond where inclusions are not visible to the naked eye at arm's length. For most shapes, VS2 or SI1 achieves this while saving significantly over VVS grades.
Pro tip: VS2 and SI1 look identical to FL in person. Reserve FL/IF budgets for collectors, not engagement rings.
Carat
Weight ≠ size
Carat measures a diamond's weight (1 carat = 0.2 grams), not its physical size. Two diamonds of identical carat weight can look very different depending on their cut proportions.
A well-cut 0.95ct can appear larger than a poorly cut 1.00ct. Buying just below popular weights (0.90ct, 0.95ct, 1.45ct) saves 15–20% with no visible difference.
Pro tip: Buy 0.90ct instead of 1.00ct. The 10-point difference is invisible — the price difference is not.
Deep-Dive Guides
Full articles on every buying decision — from the 4Cs to insurance.
Common Questions
Natural vs Lab Grown — what's the difference?
Natural diamonds form over billions of years deep in the Earth. Lab grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical, created in a controlled environment in weeks. Natural diamonds command a price premium due to rarity. Lab grown have fallen 70–80% in price since 2020, making them excellent value for budget-conscious buyers.
GIA vs IGI — which certificate is better?
GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is the gold standard — the most conservative and respected grading lab worldwide. IGI (International Gemological Institute) is widely used for lab grown diamonds and is generally reliable. For high-value natural diamonds, prefer GIA. For lab grown, IGI is perfectly acceptable and often 10–15% cheaper.
What ring size should I order?
The average Australian woman's ring size is N–O (US 7–7.5, EU 54–56). Most rings can be resized ±2 sizes after purchase. We recommend measuring in the evening when fingers are slightly larger, and avoiding measurement on cold days. Contact us for a complimentary ring sizer.
How long does production take?
Our workshop produces each piece to order in 10–14 business days. We then ship via insured express courier to Australia in 2–4 business days. Total from order to delivery: 14–18 business days. Rush orders (7 day production) are available on request.
Ready to start?
Let us find your diamond
Browse our certified diamond catalogue or speak with our team — we'll help you find the perfect stone for your budget.