Diamond Buying Guide

Diamond Certification

Our expert gemologists use advanced equipment to meticulously weigh and measure each diamond, thoroughly assessing its cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. We ensure every diamond in our collection is independently verified for authenticity and quality. Each diamond is accompanied by a certificate, also known as a grading report, which is an authoritative assessment from an independent gemological laboratory. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our diamonds being certified by the world's foremost gem grading authorities, including the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the International Gemological Institute (IGI), Hoge Raad voor Diamant (HRD), and the Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL).

What determine's a diamond's quality?

At GOODSTONE, we see every diamond as a masterpiece of nature, each with its own story and character. Like artists, our expert cutters work to unveil the hidden splendor within each stone, accentuating its unique charm. Think of the 4 Cs as the palette – cut, color, clarity, and carat – which paint the portrait of the diamond's quality. While these elements are our guide, beauty is in the eye of the beholder; many of our clients choose to highlight one quality over others, creating a piece that's not just a jewel but a personal treasure.

How are diamond grades and ratings decided?

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) stands at the forefront of gem evaluation and grading, renowned for its impartial and authoritative approach. As the benchmark setter in the diamond industry, GIA has established a comprehensive scale encompassing cut, color, clarity, and carat. This scale is universally adopted by jewelers and appraisers as the definitive guide for assessing diamond quality.

1. Cut

The quality of a diamond's cut determines its brilliance and sparkle. It's all about how well the diamond has been shaped and faceted, affecting how light is reflected and dispersed. The cut is crucial in defining the diamond's overall visual appeal.

Read Diamond Cut Guide

2. Color

A diamond's color grading actually refers to its lack of color, with the grading scale ranging from colorless to light color. The less color a diamond has, the more valuable it is considered due to its rarity.

Read Diamond Color Guide

3. Clarity

Clarity in diamonds is about the absence of internal imperfections, known as inclusions, and external flaws, called blemishes. Diamonds with minimal or no inclusions and blemishes are rated higher in clarity and are more valued.

Read Diamond Clarity Guide

4. Carat

Carat weight measures a diamond's size, with one carat equating to 200 milligrams. The carat weight is a significant factor in a diamond's value, influencing how large it appears.

Read Diamond Carat Guide

What are Natural Diamonds

In the hidden depths of our Earth, over billions of years, a remarkable transformation took place. Tiny carbon atoms, under immense pressure and heat, fused into a unique cubic crystalline form. This intricate bonding, known as a tetrahedral structure, is what makes diamonds extraordinarily hard and supremely conductive, surpassing all other natural materials in these qualities. These diamonds then embarked on a journey upwards, propelled by the intense forces of volcanic eruptions. As the molten rock made its way to the surface, it brought these precious gems closer to our world, where they rest until discovered, each one a timeless testament to nature's incredible artistry.

Are Lab Grown diamonds different than Natural diamonds?

The essence of the distinction between natural and lab-grown diamonds at GOODSTONE lies in their origin and pricing. To the unaided eye, both types of diamonds appear identical, each sparkling with equal brilliance and sophistication. However, lab-grown diamonds typically offer a more accessible price point due to their less rare nature. This affordability means that couples can explore larger, more impressive lab-grown diamonds that might have been beyond their reach if they were natural.

Natural diamonds are born from a miraculous process deep within the Earth's mantle, where carbon atoms are subjected to intense pressure and heat, coalescing into these treasured gems over millions of years. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are the product of human ingenuity, where specialized equipment and expert supervision replicate the Earth’s natural conditions. Despite their different beginnings, both natural and lab-grown diamonds share the same atomic composition and structure, with carbon atoms arranged in the resilient, luminous tetrahedral pattern that gives diamonds their unparalleled strength and beauty.