There are so many factors which influence a diamond’s price, value, and suitability for the item of jewellery you desire. Knowing what to look for in a diamond and understanding the terms used to describe them will give you the confidence to make the right choice. It’s all about judging what is most pleasing to you.
Diamond Guide
What is the difference between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond?
Lab-created diamonds and natural diamonds are chemically the same, with the same hardness and ability to survive daily wear. To the eye they look identical but in terms of rarity and value they are poles apart. Mined diamonds are formed under immense heat and pressure deep within the earth. Each stone is rare and unique, taking over billions of years to form. As such they have come to symbolise ever-lasting love. Lab-made diamonds are mass produced and more affordable. If you’re on a budget and want to purchase a larger diamond, a lab-made diamond may be your ideal choice. Just be aware that their value may not hold up over time. If you are wanting a long-term investment, and if the meaning behind diamonds matters to you, it may be better to wait and save for the natural formed diamond you will treasure forever.
What determines value in natural diamonds?
Each individual diamond’s beauty and cost will be influenced by its Colour, Clarity, Cut and Carat weight. Known as the 4 C’s, these qualities are use to grade the diamond and calculate its value.
What guarantee do I have that the diamond grading is correct?
Diamond grading laboratories are used to verify grading on individual diamonds. Their diamond report or certificate gives an independant guarantee of the diamond’s quality and value.
The Gemological Institute of America, (GIA) is an independant non-profit organization who developed the “4 C’s” diamond grading system to evaluate diamonds. The differences in diamonds can be so subtle, even a trained jeweler can’t recognize them without lab verification. A diamond grading report from an unbiased, scientific source such as GIA is proof of what you are purchasing.
Unfortunately, some labs have succumbed to pressure to lower their standards, allowing lower quality and lower priced diamonds to be presented with higher ratings. Use caution when comparing the price of diamonds graded by two different labs; what at first seems like a bargain may only be the result of more relaxed grading. Approximately 1 in 3 diamonds sold has been treated or “enhanced” in some way. Any treatment or “enhancement” made to a diamond lowers its value. Faller does not sell diamonds that have been treated in any way.
Every Faller diamond solitaire over 0.40ct has been certified by GIA, is accompanied by its GIA Dossier and will have the laser number inscribed on the diamond’s girdle. All smaller diamonds are graded to GIA standards.
What is the difference between diamond cut & diamond shape?
Shape refers to the overall outline of the diamond, whether it is round, square or oval etc. As these shapes are usually called diamond cuts its easy to confuse these terms with the cut grading system which evaluates how well the diamond has been cut to maximise sparkle and brilliance. Each diamond shape has characteristics that affect their suitability and appeal and understanding those details will help you decide which diamond shape is right for you.
Cuts and Shapes
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Round
ROUND CUT
3/4 of all diamonds sold are round brilliant cuts making them the most popular by far.
The ideal proportions of a round cut have been perfected over time to maximize light return (brilliance) and dispersion (fire). Advancements in technology have helped to produce the incredibly brilliant cuts we see today. A typical round diamond (for example; a 1.00 carat, F-color, VS2-clarity, Ex cut) may cost 25-35% more than a similar fancy shape. Round diamonds cost more on a per carat basis than fancy shapes for two reasons; the demand for round diamonds is very high, and the yield is relatively low because more of the rough stone is lost in the cutting of a round diamond than in cutting fancy shapes.
Coloured diamonds aren’t cut as round brilliants as it’s harder to see the colour in round diamonds and colour is more important than brilliance in coloured diamonds.
Setting Factors
Round brilliant cuts are the most versatile of diamond shapes and can take many different types of setting styles. View our style gallery for some ideas.
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Cushion
CUSHION CUT
The Cushion cut is a modern version of the old mine cut which was the standard diamond cutting style for diamonds before the turn of the century. A cushion cut is a square or squarish-rectangular cut with rounded corners and brilliant-style facets. Cushion cuts are a little less brilliant than modern round brilliants but have more fire. Traditional cushion cut diamonds have steep crown and pavilion facets, usually a large culet and a small table and return light in a chunkier pattern than modern cuts. The cushion cut style has been refined over time, shrinking the culet, enlarging the table, and improving the cut angles for increased brilliance. The standards for cushion cuts vary more than most other shapes.
The modern Brilliant Cushion cuts also have better symmetry, proportions and polish and can be the most similar to brilliant cuts in appearance with a more unusual shape.
The Modified Brilliant Cushion adds an extra row of facets to the pavilion or bottom of the diamond. This gives them a “crushed ice” or needle-like facet pattern, more similar to a radiant cut than a traditional cushion cut.
Cushion cut diamonds come in various shapes from those almost square to very rectangular. There is no right answer so personal preference should dictate the choice. Rectangular cuts have less symmetry than squarer cuts and need greater depth (which translates to higher carat weight) to achieve similar brilliance so squarer cuts are more cost-effective. With rectangular cuts, if the cut of the diamond is not correct a bow tie shadow will be evident across the centre of the diamond (similar to an oval cut). You need to examine the diamond in person under varying light conditions to ensure you do not have a persistent dark bow tie pattern.
Coloured diamonds are often cut as cushions as this shape maximises colour saturation.
Setting Factors
Rim settings will accentuate their unusual shape while claw settings will make them appear more square/ rectangular. Cushion cuts with more rounded corners are often set with double claws as they hold the diamond more securely. Cushion cuts are nearly as versatile as round cuts and can look very effective with various options of sides stones in trilogies and as a centre stone in halo rings.
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Square - Princess cut
PRINCESS CUT
The princess cut is a square or rectangular modified brilliant diamond cut with a distinctive “crushed ice” or needle-like facet pattern. They are a very popular fancy diamond shape, especially for engagement rings because of their unique shape, sparkle, and relative price. This cut hides inclusions very well because of the light dispersion from the extra facets it contains. A higher yield is obtained when cutting a princess from the rough crystal than cutting a round diamond and this means lower prices for the princess. They display a more consistent brilliance and scintillation than other longer fancy shapes. On the down side, princess cuts have a smaller diameter than a round cut for the same carat weight so can appear smaller.
All other factors being equal, the more rectangular a princess cut diamond, the lower the price. A slightly rectangular princess with the longer length worn parallel to the finger is often preferred as this can be more complimentary.Setting Factors
As the corners of the princess cut were at the outer edges of the original rough diamond crystal, this is where you can often expect naturals, inclusions and extra facets. The sharp, squared-off corners of the princess cut require great care when setting and need to be protected to avoid chipping or cracking. This is why when a round claw is used it tends to be much larger than that of a round claw on a round brilliant. We prefer to use “V” shaped claws on the corners of a princess cut as they offer better protection. The princess is also commonly used in channel setting in diamond wedding and eternity rings because the stones sit side by side without any gaps in between. They are harder to set than round brilliants so have a higher setting cost.
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Octagon - Emerald Cut
EMERALD CUT
A sophisticated and elegant classic diamond cut.
The unique look of the emerald cut diamond is due to the step cuts of its pavilion and its large, open table. Instead of the sparkle of a brilliant-cut, emerald cut diamonds produce a hall-of-mirrors effect, with an interplay of light and dark planes. The emerald cut reveals a classic beauty and elegance not seen in other cuts. The look of an emerald cut diamond is subtle and understated with less “flash,” or reflection and refraction. The shape was originally developed for the cutting of emeralds, thus the name. Emerald cut diamonds are rectangular but can vary from nearly square to very long and narrow. The classic emerald cut diamond has a length to width ratio of around 1.50. If you prefer the look of the square emerald cut diamond, you should consider the asscher cut as well. Colour and clarity are easier to see in an emerald cut diamond, especially in larger stones because of the large, open facets which allow you the see through the diamond. Allow at least one grade higher in colour and clarity compared to brilliant cuts to offset this.
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Octagon - Asscher Cut
ASSCHER CUT
Asscher cut is a squarish step cut with deeply cut corners which give it an octagonal outline. It differs from an emerald cut with a higher crown and a deeper bulging pavilion, smaller table and larger step facets. These features give it more brilliance and fire than an emerald cut. A well-cut asscher will appear to have concentric squares as you look down through the table. The depth of the cut means the asscher has the smallest size per carat of all the fancy shapes. Each stone must be seen and evaluated individually; there is no standard pricing for this type of stone since most are unique. Like all diamond shapes, picking the “best” Asscher means finding the right balance of beauty, size and price. Colour and clarity are easier to see in an asscher cut diamond, especially in larger stones because of the large, open facets which allow you the see through the diamond so allow at least one grade higher in colour and clarity compared to brilliant cuts to offset this.
Setting Factors
Due to the deep bulging pavilion, the Asscher cut doesn’t lend itself to flush-fit (where the engagement ring will sit flush to the wedding ring). The setting needs to be taller and more vertical compared with other diamond shapes so if you want a narrow band with your setting a shaped to fit wedding ring is often necessary.
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Octagon - Radiant cut
RADIANT CUT
The perfect cut for those that want maximum brilliance in a square or rectangular shape.
The radiant cut is a cut-cornered, rectangular or square modified brilliant. They have (in common with princess cuts and some cushion cuts) a distinctive “crushed ice” or needle-like facet pattern and as a result, have much greater brilliance and fire than the emerald or asscher cut. A square cut radiant will have better sparkle than the princess cut. With the increase in popularity of square cuts, radiants are now more commonly cut square or nearly square. In longer, rectangular radiant cut diamonds, a bow tie effect is more likely (although not as common as in oval, marquise, and pear cuts). Rectangular diamonds have less symmetry than square diamonds and need greater depth (which translates to higher carat weight) to achieve similar brilliance so squarer cuts are more cost-effective. With no recognised standard for proportions, the quality of the cut varies considerably as the cutter will try to achieve maximum yield from the rough crystal. Personal evaluation and comparison of a selection of radiant cuts are the best way to judge for yourself their individual beauty.
Coloured diamonds are often cut as radiants as this shape maximises colour saturation.
Setting Factors
The claws securing a radiant are less obtrusive than those required for the sharp corners of a princess and tend to give a more pleasing result so they are a great alternative to a princess solitaire. The cropped corners also help to minimize chipping. Radiant cuts can look very effective with various options of sides stones in trilogies and as a centre stone in halo rings.
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Oval
OVAL CUT
The oval modified brilliant cut it like a stretched round brilliant cut, with similar fire and brilliance to a round cut except across the centre was the “stretched” facets can leak light giving a darker area known as a bow tie. This can vary from near invisible to severe. The severity of a bow-tie can only be judged by personally viewing the diamond. Like all fancy shapes, there is no ideal cut in terms of proportions but the classic oval cut has a length to width ratio of 1.35 – 1.50. A thinner oval can work well in a trilogy ring and a wider shape may suit a solitaire better but the proportions of the fingers will also influence suitability. Apart from the minimum of bow-tie, personal preference should be the main deciding factor. The oval is a good option if you want something like the round brilliant but a little more unusual. Having a larger surface area than the round cut of the same carat weight and also being at a lower price point they give good impact at a lower budget. Allow at least one grade higher in colour than round brilliants as ovals appear yellower due to there shallower cutting style. The oval cut diamond’s elongated shape can make the finger of the wearer appear longer and slimmer.
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Pear
PEAR CUT
The pear cut is modified brilliant cut combining a round and a marquise shape, with a tapered point at one end. Like marquise cuts, a pear-shaped diamond should possess excellent or very good symmetry, with uniform, symmetrical curves and the point lining up with the apex of the rounded end. The classic pear-shaped diamond has a length to width ratio of 1.40-1.70 but like other fancy shapes, the cutter will have tried to obtain maximum yield from the rough crystal so a variety of slim to wide cuts exist. Pear-shaped diamonds possess some degree of bow-tie, varying from near invisible to severe. The only way to determine the extent of bow-tie is to view the diamond in person. In rings, finger length and appearance, the orientation of setting and ring style, whether solitaire or multi-stone can all influence personal preference for wider of more slender pear cuts. Pear cuts also make attractive side diamonds in trilogy rings. Pear cut shapes make very attractive pendants and drop earrings. Always look for at least one grade higher in colour than round brilliants as pear cuts appear yellower due to there shallower cutting style.
Setting Factors
Since the pointed end of the pear cut was close to the outer edges of the original rough diamond crystal, this is where you can sometimes expect naturals, inclusions and extra facets. Great care is required when setting and the point needs to be protected to avoid chipping or cracking. a “V” shaped claw is used to give protection. A pointed tip with insufficient girdle thickness presents durability problems, while an extremely thicker girdle can cause difficulty in setting and hides the weight below the girdle where you can not see it.
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Marquise
MARQUISE CUT
The marquise cut is a pointed oval, modified brilliant cut. Like pear cuts a marquise shaped diamond should possess excellent or very good symmetry, the two pointed ends correctly aligned and with uniform, symmetrical curves. A length to width ratio of 1.75 -2.15 is considered the classic marquise shape but like other fancy shapes, as the diamond cutter will try to obtain maximum yield from the rough crystal a variety of slim to wide cuts exist. Personal preference should dictate the choice. Marquise cuts possess some degree of bow-tie, varying from near invisible to severe. The only way to determine the extent of the bow-tie is to view the diamond in person. Carat for carat, the marquise diamond has one of the largest surface areas of any diamond shape and as the marquise diamond is long and narrow, it can also create the illusion of greater size, making it great value for money. Like the oval diamond, the marquise cut diamond’s elongated shape can make the finger of the wearer appear longer and slimmer. Always look for at least one grade higher in colour than round brilliants as marquise cuts appear yellower due to there shallower cutting style.
Setting Factors
As the pointed ends of a marquise cut were nearest the outer edge of the original rough diamond crystal, this is where you can sometimes expect naturals, inclusions and extra facets. Great care is required when setting and the points need to be protected by “V” shaped claws to reduce the possibility of chipping or cracking. A pointed tip with a very thin girdle presents durability problems, while an extremely thick girdle can cause difficulty in setting and hides the weight below the girdle where you can not see it.
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Heart
HEART CUT
For the incurable romantic the modified brilliant-cut heart shaped diamond is the perfect symbol of love. When choosing a heart, symmetry is a very important characteristic, since it is critical that the two halves of the heart are identical. The cleft (between the two lobes) should be sharp and distinct, and the wings (the sides as they curve down to the point) should have a very slightly rounded shape.
Setting Factors
Heart shaped diamonds of less than 0.50ct may not be a good choice, as the heart shape is more difficult to perceive in smaller diamonds, especially after they are set in claws. If claw set, one claw on each lobe and one claw at the point will better display the heart shape outline. A rim setting will show off their unique shape better.
Are yellow diamonds valuable?
Diamonds can come naturally in almost any colour, including purple, pink, red, blue, green and grey. Many of these colours are incredibly rare and highly valued.
Yellow diamonds make up 50% – 60% of all naturally coloured diamonds. Their value increases with the intensity of the yellow. From Fancy Light Yellow, Fancy Yellow, Fancy Intense Yellow to Fancy Vivid Yellow (also known as Canary Yellow). Darker yellow diamonds then decrease in value.
Canary diamonds are usually the most valuable and can cost more than a white/colourless diamond of the same shape and size. Yellow diamonds can also have brown, green and orange tones and these are less valuable than true yellow diamonds. Yellow diamonds aren’t cut as round brilliants as it’s harder to see the colour in round diamonds. Many are radiant or cushion cut as these shapes maximise the colour saturation.
Yellow diamonds are mainly found in Africa, including Angola, Central Africa, Congo, and Sierra Leone, but has also been discovered in Brazil, Australia, and Borneo.
While naturally occurring coloured diamonds have significant value many near colourless diamonds are colour enhanced. Irradiation creates vivid yellow, blue, green, and black colors. HPHT (high pressure with high temperature) results in yellow or purple-pink hues. Irradiated yellow diamonds usually come in orange-yellow and darker shades of yellow colour, whereas HPHT processed yellow diamonds tend to be bright yellow. These have nowhere near the value of the natural yellows diamonds.
Are the diamonds ethically sourced?
We guarantee that all Faller diamonds are natural, (not factory manufactured, lab-grown or created ) and mined from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with UN resolutions. We hereby guarantee that the diamonds are conflict-free based on personal knowledge and/or written guarantees.
How do I care for my diamonds?
Diamond jewellery will last a lifetime if cared for properly. As with any gemstones the buildup that occurs under a diamond will reduce its sparkle. To maintain the brilliance of your diamond at home the best thing to do is to soak the jewellery item in a bowl that contains four parts warm water and one part household ammonia for no more than ten minutes. Brush very gently with a very soft brush, dip it back into the solution, rinse and leave it to drain on some tissue paper. Paper tissues can leave fibres and dust on the ring and are therefore less suitable for drying than jewellery cloths or other lint-free fabrics. Alternatively, you could use a hair dryer on a low setting from an appropriate distance to air dry your diamond jewellery and avoid water spots.
It is not advisable to use ammonia on other gemstone jewellery. Check out our Jewellery Care Guide for advice on how to care for gemstone and diamond jewellery.