Loose Diamonds
Diamonds
To create a natural diamond, you need a concentrated form of carbon exposed to extreme
heat and pressure, usually over millions of years. Diamonds are the hardest material
known to man and can only be scratched by another diamond. The rough diamond formed
from this process then needs to be polished or cut into a diamond that sparkles
and higher quality diamonds are then sent off for diamond grading certification.
We have provided a large amount of information about diamonds in our
diamond education section as we offer one of the largest selections
of polished and
certified diamonds in the world.
All our diamonds are conflict free diamonds and comply with the industry's strict
Kimberley process regulations. Our diamonds originate from Canada, Russia and Africa.
Oval Cut Diamonds
The
oval cut diamond is similar to the round
brilliant cut, but is an elongated version of the round. The
oval diamond designs are over 200 years old but the modern version
was invented in 1960s.
Brilliant Cut Round Diamond
A brilliant round cut diamond is the classic and timeless choice for a diamond.
A well cut round will sparkle brilliantly, and it is suitable for both classic,
vintage and contemporary engagement rings and most jewellery designs.
Pear Cut Diamonds
The
pear shape diamond is a modified brilliant
cut and is a cross between the Oval and the Marquise cut resulting in a sparkling
tear drop diamond. It dates from around the
17th century.
Princess Cut Diamonds
A
princess cut diamond is a cousin of a round
diamond, although more modern it is also a brilliant cut which means it has major
sparkle factor. It is also at home in classic, modern and
vintage engagement rings and jewellery designs.
Cushion Cut Diamonds
The
cushion cut diamond is also known as the
pillow-cut diamond because of its resemblance
to a pillow. Cushion cuts were very popular during the 1800's and fell out of favour
until a more recent revival. Their origins lie in the so-called Old Mine Cut, which
was a square cut with rounded corners.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
Emerald cut diamonds are unique in their clarity,
rectangular in shape, they have a large table and large facets across the entire
diamond making them the purest looking of all the diamonds.
Asscher Cut Diamonds
The
asscher cut diamond is a square emerald
and was created when Joseph Asscher was commissioned by the Royal Family to cut
the Cullinan diamond the world's largest
diamond
(3,106 ct). This cut was popular up to 1920's but declined subsequently up until
2001, when it was re-launched in a new and improved version with additional facets.
Other Cuts
On the more adventurous side, there are many other diamond shapes such as the
radiant cut diamond,
heart cut diamond or
marquise diamond cut.