Diamond Guide
Diamond is the hardest natural material, scoring 10 on the Mohs scale, which makes it the most practical stone for jewellery worn every day. At Eternal Verity you will find diamonds on their own and as the halo, pavé and accent stones that frame our coloured gemstones.
The 4Cs, and beyond
Cut decides how a diamond returns light. A well cut stone has more life and brilliance, which is why it matters most. Colour and clarity are best judged together and in the setting rather than in isolation, and carat weight is only part of the story: size alone does not make a diamond beautiful. The overall make, light return and how the stone sits in the design all matter.
Natural and lab grown
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds, with the same carbon crystal structure, hardness and brilliance as natural diamonds. They are made using High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) methods, and can be graded and certified in the same way. We offer both natural and lab grown pieces; if you would like to know which a particular piece is, please ask.
Certificates and valuations
For natural diamonds in particular, many buyers feel more comfortable with a grading certificate. Insurance usually needs a valuation instead. Both can often be arranged, depending on the piece; please ask.
Caring for diamonds
Diamonds resist scratching, but a hard knock can still chip a stone or loosen a claw. If a stone ever moves in its setting, have it checked as soon as possible.