Diamond Guide

Understanding the value of diamonds

From deep in the Earth, to the diamond ring on your finger. When it comes to choosing the right diamond, there's plenty to think about. Thankfully, Bevilles is here to make it easy for you. Whether you're after a diamond ring, or a diamond necklace to mark a special occasion, we will help you find the right fit for your budget.

To find the perfect piece at the right price, shop online, or visit a Bevilles store near you.

What makes a diamond?

Contrary to popular belief, diamonds aren't formed from coal. In fact, most diamonds are so old that they pre-date plant life on Earth - the organic basis for coal - by about 2 billion years. While diamonds do require pressure and heat to form, coal rarely plays a part.

Diamonds are formed using elemental carbon found in rocks and minerals. Nearly all commercial diamonds today have been formed in the Earth's mantle from deep volcanic eruptions up to 150km below the surface.

So, if diamonds are formed so deep within the Earth, where are they sourced today?

Where do diamonds come from?

Diamonds are found in diamond mines all over the world. By nature of their organic formation, diamonds can form in any geographical area. However, the international diamond industry is largely supported by Russia, Canada, Australia, and several African nations.

Bevilles is in the business of sourcing affordable, ethical, and environmentally responsible diamonds. Every diamond ring we craft features a stone that has comes from a legitimate source. We require a certificate proving this for each diamond, from every supplier.

As part of our responsibility to our customers and the industry, we will always comply with the Kimberly Process. This initiative has been designed to eradicate conflict diamonds from the industry before they enter the market.

For beautiful, ethically-sourced diamonds that won't break the bank, visit Bevilles.

How are diamonds classified?

A diamond isn't beautiful just because it's rare. It's aesthetic brilliance comes from the shape and radiance of the stone. Diamonds are classed by the Four Cs: cut, colour, carat, and clarity. Your perfect diamond ring will be a unique combination of these four values, set in a style of your choice.

The Four Cs of Diamonds

Cut

The cut of a diamond determines how a stone harnesses light. The faces of the diamond are cut in such a way that different angles reflect light, delivering that iconic sparkling effect.

  • The fire of a diamond refers to colourful, sparkling rays featured within the stone. Brilliance defines how bright a diamond is, and how it interacts with light.
  • Rough cut diamond rings aren't actually cut at all, and are set in their natural state as they were removed from the ground.
Colour

Colour, or lack thereof, has an impact on the value of a diamond. The more pale and less colourful a stone, the higher its grade.

  • In the diamond grading industry, colour is rated from D to Z. D-grade is completely colourless, while Z-grade diamonds exhibit a noticeable tinge of colour.
  • Diamonds have been found to naturally occur in grey, white, blue, yellow, orange, red, green, pink, purple, brown, and black.
Carat

Carat defines the total weight of a diamond, not its geometric size. Perception plays a huge part in how large a diamond seems. A higher carat, but poorly cut stone may look smaller than a lower carat, well cut stone.

  • A single carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams. The average weight the stone in a diamond ring is 1.08 carats.
  • The largest diamond ever found, the Cullian Diamond, weighed an incredible 3,106.75 carats. This diamond makes up the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.
Clarity

Due to their organic development, naturally occurring gemstones like diamonds feature blemishes and imperfections. Higher grade diamonds are classed by having fewer imperfections.

  • Diamond inclusions are graded on a scale from the highest, Flawless (F) to the lowest, Included (I).
  • These inclusions are known as bearding (fuzziness), graining (irregular lines), cavity (mineral deposits), and feathers (small cracks).

With Bevilles, you can find a diamond that suits your taste and your budget. Browse through our online store, or visit a location near you.

Diamond Shapes

The shape of the diamond is what makes your engagement ring special. There are many shapes to choose from, each with its own grounding in traditional or modern style. Each shape will have it's own impact on light, sparkle, and overall brilliant.

  • Round cut diamonds are a traditional, circular shape.
  • Princess cut diamonds are a more modern, angular cut.
  • Cushion cut diamonds are square with round corners, blending traditional and modern.
  • Emerald cut diamonds use rectangular facets to produce unique sparkles.
  • Marquise cut diamonds look like an elegantly pointed oval at each end.
  • Oval cut diamonds offer the same brilliance as a round cut, but in a unique shape.
  • Pear cuts diamonds are cut in an elegant tear drop shape.

When it comes to diamonds, there are so many types to choose from. Bevilles can help make that choice so much easier. Our diamond jewellery experts know how to help you find the right diamond ring for you, all for an affordable price. Visit one of our stores, or browse our online catalogue.