Cut Guide

About Diamonds

For thousands of years, diamonds have been treasured as one of nature’s most enduring and beautiful gifts. Fashions may change and settings can be altered but a diamond truly is forever.

When choosing diamond jewellery for your loved one or yourself, you should first consider what suits the lifestyle of the wearer.

When it comes to selecting the diamond itself, there are four key factors to consider. These are known as the four ’C’s.

Cut

The skill with which a stone is cut determines the amount of fire and light it emits. There are various shapes available shown in the cut guide to the left.

Colour

Diamonds are graded on a scale from D, for almost colourless, to Z for a tinted stone. The closer a diamond is to colourless the rarer and more valuable it is. Diamonds with a strong pure colour are known as “fancies” and are extremely rare.

Clarity

Almost all diamonds contain tiny inclusions that make each stone unique. The fewer there are, the rarer and more valuable the diamond.

Carat

Diamonds were originally weighed against carob seeds — the origin of the word “carat”. These days one carat is now standardised at 0.2 grams.

Certificated Diamonds

Michael Spiers also offers a vast array of certificated stones from ¼ carat at the most competitive prices.
But don’t worry if this sounds complicated, our experienced staff are here to help and guide you in making the perfect choice – whatever your budget. When visiting Michael Spiers you will experience another ‘C’ — Confidence. Confidence in the purchase you make and confidence in every member of our staff to offer the highest standards of service.
So call in to any of our showrooms and experience the difference that is Michael Spiers — exquisite jewellery at realistic prices.