GABRIELLE DIAMONDS

The Diamond: A Complete Guide to the Precious Stone

“More than a stone. A legacy of brilliance.”

What is a diamond ?

ONE STONE BORN FROM THE ABYSS OF TIME

The diamond is one of the oldest natural materials known to humanity. Formed more than 150 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface, under extreme pressure and temperatures exceeding 1,000°C, it can take over three billion years to reach the light.

The Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder already wrote in the 1st century:

“The diamond is the most precious of possessions, not only among gemstones, but among all human goods.”
(Natural History, Book XXXVII)

Through the centuries, this fascination has never faded. The diamond is not simply rare — it is timeless.

FROM ROYAL SYMBOL TO MODERN ICON

In ancient India, the historical cradle of the diamond trade, the stone was considered sacred. Sanskrit texts describe the diamond as a divine talisman, capable of protecting its wearer from evil.

During the Middle Ages, European monarchs adopted it as a symbol of absolute power. Louis IX (Saint Louis) wore a diamond as a sign of divine justice, while Charles the Bold adorned his armor with diamonds, convinced they made him invincible.

The historian Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a famous 17th-century gem merchant, wrote:

“The diamond is the most perfect of stones, both for its hardness and its brilliance.”

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE MAGIC

From a scientific perspective, diamond is composed of crystallized pure carbon. Yet this chemical simplicity hides a sublime complexity: each atom is perfectly ordered, creating the hardest structure known on Earth.

This atomic perfection explains why diamond can cut every other material — except itself. A fascinating paradox, where matter becomes poetry.

LIGHT AS AN ETERNAL SIGNATURE

What makes a diamond truly unique is not only its hardness, but its relationship with light. When perfectly cut, it fractures light into a ballet of multicolored reflections. In 1919, Belgian jeweler Marcel Tolkowsky defined the ideal proportions of the modern diamond, declaring:

“The perfect cut allows a diamond to reach its maximum fire and brilliance.”

Each facet becomes a mirror, each movement a new spark.

THE DIAMOND AS A PROMISE OF ETERNITY

If the diamond has become the emblem of engagement, it is because it symbolizes the indestructible. The famous 1947 De Beers campaign,

“A diamond is forever”

simply expressed an ancient truth: the diamond reflects a love that transcends time.

To offer a diamond is not to offer a piece of jewelry.
It is to engrave an emotion into the most enduring material in the universe.

Natural Diamond vs Lab-Grown Diamond

TWO ORIGINS, THE SAME COMPOSITION

Whether extracted from deep within the Earth or grown in a laboratory, a diamond remains chemically identical: crystallized pure carbon. The difference lies not in the material, but in the story.

A natural diamond is the result of a geological process that spans billions of years. In contrast, a fab diamond or lab-grown diamond is created in just a few weeks using advanced technologies that replicate these extreme conditions.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) confirms:

“Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds.”

Two stones identical under the microscope… yet radically different in their symbolism.

THE NATURAL DIAMOND: HERITAGE AND RARITY

Purchasing a natural diamond means acquiring a fragment of Earth’s history. Each stone is unique, shaped by time, pressure, and geological chance. It is this rarity that gives it emotional and patrimonial value.

Gem historian Edward J. Gübelin wrote:

“A diamond’s inclusions are like fingerprints: they tell the story of its birth.”

This is also why natural diamonds tend to retain a more stable resale value. They belong to the logic of heritage, transmission, and legacy.

THE LAB-GROWN DIAMOND: INNOVATION AND ACCESSIBILITY

Born from technologies such as HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition), lab-grown diamonds embody modernity.

They appeal for:
– a more accessible price
– full traceability
– often a more controlled environmental impact

For many, they represent an ethical and contemporary alternative, without compromising on aesthetics.

EMOTIONAL VALUE VS RATIONAL VALUE

The debate goes beyond science — it touches philosophy.

The natural diamond speaks to emotion, tradition, and myth.
The lab-grown diamond speaks to reason, innovation, and transparency.

As philosopher Walter Benjamin wrote:

“The aura of an object lies in its uniqueness.”

And it is precisely this aura that natural diamond enthusiasts seek.

HOW TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE?

There is no right or wrong diamond — only the diamond that reflects who you are.

Choose a natural diamond if:
– you value rarity
– you think in terms of legacy
– you seek a powerful symbol

Choose a lab-grown diamond if:
– you prioritize budget
– you are looking for a modern alternative
– you want a controlled impact

In both cases, you will wear an exceptional stone.

CAN A NATURAL DIAMOND BE DISTINGUISHED FROM A LAB-GROWN DIAMOND?

To the naked eye: no.
Even an expert requires specialized equipment to identify their origin.

Only certified laboratories (GIA, IGI, HRD) can determine this with certainty through spectroscopic analysis.

How to Tell If a Diamond Is Real

If you are wondering how to tell if a diamond is real, there are several simple observations and tests that can help you evaluate a stone’s authenticity. While only professional laboratory analysis can provide absolute confirmation, many real diamonds display unique optical, physical, and thermal properties that distinguish them from imitations.

By combining visual inspection, basic at-home tests, and professional verification, you can determine with high confidence whether a diamond is genuine.

Look at How the Diamond Reflects Light

One of the easiest ways to tell if a diamond is real is by observing how it reflects light.

Real diamonds primarily reflect white light (brilliance) with small flashes of color (fire). When placed under a light source, a genuine diamond will show a balanced combination of brightness and subtle rainbow flashes.

Fake stones often display exaggerated rainbow colors or dull reflections.

General guideline:

Real diamond → bright white sparkle with some color flashes
Fake diamond → overly colorful or flat sparkle

Lighting conditions and cut quality can influence appearance, but reflection patterns remain an important indicator.

Perform the Fog Test

The fog test is a quick and popular method to check diamond authenticity.

Steps:

Hold the diamond close to your mouth
Breathe on it to create condensation

If the fog disappears almost instantly, the diamond is likely real. Diamonds disperse heat rapidly, preventing condensation from lingering.

If the fog remains for several seconds, the stone may be fake.

This test works because real diamonds have high thermal conductivity.

Try the Water Test

The water test helps determine if a diamond is dense enough to be genuine.

Steps:

Fill a glass with water
Drop the loose stone into the glass

A real diamond will sink quickly to the bottom due to its high density.

Fake stones may float or sink slowly.

Note: Some simulants can also sink, so this test should be used alongside others.

Examine the Stone Under Magnification

Using a jeweler’s loupe or magnifying glass, inspect the stone closely.

Real diamonds often contain tiny natural inclusions or internal characteristics. Perfectly flawless stones are extremely rare.

Look for:

Small internal marks
Tiny crystals
Feather-like inclusions

Many fake diamonds appear perfectly clean with no internal features.

Also examine facet edges:

Real diamonds have sharp, well-defined edges
Fake stones often show rounded or worn edges

Check the Setting and Mounting

Jewelry containing real diamonds is usually set in high-quality metals such as:

Gold
Platinum
White gold

Look inside the band for stamps such as:

10K, 14K, 18K
750
PT or PT950

Low-quality metals combined with a “diamond” stone may indicate imitation.

While settings alone do not prove authenticity, they provide useful context.

Use a Diamond Tester

Electronic diamond testers measure how well a stone conducts heat or electricity.

Real diamonds conduct heat efficiently, causing testers to indicate a positive result.

Diamond testers are widely used by jewelers and provide quick results, though advanced simulants may sometimes require further testing.

Observe Weight and Size

Real diamonds are heavier than many simulant stones of similar size.

If a stone appears large but feels unusually light, it may not be a genuine diamond.

Comparing the stone’s millimeter measurements with standard carat size charts can reveal inconsistencies.

Check for Certification

One of the most reliable ways to tell if a diamond is real is to verify certification.

Reputable laboratories such as:

GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
IGI (International Gemological Institute)

Issue grading reports for both natural and lab grown diamonds.

A certificate confirms:

Stone authenticity
Cut, color, clarity, and carat
Diamond origin

Always request certification for significant purchases.

Visit a Professional Jeweler or Gemologist

Professional evaluation remains the most accurate method to determine authenticity.

Jewelers use:

Advanced testers
Microscopes
Spectroscopic analysis

A trained gemologist can quickly identify whether a diamond is real and whether it is natural or lab grown.

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?

Yes. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds.

They have the same crystal structure, chemical composition, hardness, and optical properties as natural diamonds. The only difference is how they are created.

Both natural and lab grown diamonds will pass diamond testers and display identical physical behavior.

Common Mistakes When Testing Diamonds

Avoid relying on a single method.

Some fake stones can pass basic tests, while lighting or dirt can affect visual appearance.

For best accuracy:

Combine multiple at-home tests
Use a diamond tester
Confirm with a professional

Quick Summary

If you want to know how to tell if a diamond is real:

Check light reflection
Perform fog and water tests
Examine under magnification
Use a diamond tester
Verify certification
Consult a jeweler

Using these methods together provides strong confidence in a diamond’s authenticity.

The 4Cs of Diamonds Explained

A UNIVERSAL CLASSIFICATION BORN IN 1953

The 4Cs system was established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in 1953 to create a universal language for evaluating diamonds.
Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat: four letters, one science, one emotion.

The founder of the GIA, Robert M. Shipley, stated:

“We must protect the buyer by giving them the tools to understand what they are purchasing.”

Since then, this classification has become the global reference.

CUT: THE SOUL OF THE DIAMOND

Contrary to popular belief, cut does not refer to shape, but to the quality of the craftsmanship.
It is the cut that determines brilliance, fire, and scintillation.

A perfectly cut diamond reflects light back to the eye.
A poorly cut diamond allows light to escape through the bottom.

The mathematician and jeweler Marcel Tolkowsky wrote in 1919:

“The ideal cut maximizes light, giving the diamond its legendary brilliance.”

Visually, this is the most important of the 4Cs.

COLOR: THE QUEST FOR PERFECT WHITENESS

Diamond color is graded from D (exceptional white) to Z (visible yellow).
The more colorless a diamond is, the rarer—and more valuable—it becomes.

But magic sometimes lies elsewhere:
fancy diamonds (intense yellow, pink, blue) rank among the most expensive stones in the world.

The famous Hope Diamond, with its deep blue hue, is living proof.

CLARITY: THE SECRET SIGNATURE

Clarity measures internal inclusions and external blemishes.

Grading scale:
FL – IF – VVS1 – VVS2 – VS1 – VS2 – SI1 – SI2 – I1

Gemologist Edward J. Gübelin once said:

“Inclusions tell the story of the stone.”

Ironically, these imperfections make each diamond unique, like a fingerprint.

CARAT: THE NUMBER THAT MAKES PEOPLE DREAM

One carat equals 0.2 grams.
But weight does not always reflect visual size.

Two diamonds of the same carat can appear different depending on:
– their cut
– their depth
– their proportions

Carat impresses,
cut fascinates.

THE PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN THE 4Cs

The secret is not achieving perfection in every category, but finding the right balance.

An exceptional diamond is not necessarily:
– the largest
– the whitest
– the purest

It is the one that delivers the most beautiful light.

WHY THE 4Cs MATTER BEFORE BUYING

Understanding the 4Cs means:
– buying with confidence
– avoiding marketing traps
– choosing a diamond that truly reflects who you are

As Coco Chanel once said:

“Simplicity is the key to all elegance.”

And with diamonds, true elegance is invisible to the untrained eye.

The Diamond Cut: The Most Important Criterion

WHY CUT SURPASSES ALL OTHER CRITERIA

It is often believed that carat defines a diamond’s value. In reality, it is the cut that creates the magic.
A perfectly cut diamond will appear brighter than a larger stone with poor proportions.

As jeweler Marcel Tolkowsky explained in his foundational work of 1919:

“The cut is the element that allows a diamond to express its full luminous potential.”

Without a masterful cut, even the purest diamond remains dull.

HOW LIGHT TRANSFORMS A DIAMOND

The cut determines how light enters the stone, reflects off the facets, and returns to the eye.

Three effects are sought after:
– Brilliance: reflected white light
– Fire: flashes of spectral color
– Scintillation: patterns of light and shadow

A well-cut diamond behaves like a living prism.
It does not merely reflect light — it stages it.

IDEAL PROPORTIONS

A diamond that is too deep allows light to escape through the bottom.
A diamond that is too shallow disperses light through the sides.

Ideal proportions follow a precise balance:
– crown angle
– pavilion depth
– table width

It is this mathematical precision that creates the illusion of perfection.

CUT GRADES

Laboratories classify cut quality into several levels:

– Excellent
– Very Good
– Good
– Fair
– Poor

A diamond graded Excellent offers perfect symmetry and maximum light return.
It is the choice favored by true connoisseurs.

THE ROUND CUT: QUEEN OF ALL CUTS

The round brilliant cut accounts for more than 50% of diamonds sold worldwide.
Why? Because it delivers the best possible light performance.

Its 57 facets were designed to capture every ray of light and transform it into pure brilliance.

SHAPE VS CUT QUALITY

Beware of confusion:
– shape = round, oval, princess
– cut = quality of craftsmanship

A princess-cut diamond can be poorly cut.
A round diamond can be mediocre.
Shape guarantees nothing.
Only cut quality matters.

WHY CUT SHOULD BE PRIORITIZED OVER CARAT

A well-cut 0.70 ct diamond will sparkle more than a poorly cut 1 ct stone.
The human eye is naturally drawn to light, not weight.

Experts know this:

Cut creates the illusion of size.

THE JEWELERS’ SECRET

Great jewelry houses always prioritize cut.
They prefer to sacrifice a few points of carat rather than lose light.

Because a diamond is not judged by its technical data,
but by the emotion it creates.

Diamond Color Scale (D to Z)

WHY COLOR HAS SUCH A STRONG INFLUENCE ON VALUE

In the world of diamonds, the less color a stone has, the more valuable it becomes.
Unlike other gemstones, where color is sought after, a diamond reaches its peak when it is perfectly colorless.

The GIA established a universal scale from D to Z to classify this subtle nuance.
The letter D represents a completely colorless diamond, while Z reveals a visible yellow or brown tint.

COLOR CATEGORIES EXPLAINED

D – F: colorless
These are the rarest and most sought-after diamonds.
They offer absolute visual purity, especially when set in platinum or white gold.

G – J: near colorless
To the naked eye, the difference compared to D–F diamonds is almost imperceptible.
This is the best balance between beauty and budget.

K – M: faint color
A warm tint begins to appear, especially noticeable in light-colored settings.
Ideal for those who appreciate champagne tones.

N – Z: visible color
Yellow or brown hues are clearly perceptible.
These diamonds are more affordable, but less brilliant.

LIGHT CAN DECEIVE THE EYE

A diamond appears whiter:
– in a platinum setting
– with an excellent cut
– in smaller sizes

A skilled jeweler knows how to use these factors to enhance color.

FANCY COLORED DIAMONDS: THE EXCEPTION THAT PROVES THE RULE

When color becomes intense, it falls outside the D–Z scale.
These are known as fancy colored diamonds:
vivid yellow, pink, blue, green…

The famous Hope Diamond, with its deep blue color, is among the most valuable in the world.
Such stones can reach prices in the millions.

WHICH COLOR TO CHOOSE BASED ON YOUR BUDGET

For a perfectly white appearance without overspending:
G – H is the smart choice
I – J remains stunning in yellow gold settings
D – F for absolute excellence

The secret:
choose the color according to the metal.

EXPERT ADVICE

Do not pay for what the eye cannot see.
A perfectly cut G diamond will outshine a poorly cut D.

As Harry Winston once said:

“People don’t remember the carat, they remember the sparkle.”

Diamond Clarity Grades (FL to I3)

DEFINITION OF CLARITY

Diamond clarity refers to the evaluation of internal inclusions and external characteristics observed under magnification.
These natural features form during the diamond’s crystallization in the Earth’s mantle and constitute a true geological signature.

Gemologist Edward J. Gübelin emphasized:

“Inclusions represent the fingerprint of a diamond.”

They attest to its authenticity and natural origin.

THE INTERNATIONAL CLARITY SCALE

FL – Flawless
No inclusions or blemishes visible, even under magnification.
An extremely rare category, reserved for high jewelry pieces.

IF – Internally Flawless
No internal inclusions; only minor surface marks may be detected.

VVS1 – VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included)
Microscopic inclusions, extremely difficult to identify even for an experienced gemologist.

VS1 – VS2 (Very Slightly Included)
Minor inclusions, invisible to the naked eye, offering an excellent balance between clarity and value.

SI1 – SI2 (Slightly Included)
Inclusions visible under magnification, sometimes perceptible depending on their position.

I1 – I3 (Included)
Inclusions visible to the naked eye, which may affect transparency and brilliance.

REAL IMPACT ON APPEARANCE

From the VS2 grade upward, inclusions are generally not visible to the naked eye.
The visual impact then becomes negligible, especially when the cut is of high quality.

Diamonds graded FL or IF are more about the pursuit of absolute perfection than delivering a noticeable aesthetic benefit.

NATURE AND POSITION OF INCLUSIONS

The significance of an inclusion depends not only on its size, but also on its location.

Considered more favorable are:
– small inclusions
– located near the edges
– light in color

Conversely, dark inclusions or those positioned at the center of the table are more visible.

THE EXPERT-RECOMMENDED CHOICE

Professionals generally favor VS1 to VS2 grades, which offer:
– a perfectly clean appearance
– excellent value for money
– optimal brilliance

Certain SI1 stones can also be a smart choice when inclusions are well positioned.

Carat Weight and Visual Perception

DEFINITION OF CARAT

The carat is the official unit used to measure a diamond’s weight.
1 carat equals 0.20 grams.
This unit originates from antiquity, when carob seeds, known for their consistent weight, were used as a reference by gemstone traders.

Today, the carat remains a central criterion in diamond evaluation, both for its market value and its prestige.

ACTUAL WEIGHT VS VISUAL SIZE

Carat weight does not always correspond to a diamond’s visual size.
Two stones of the same carat weight can have very different diameters depending on their depth and cut quality.

A diamond that is too deep concentrates its weight vertically, reducing its visible diameter.
Conversely, a well-proportioned stone maximizes its surface area and appears larger.

THE DECISIVE ROLE OF CUT

A superior cut optimizes light return and creates the illusion of a larger diamond.
A perfectly cut 0.80 ct diamond can appear more impressive than a poorly proportioned 1 ct stone.

In high jewelry, cut excellence consistently takes precedence over the carat number alone.

SYMBOLIC CARAT THRESHOLDS

Certain weights carry strong symbolic value:
– 0.50 ct: understated elegance
– 1 ct: classic benchmark
– 2 ct and above: exceptional piece

These thresholds strongly influence pricing, often in an exponential way.

HOW TO OPTIMIZE YOUR BUDGET

Experts sometimes recommend choosing a diamond just below a symbolic threshold, for example:
– 0.90 ct instead of 1 ct
– 1.80 ct instead of 2 ct

This approach allows you to obtain a visually similar stone at a significantly lower cost.

THE IMPORTANCE OF OVERALL HARMONY

A diamond should never be judged in isolation.
Carat weight must be evaluated in harmony with:
– cut
– color
– clarity
– setting style

True elegance lies in balance, not excess.

Diamond Shapes and Popular Styles

THE SHAPE: THE FIRST VISUAL SIGNATURE

A diamond’s shape is its first aesthetic expression.
Unlike cut, which evaluates the quality of craftsmanship, shape refers to the geometric outline of the stone once it has been cut.

Each shape has its own character, visual language, and stylistic universe.

ROUND BRILLIANT CUT

The most iconic and sought-after shape, the round brilliant accounts for more than 50% of the global market.
Its 57 facets are designed to maximize light reflection and deliver exceptional brilliance.

Classic, timeless, universal.

PRINCESS CUT

Square in shape with sharp angles, the princess cut appeals through its contemporary style.
It offers strong brilliance and adapts perfectly to modern designs.

Highly popular for contemporary engagement rings.

EMERALD CUT

Rectangular with clean lines, the emerald cut emphasizes purity and transparency.
Its large facets create an elegant “hall of mirrors” effect.

A connoisseur’s choice, closely associated with Art Deco and high jewelry.

CUSHION CUT

Square or rectangular with rounded corners, the cushion cut evokes the romance of antique jewelry.
It delivers a soft, warm glow.

Ideal for a vintage-inspired style.

OVAL CUT

Elongated and refined, the oval cut visually lengthens the finger.
It combines the elegance of the round cut with a touch of originality.

PEAR CUT

Shaped like a teardrop, the pear cut blends softness with character.
Highly appreciated for pendants and bold ring designs.

MARQUISE CUT

Elongated with pointed ends, the marquise cut maximizes the impression of size.
Its origin dates back to the court of Louis XV, who wished for a stone reminiscent of the smile of the Marquise de Pompadour.

HEART CUT

The ultimate symbol of romance, this shape requires exceptional technical mastery.
It appeals to those seeking an expressive and distinctive piece of jewelry.

CHOOSING A SHAPE BASED ON STYLE

The choice depends on several factors:
– hand morphology
– personal style
– type of setting
– everyday wear or special occasions

Elongated shapes visually slim the fingers,
while square shapes assert a modern character.

CURRENT TRENDS

Today’s trends favor:
– oval
– cushion
– emerald cut

These shapes embody contemporary elegance while preserving a strong jewelry heritage.

Engagement Diamonds and Wedding Rings

A TRADITION ROOTED IN HISTORY

The first diamond-set engagement ring dates back to 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria offered a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy.
This gesture marked the birth of a tradition that would endure for centuries.

Since then, the diamond has become the ultimate symbol of commitment and lasting union.

WHY THE DIAMOND BECAME ESSENTIAL

Its exceptional hardness represents the strength of the marital bond.
Its rarity evokes the uniqueness of shared love.
Its brilliance reflects the light of an eternal promise.

The famous De Beers slogan in 1947,

“A diamond is forever”

simply formalized a symbolism already deeply rooted in Western culture.

ENGAGEMENT RING STYLES

Solitaire
A single central stone highlighted by a refined setting.
The ultimate expression of elegance.

Trilogy
Three diamonds symbolizing the past, present, and future.
A powerful design rich in meaning.

Halo
A central diamond surrounded by smaller stones to enhance brilliance and visual presence.

Vintage
Art Deco or Victorian inspirations, offering a heritage aesthetic.

HARMONY WITH THE WEDDING BAND

The wedding band should complement the engagement ring without ever competing with it.
Jewelry houses favor:
– clean lines
– balanced proportions
– consistency of metals

The goal is to create a timeless pair.

CHOOSING THE METAL

The metal strongly influences the diamond’s appearance.

Platinum
Cool elegance, exceptional durability.

White gold
Modernity, luminous brilliance.

Yellow gold
Warmth, tradition.

Rose gold
Contemporary softness, romantic appeal.

A PERSONAL CREATION

More and more clients choose bespoke creations.
This allows them to:
– select the stone
– define the setting
– add an intimate engraving

High jewelry then becomes a deeply personal art form.

A JEWEL OF TRANSMISSION

The engagement ring and wedding band go beyond their material value.
They become objects of memory, passed down from generation to generation.

How to Choose the Perfect Diamond

A DECISION GUIDED BY EMOTION AND REASON

Choosing a diamond is an intimate act that combines aesthetics, symbolism, and expertise.
Beyond immediate beauty, this decision relies on a refined understanding of gemological criteria.

In high jewelry, the perfect diamond does not exist in an absolute sense.
What does exist, however, is the diamond perfectly suited to each individual project.

DEFINING YOUR PRIORITIES

Before any selection, it is essential to identify the key criteria:
– importance given to cut
– preference for color
– clarity requirements
– desired carat threshold

A harmonious balance between these elements ensures an optimal aesthetic result.

PRIORITIZING CUT QUALITY

Experts agree that cut remains the determining factor.
An excellent cut maximizes brilliance, depth, and fire.

A slightly smaller stone with a perfect cut will always outshine a heavier but poorly proportioned one.

ADAPTING COLOR TO THE METAL

Color choice should be harmonized with the setting:
– platinum / white gold: favor D to H
– yellow gold / rose gold: I to J provide a warmer appearance

This coherence enhances the overall visual impact of the piece.

CHOOSING CLARITY WISELY

From the VS2 grade upward, inclusions are no longer visible to the naked eye.
VS1 to VS2 grades offer an excellent balance between visual perfection and financial value.

OPTIMIZING CARAT WEIGHT

Symbolic thresholds (1 ct, 2 ct) strongly influence pricing.
Choosing a slightly lower weight often allows for a visually equivalent stone at a more optimized cost.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CERTIFICATION

A quality diamond must be accompanied by a certificate issued by a recognized laboratory:
– GIA
– IGI
– HRD

This document guarantees the stone’s authenticity and grading.

THE VALUE OF EXPERT GUIDANCE

A professional eye helps avoid compromises that are invisible to the untrained observer.
The final selection should always be validated under different lighting conditions to fully appreciate the stone.

A PATRIMONIAL CHOICE

Beyond aesthetics, a diamond represents both an emotional and patrimonial asset.
Its value is measured as much over time as in the moment it is chosen.

Diamond Certification and Authenticity

THE FUNDAMENTAL ROLE OF CERTIFICATION

A quality diamond must be accompanied by a gemological certificate issued by an independent laboratory. This document is the true identity card of the stone. It provides a precise description of its objective characteristics: weight, color, clarity, cut quality, proportions, and any treatments. Without this document, no reliable evaluation can be guaranteed, as only an independent assessment can attest to the diamond’s true nature.

REFERENCE LABORATORIES

Certain institutions have established themselves as global authorities in diamond certification. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is considered the absolute benchmark, recognized for the rigor of its standards. The International Gemological Institute (IGI) plays a major role in the European market and in the certification of lab-grown diamonds. HRD Antwerp, based in Belgium, represents the historical heritage of the European diamond trade. Their independence from sellers ensures impartial and credible analysis.

UNDERSTANDING A GEMOLOGICAL CERTIFICATE

Each certificate includes a unique identification number, often laser-inscribed on the diamond’s girdle. This discreet marking allows the stone’s authenticity to be verified directly on the issuing laboratory’s official website. The diagrams provided illustrate the exact location of inclusions, offering complete transparency regarding the diamond’s internal structure. This traceability is essential in the world of high jewelry.

CERTIFICATION AND TRUE VALUE

It is important to distinguish between certification and financial valuation. A certificate never sets a price. It solely establishes the stone’s objective characteristics. Market value is then determined by factors such as supply and demand, rarity, market conditions, and the positioning of the jewelry piece. This distinction protects buyers from artificial price inflation.

PREVENTING FRAUD RISKS

In a sector where excellence is expected, certain precautions are essential. Only official certificates issued by recognized laboratories should be accepted. Internal documents or vague designations offer no real guarantee. Verifying the serial number and ensuring it matches the presented stone are essential steps in securing a high-end purchase.

NATURAL OR LAB-GROWN: MANDATORY TRANSPARENCY

International standards now require a clear distinction between natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. This information is explicitly stated on modern certificates. Such transparency protects buyers and reinforces the integrity of reputable jewelry houses.

A COMMITMENT TO TRUST

In high jewelry, certification is not merely an administrative formality. It represents an ethical commitment, a mark of seriousness, and a sign of respect toward clients. It ensures the long-term value of the jewelry piece and strengthens the relationship of trust between the house and its clientele.

Diamond Pricing: How It’s Calculated

A VALUE BASED ON RARITY AND EXCELLENCE

The price of a diamond is never arbitrary. It results from a precise evaluation based on universal gemological criteria and market dynamics. Each stone is unique, which explains the significant price variations between diamonds that may appear similar at first glance.

Value is primarily driven by rarity. The more exceptional a characteristic is, the greater its financial impact. This logic places certain diamonds in the category of true collector’s pieces.

THE DETERMINING INFLUENCE OF THE 4Cs

The four fundamental criteria — cut, color, clarity, and carat — interact to determine the final price. A slight improvement in just one of these parameters can lead to a substantial increase in value.

Cut remains the dominant visual factor. An excellent cut significantly raises the price because it reveals the diamond’s full luminous potential. Color also plays a major role, especially in the highest grades, where each incremental improvement in whiteness causes prices to rise exponentially.

Clarity enhances the value of the rarest stones, even though its aesthetic impact often becomes imperceptible to the naked eye beyond a certain level. Carat acts as a price amplifier: as weight increases, pricing rises in a non-linear way.

PSYCHOLOGICAL MARKET THRESHOLDS

Certain symbolic weights exert a direct influence on pricing. Diamonds reaching one carat or more experience notable price increases simply because of this psychological threshold. This market logic explains why two visually similar stones can display substantial price differences.

THE ROLE OF CERTIFICATION IN VALUATION

A diamond certified by a recognized laboratory benefits from increased credibility on the market. Certification reassures the buyer and ensures transaction transparency. All else being equal, a certified stone will always be valued higher than an uncertified diamond.

THE IMPACT OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND

The diamond market is also influenced by broader economic factors. Demand for specific shapes, colors, or sizes can drive price fluctuations. Jewelry trends, Asian and American markets, and production policies of major mining groups all play a strategic role in price formation.

NATURAL DIAMONDS VS LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS

Natural diamonds maintain more stable long-term value due to their geological rarity. Lab-grown diamonds, while chemically identical, are priced lower and follow a different value trajectory, influenced by technological advances and increasing supply.

VALUE BEYOND PRICE

In high jewelry, a diamond’s price reflects more than its technical characteristics. It also embodies emotional, patrimonial, and symbolic dimensions. Each stone becomes an object of transmission, carrying history and meaning.