What Are Natural Diamonds?
Natural diamonds are among the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world. Formed deep within the Earth over one to three billion years, these extraordinary stones are the result of intense heat and pressure beneath the Earth’s crust. Each diamond is unique, with its own distinct characteristics that make it a symbol of rarity, strength, and everlasting beauty.
For centuries, natural diamonds have been admired for their brilliance and durability, making them the preferred choice for engagement rings, fine jewelry, and investment pieces. Their rarity ensures their lasting value, while their exceptional fire and sparkle make them one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world.
Ethically and Responsibly Sourced Diamonds
At Richie Gold & Diamond, we are committed to transparency, responsibility, and ethical sourcing. We work exclusively with suppliers who adhere to the highest ethical standards, ensuring that every natural diamond we offer is:
• Conflict-Free: We strictly follow the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds.
• Sustainably Mined: Our diamonds come from mines that prioritize environmental conservation and responsible labor practices.
• Fair Trade & Community Support: We partner with sources that support mining communities through fair wages, safe working conditions, and long-term economic development.
Understanding the 4Cs of Natural Diamonds
The 4Cs—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight—are the globally accepted standard for evaluating a diamond’s quality and beauty.
Cut
The Key to Brilliance
The cut of a diamond refers to how well its facets are shaped and proportioned to optimize light performance. A well-cut diamond maximizes brilliance, fire, and scintillation, while a poorly cut diamond may appear dull.
Diamond Cut Grades:
• Excellent (Ideal Cut): Maximizes light reflection for superior brilliance.
• Very Good Cut: High-quality cut with strong light performance.
• Good Cut: A balance of beauty and value.
• Fair Cut: Less brilliance, but still reflects some light.
• Poor Cut: Noticeable loss of brilliance due to light leakage.
Colour
Evaluating Diamond Purity
The color of a diamond refers to the presence (or absence) of a yellow or brown tint, graded from D (colorless) to Z (noticeable color).
• D-F (Colorless): The most desirable and valuable, with no detectable color.
• G-J (Near Colorless): Offers excellent value with minimal color visible to the naked eye.
• K-M (Faint Color): Subtle warmth, often complemented by yellow or rose gold settings.
• N-Z (Noticeable Color): Visible tint, more common in lower-quality diamonds.
Clarity
The Presence of Natural Inclusions
Natural diamonds may contain tiny internal inclusions or surface blemishes that formed during their creation. The fewer and less visible these inclusions are, the higher the diamond’s clarity grade.
• Flawless (FL) / Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions visible under 10x magnification—extremely rare.
• Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 - VVS2): Inclusions are microscopic and nearly impossible to detect.
• Very Slightly Included (VS1 - VS2): Minor inclusions visible under magnification.
• Slightly Included (SI1 - SI2): Inclusions visible under magnification, but typically not to the naked eye.
• Included (I1 - I3): Noticeable inclusions that may affect durability and brilliance.
Carat Weight
Measuring Size and Presence
Carat weight measures the mass of a diamond, not necessarily its size. A well-cut diamond can appear larger than a poorly cut diamond of the same weight.
• 0.50 – 1.00 Carat: Elegant and timeless for daily wear.
• 1.00 – 2.00 Carats: The most popular range for engagement rings.
• 2.00+ Carats: A bold, statement-making size.
When choosing a diamond, it’s important to consider cut quality over carat weight to maximize brilliance and perceived size.
Certified and Authenticated by the World’s Leading Experts
To ensure the authenticity, quality, and ethical sourcing of every natural diamond, they are graded and certified by world-renowned gemological laboratories: Each certification includes detailed grading reports that document the diamond’s cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, verifying its authenticity and providing assurance of its value.
•Gemological Institute of America (GIA) – The gold standard in diamond grading, known for its rigorous evaluation process.
•International Gemological Institute (IGI) – A trusted leader in global diamond certification.
•International Diamond Testing Laboratory (IDT) – A highly regarded institution known for its precise grading and detailed analysis of natural diamonds
• Antwerp Natural Diamond Grading Report (HRD) - One of Europe’s most respected gemological authorities, renowned for its advanced technology and strict grading standards.
