Diamond Information Booklet

Compassion Diamonds

Information Booklet

Make an Informed Decision

We hope you find this booklet a helpful guide.
“Take the time to read the material in this booklet

and if you have any questions or need advice
please email or call us.”

The Gift of Giving

Diamonds are the most sought after gems on earth. Each diamond is
unique and has specific qualities that establish its value.
An understanding of the diamond's quality characteristics will allow
you to consider the factors most important to you when choosing your
diamond. Taking the time to gain a little basic knowledge will help
unlock the mystery of a diamond's quality and help you understand
their value and price.

Email: [email protected]

www.compassiondiamonds.com.au Mobile: 0438 592140

Compassion Diamonds

An Ideal Gift For Any Occasion.

Personalise your Jewellery
Buying a diamond and customising
a design around that diamond can
be an exciting and creative project.
There is simply no better way to
personalise your jewellery than to
choose your own design.
Diamonds With A Gift are presented
in a specially designed Gift Box.

Email: [email protected]

www.compassiondiamonds.com.au

The Benefits of Purchasing Loose Diamonds
Purchasing loose diamonds has become very popular among jewellery consumers
in Australia. There is simply no better way to personalise your jewellery than to
choose your own design. Buying a diamond and customising a design around that
diamond can be an exciting and creative project. The financial savings
associated with your creation, when compared to an item of jewellery of similar
quality, can be substantial.
There are advantages in purchasing your diamond separate from an item of
jewellery including the ability to select a better quality diamond within your
budget and having a larger selection of diamonds to choose from. Being able to
view and examine your diamond in its entirety to assess its quality and beauty is
best accomplished before the diamond has been set. When you inspect loose
diamonds, it is much easier to notice flaws than in a diamond that is already set in
jewellery. Often the diamond you want is in a setting you don't particularly like:
by choosing your diamond and having it set, you get an item of jewellery that
perfectly reflects your personality.

Diamond Sets
Design options are endless and jewellery that feature a centre diamond with
diamonds placed on the outer sides are known as Diamond Sets which are
assembled in order to make a unique setting. A Diamond Set that features three
diamonds is a very popular setting, particularly in engagement rings. The design
options are endless and any diamond shape can be used to create a unique piece
of jewellery.

Matching Pairs and Matching Sets
Matching pairs and matching sets of Natural Fancy Coloured Diamonds are
extremely rare. No two Natural Fancy Coloured Diamonds are the same and
when creating a matching pair or set we need to match colour and size as close as
possible. Matching a pair or set of Coloured Princess Diamonds requires the
difficult task of not only getting as close in colour and size as possible; it also
involves finding diamonds that are as close to square as possible.

“Our Matching Pairs and Diamond Sets are a source of inspiration to create a
unique piece of jewellery.”

Buying a Round Diamond within your Budget

Most of us would like to have the perfect diamond; one carat or larger, flawless
and D colour however, most of us have a budget and need to make concessions.
The following suggestions are a guide to help you arrive at the best quality
diamond that suits your budget.

No Compromise with Cut
There should be no compromise when considering the cut of the diamond. Consider only
diamonds that are a very good or excellent cut. A compromise on the cut of a diamond will
result in diminished brilliance.

Making Concessions with Clarity
Everyone would like a Flawless or Internally Flawless diamond however they are very rare
and the price reflects this fact. Most of us start with diamonds that are VVS or VS clarity.
The difference between, for example, VVS1 and VS2 is noticeable only to trained
professionals and for this reason diamonds with VS2 clarity represent excellent value.
Another popular grading to consider is SI1 as the diamond will still appear clean to the eye
and represents exceptional value.

Making Concessions with Colour
Many of the colour distinctions are so subtle as to be invisible to the untrained eye and
selecting a lower colour will give you a diamond that still appears white. On the colour scale
D is the ultimate choice and if you are considering VS2 or SI1 clarity then a diamond with D
colour may be within your budget. If however compromise is still required then you could
consider an F colour grading which is virtually colourless and very good value when
compared with D or E colour. Excellent value can be found with near colourless diamonds
that have a colour grading of G or H colour. Exceptional value can be found when
considering I colour diamonds, they appear colourless and if they are an excellent cut with
good clarity, SI1 or better, they have the same brilliance and sparkle as colourless diamonds.

Making Concessions with the Size
As the diamond carat weight increases, so does its rarity and subsequently price. Therefore
if the size of your diamond is most important for you, a compromise on quality may be
required. Most of us would love to own a one carat or larger diamond however is size worth
compromising the quality of the diamond? A smaller well cut diamond with sparkle is,
surely, far more desirable than a large diamond that appears lifeless and dull.

© Clyde Jones 2013

Round or Princess – The Two Most Popular Shapes

When it comes to diamond shapes, the two that stand out
above the rest are the Round brilliant cut and the Square
Princess cut. Both are known for their eye catching sparkle
and brilliance and the one for you depends largely on personal
taste. Provided the diamond is well cut, there is no quality
difference between different diamond shapes.

Round Brilliant Cut Diamond

Round brilliant cut diamonds are the most traditional and continue to be the most
popular in today’s market. Originally created to optimise the stone’s brilliance
(reflected white light) and fire (spectral colour flashes). Round diamonds are
distinguished by their constant and equal proportions, with multiple angles
scattering light like no other shape can.
Buying Tips:
Cut: Very Good or Excellent. Do not compromise with the cut.
Clarity: SI1 or better is recommended.
Colour: I or better is recommended.

Princess Brilliant Cut Diamond

Princess diamonds have become enormously popular in recent years. The
princess combines the sparkle of a round brilliant cut with the square shape. It
retains more carat weight from the rough diamond, resulting in less waste during
cutting. Princess cut diamonds are a good choice for solitaire engagement rings
and are often embellished with side stones. Flattering to a hand with long fingers,
the princess cut diamond also offers many style choices. A significant advantage
of the princess cut is that diamonds of the same weight, colour and clarity cost
considerably less than a similar round diamond.
Buying Tips:
Cut: Very Good or Excellent Cut. Do not compromise with the cut.
Clarity: VS2 or better is recommended.
Colour: H or better is also recommended.

Diamonds That Sparkle

Whether you choose between a Round brilliant or Princess diamond, a
compromise in the quality of the cut will result in less sparkle. The diamond will
still appear white if a concession is made with colour and will still appear clean to
the eye if a concession is made with clarity. When considering the size of the
diamond, keep in mind, a smaller well cut diamond that sparkles is far more
attractive than a large diamond that appears lifeless and dull.

© Clyde Jones 2013

Diamond Quality Characteristics

Choosing a diamond is all about personal taste and for most people buying
a diamond is a new experience. Finding a beautiful diamond is easy;
finding the right one for your taste and budget is more of a challenge. An
understanding of the diamond's quality characteristics will allow you to
consider the factors most important to you when choosing your diamond.

The Cut
One of the most important elements of a diamond's appearance is the cut. The majority of
diamonds are rarely cut to ideal proportions, but they have such high optical properties that
most of them are still beautiful.
The way a diamond is cut will have the most significant effect on how the stone catches and
interacts with light; what we generally think of as sparkle. A well cut diamond will reflect
most of the light through the table (top surface) of the stone. If the diamond is cut too
shallow or too deep then some of the light will escape out of the bottom or side.
Excellent Cut: The diamond has high brilliance, sparkle and an even pattern of light and
dark areas. Most of the light entering the diamond is reflected back through the table.
Very Good Cut: The diamond has high brilliance and sparkle but down-graded by its
pattern being a little bit darker in the centre or around the edges. Most of the light entering
the diamond is reflected back through the table.
Good Cut: The diamond offers significant sparkle and brilliance. Does not reflect light back
through the table the same as an Excellent or Very Good Cut.

"Cut is the factor that fuels the diamond's fire, sparkle and brilliance"

Clarity
Diamonds are formed deep within the earth, under extreme heat and pressure. Because of
this they often contain either inclusions or blemishes; inclusions are internal characteristics
and blemishes are external characteristics. Diamond clarity refers to the absence of these
imperfections. Without them the more rare and valuable the gem. Keep an open mind when
viewing diamonds that have a lower grading such as an SI1 or SI2, but have a very good or
excellent cut. For example, the “eye visible” inclusions that gave the diamond an SI2
grading may be insignificant and the overall appearance still dazzles.

Diamonds receive a Clarity Rating based on a world industry standard scale:
FL : Flawless - No inclusions or blemishes visible using 10x magnification.
IF : Internally Flawless - No inclusions and only blemishes visible using 10x
magnification.
VVS1-2: Very Very Slight Inclusions – Inclusions are difficuilt to see using 10x
magnification.
VS1-2: Very Slight Inclusions - Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification but
characterised as minor.
SI1-2: Eye clean but small inclusions - Inclusions are easy to find using 10x magnification.
I1-3(P1-3): Imperfect - Inclusions are obvious using 10x magnification and generally
visible to the naked eye.

"Inclusions in diamonds are normalities not abnormalities."

Colour
Most diamonds of gem quality used in jewellery vary in shade from completely colourless
down to a visible yellow or brown tint. The colour grading scale starts with the letter "D"
and increases with the presence of colour to the letter "Z". Many of these colour
distinctions are so subtle, as to be invisible to the untrained eye and each letter grade has a
clearly defined range of colour appearance.

A master set of diamonds based on their range of colour is used to grade the diamond.
D : Colourless.
E, F: Virtually colourless.
G, H : Near colourless.
I : Appears Colourless.
J: Very slight colour is visible.
K: Slight colour visible.
L to Z: Colour visible.

"The Colour distinctions are so subtle they are invisible to the untrained eye."

Carat
Carat weight is the most objective of the diamond’s characteristics. There are no estimates,
comparisons, or judgments. The only requirement is precisely balanced scales capable of
measuring extremely small weights.
The weight or size of a diamond is measured in carats (ct.).One carat weighs 1/5 of a gram
(5 carats in 1 gram). The term ‘points’ when discussing diamond sizes is 1 carat divided into
100 points, with each point 1/100th of a carat.

Example:
1 - 1.00 carat = 100 points
¾ - 0.75 carat = 75 points.
½ - 0.50 carat = 50 points.
¼ - 0.25 carat = 25 points.

It is important to note that diamonds of the same weight don't necessarily have the same size
appearance. A diamond which has a deep cut will look smaller than a diamond of the same
weight which has a shallow cut.
When diamonds are mined, large gems are discovered much less frequently than small ones,
which make large diamonds much more valuable. Diamond prices rise exponentially with
carat weight with a 2 carat diamond of a given quality worth more than two 1 carat
diamonds of the same quality.

"Weight does not always enhance the value of a diamond"

Diamond Shapes

It is important to understand that shape and cut are not the same
thing. Shape is the outward appearance of the diamond and cut is
the reflective qualities of the diamond.
The choice of a diamond shape is very personal and provided the
diamond is well cut, there is no quality difference between the different diamond
shapes.
Your choice of diamond may be the more popular shapes such as the Round or
Princess, however when choosing a diamond decide on the shape that perfectly
matches your style and looks beautiful on you.

Round Brilliant
The most popular cut which was originally created to optimise the stone’s brilliance
(reflected white light) and fire (spectral colour flashes). Round cut diamonds are
distinguished by their constant and equal proportions, with multiple angles scattering
light like no other shape can.
Suggestion: Clarity: SI1 or better Colour: I or better

Pear
The pear combines the best of the oval and the marquise. It has the shape of a
sparkling tear drop and belongs to the category of diamonds that compliments a hand
with small or average-length fingers and is particularly beautiful for pendants or
earrings. When selecting a pear shape be aware that a dark bow tie effect across the
width of the diamond may be apparent. This will dull the brilliance and beauty of the
diamond. Suggestion: Clarity: VS2 or better Colour: H or better

Oval
The oval is a variation of the popular round brilliant with an even, perfectly
symmetrical design popular among women with small hands or short fingers. Its
elongated shape gives a flattering illusion of length to the hand. When selecting an
oval be aware that a dark bow tie effect across the width of the diamond may be
apparent. This will dull the brilliance and beauty of the diamond.
Suggestion: Clarity: VS2 or better Colour: H or better

Marquise
This diamond has an elongated shape with pointed ends and is stunning either when
used as a solitaire or when enhanced by smaller diamonds. Due to the large surface
area the shape and structure of the diamond will make it appear larger than its actual
carat weight. A well cut marquise will have excellent brilliance, otherwise it will
exhibit a dark shape (bow tie) effect across the centre of the diamond with an obvious
lack of brilliance. Suggestion: Clarity: VS2 or better Colour: H or better

Emerald
The emerald is rectangular shape with cut corners that is known as a step cut because
its concentric broad, flat planes resemble stair steps. This cut allows for a range of
creative designs both modern and contemporary. Because inclusions and inferior
colour are more pronounced, selecting a stone of superior clarity and colour is
recommended. Suggestion: Clarity: VS2 or better. Colour: H or better.

Princess
The second most popular shape, which often finds its way into solitaire engagement
rings, it can be either square or rectangular with numerous sparkling facets. This shape
is flattering to a hand with long fingers and is often embellished with stones at its
sides. It is a relatively new diamond cut that is growing in popularity because of it's
superior brilliance.
Suggestion: Clarity: VS2 or better Colour: H or better

Radiant
Square or rectangular cut that combines the elegance of the emerald shape diamond
with the brilliance of the round. Has a brilliant pattern on the crown and the pavilion
which adds to the brilliance and sparkle of the diamond.
Suggestion: Clarity: VS2 or better Colour: H or better

Heart
The ultimate symbol of romance is essentially a pear-shaped diamond with a cleft at
the top. The skill of the cutter determines the beauty of the cut.
Suggestion: Clarity: SI1 Colour: H or better

Cushion
The cushion diamond combines a square cut with rounded corners, much like a pillow
and usually appears larger than its actual carat weight. Traditional cushion diamonds
return light in a chunkier pattern than modern cuts.
Suggestion: Clarity: VS2 or better Colour: H or better

Asscher
This is a square cut with cropped corners and is perfectly symmetrical. When selecting
an Asscher look for superior clarity and colour.
Suggestion: Clarity: VS2 or better. Colour: H or better.

Triple Excellent Diamonds
Cut ( Face up appearance - Brightness, Fire and Scintillation)
This is the first consideration in the Triple Excellent Grading.
One of the most important elements of a diamond's appearance is the
cut. The majority of diamonds are rarely cut to ideal proportions, but
they have such high optical properties that most of them are still beautiful.
The way a diamond is cut will have the most significant effect on how the stone
catches and interacts with light; what we generally think of as sparkle. A well cut
diamond will reflect most of the light through the table (top surface) of the stone. If
the diamond is cut too shallow or too deep then some of the light will escape out of
the bottom or side.
Excellent Cut: The diamond has high brilliance, sparkle and an even pattern of light
and dark areas. Most of the light entering the diamond is reflected back through the
table.

Polish (Craftsmanship)
This is the second consideration in the Triple Excellent Grading.
The facets of the diamond are polished to reveal the alluring sparkle that entices all of
us. There are usually 57 or 58 facets on a diamond and each one must receive expert
attention to ensure it reflects the optimum degree of light. Facets appear on the girdle,
pavilion, crown and culet. The table is the top flat part of the diamond from where
you see the alignment of all the other facets.

Symmetry (Craftsmanship)
This is the third consideration in the Triple Excellent Grading.
For a diamond to be graded symmetrically excellent, the facets must be perfectly
aligned. Symmetry marks the finish of the diamond. Any diamond in which the crown
and/or pavilion facets are out of alignment would not be given an Excellent grading.
In fact very few diamonds are graded as symmetrically excellent. The naked eye will
not detect differences between good, very good or excellent diamonds as most are
very beautiful. Only the highest quality grades of diamonds will be graded
symmetrically excellent.

Diamond Anatomy
Diameter: The width of a polished diamond from one side of the girdle to another.
Depth: The total length of a diamond, measured from the culet to the table.
Table: The largest polished facet of the diamond on the top face of the stone.
Crown: The top part of the diamond that is measured from the surface of the table to
the girdle.
Girdle: The widest edge of the diamond where the crown ends and meets the
pavillion.
Pavillion: The bottom part of the diamond that begins at the girdle and extends
downward to the point of the culet.
Culet: The tiny flat facet at the bottom tip of the diamond.

Fluorescence in a Diamond

Fluorescence is the visible light some diamonds emit
when they are exposed to invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays.
The light emitted lasts as long as the diamond is
exposed to the ultraviolet source, with approximately
35% of diamonds exhibiting some degree of fluorescence. In most
diamonds the colour seen is blue but in rare instances, the colour may
be yellow, white or another colour.

There is a misconception, by a few, that fluorescence in a diamond is a
negative factor. However, in most instances it has a more positive
effect, with minimal impact on the stones brilliance or value.
Fluorescence in most diamonds is hardly noticeable and often gives
diamonds of a lower colour grading a whiter, brighter face-up
appearance. Some diamonds with extremely strong fluorescence may
appear hazy or oily, but this is extremely rare.

A Diamond that has a reaction to ultraviolet rays has the same
transparency and structural integrity as one with no reaction.

Fancy Colour Diamonds in Demand

A New Generation of Admirers
Fancy Colour diamonds have always been popular
however, over the past decade a new generation of
admirers and investors has emerged increasing
demand by 1000%. While both Europe and The United States
continue to experience growth in demand of Fancy Colour
Diamonds, overall growth is being driven by Asia where coloured
diamonds are considered a status symbol. In Asia, as more people
move into the middle class they are looking at high quality
diamonds as an investment.

Limited Resource Increases Value
As old mines close and fewer new mines open, global supply of Fancy Colour diamonds
continues to decline. These diamonds are found randomly in most of the world’s diamond mines
and represent a small fraction of annual diamond production. For every 10,000 carats of
diamonds that are cut, 1 carat will possess fancy colour and of the Fancy Colour Diamonds
found, only 1 carat out of every 25,000 carats will have Intense Colour.

Fancy Coloured diamonds are the most concentrated form of
wealth in the world and historically have never reduced in value,
with the finest quality coloured diamonds increasing in value on
average 10%-15% annually. Since 2000 the finest quality
Yellow diamonds have doubled in value, and the very rare Pink
diamonds from the Argyle mine in Australia have increased in
value by 400%. Red, Blue, Green and Orange diamonds which
are extremely rare have also increased in value by around
400%.

No one can predict the future, however with global supply in decline and demand expected to
continue at the current rate, upward pressure on prices is inevitable.

Fancy Colour Diamonds as an Investment
Buying and selling rare Fancy Coloured Diamonds is not a simple matter, and those that choose
to invest generally use the services of experienced diamond traders. With
continued demand, diminishing supplies and optimistic forecasts Fancy Colour
Diamonds will continue to be considered a tangible investment by many
investors. How well they compare with traditional investments is for the
individual investor to evaluate.

Owning such a beautiful and unique miracle of nature is to own a treasure like no other.
Regardless of the reason you purchase your Fancy Colour Diamond, wear and enjoy it as
diamonds have been enjoyed for centuries.

“One of the many pleasures of owning a diamond is to look into its beautiful
mysterious depths, from which flash all the colours that ever were.”

Natural Coloured Diamonds

Natural coloured diamonds are among the World’s rarest and
most beautiful natural resources. They have been regarded
for centuries as a symbol of status and power. For the serious
collector, there is no more treasured prize than a high quality
coloured diamond. The colour in a diamond is produced during its formation
and is a result of a number of factors such as impurities, trace elements or
radiation. A wide range of colours is available in natural coloured diamonds
including pinks, browns, yellows, reds, blues, greens, purples and many shades
in between.

Cut to Maximise Colour
The most important thing when deciding on a coloured diamond is the colour.
Coloured diamonds are cut to maximise the colour, not the clarity, and most
inclusions are hidden by the saturation of colour within a diamond. Value is
based more so on colour factors such as hue, intensity and tone. Hue is the basic
colour of the diamond, pink, brown, yellow etc. Intensity is the degree to which
the colour is present and the more intense the colour the more valuable the
diamond. Tone is the range from light to dark colour and a grading scale
separates the tone or depth of colour progressively.

Clarity less important than Colour
While each of the four c’s of diamond buying applies to coloured diamonds, one
major difference is the relevance of clarity which refers to the clearness or
purity of a diamond. Clarity is determined by the number, size, nature, and
location of internal imperfections known as inclusions and external
imperfections known as blemishes. Clarity is necessary when selecting a high
quality white diamond, however this is not so when considering a coloured
diamond. Quite often the feathers or small crystal inclusions appear the same
colour as the diamond and don’t diminish the colouring. As long as the diamond
is considered “eye clean” to an untrained eye clarity is not as crucial. Most
colour grading certificates and reports only grade the colour not the clarity.
However coloured diamonds that have a strong saturation of colour and a VS or
higher clarity demand a premium in price.

Investing in Coloured Diamonds
Coloured diamonds are rare, for every 10,000 carats of diamonds mined, only
one carat will be a fancy coloured diamonds. With demand for coloured
diamonds continuing to grow and supply diminishing, experts predict coloured
diamond prices will continue to increase significantly. Some of today’s most
popular coloured diamonds are the purplish pink and pink diamonds from the
Argyle mine in Australia which accounts for over 90% of the world's pink
diamonds. In 2008 RioTinto shut down all open-pit operations at Argyle and
converted to underground mining. The Argyle mine is expected to cease
operating in 2018. Experts agree that underground mining will result in fewer
quality stones with average size decreasing and overall supply dropping by at
least 40%. In recent years natural coloured diamonds have increased 10% to
15% annually.

Natural Pink Diamonds

Each pink diamond in existence is the result of a rare and extraordinary
phenomenon and is a treasure to own. The actual cause of natural pink
diamond colour is still under speculation. Unlike other coloured diamonds
where colouration is caused by a trace element, pink diamond colour thought
to be caused by internal blemishes known as graining. The term pink as it
relates to diamond grading is used to describe colours in the hue range from reddish
purple to orange. Differences in tone give a diamond its pink appearance, while saturation
of colour determines a colour grade. Each pink diamond is cut in such a way to bring out
the most colour saturation and each pink diamond differs from one another. It is quite
possible to find lighter and darker shades within each respective grade.

Secondary Colours

It is not uncommon for coloured diamonds to have secondary colours in addition to their
main colour. In pink diamonds, the most commonly occurring secondary modifiers
include purple, brown and orange. For example, a pink rose' diamond while still
predominately pink thas noticeable shades of brown, giving the diamond a warm pink
colour. Pink diamonds with a secondary colour will generally cost less than a pure pink
diamond. While budget influences the amount of available options, the final decision on
colour will be a matter of personal preference. Selecting a smaller intense pink diamond is
a smart alternative to a larger light pink for the same price as the smaller diamond that has
more intense colour is more likely to have a higher value.

Investing in Pink Diamonds

Unlike white diamonds there is no price list that determines the value of pink diamonds.
Since each stone is uniquely different, pricing will almost always fall within a range
associated with its colour scale. Some of today’s most popular coloured diamonds are the
pink diamonds from the Argyle mine in Australia which accounts for over 90% of the
world's pink diamonds. In 2008 RioTinto shut down all open-pit operations at Argyle and
converted to underground mining. The Argyle mine is expected to cease operating in
2018. Experts agree that underground mining will result in fewer quality stones with
average size decreasing and overall supply dropping by at least 40%. In the last decade
pink diamonds have increased approximately 400%.

Grading Pink Diamonds

Pink diamonds are graded according to the intensity of colour and Argyle uses a scale
from one to nine, one being the most intense colour and nine the lightest colour. The one
to nine grading is then given an additional grade according to each individual diamond
hue.
Pink Diamond Hue in order of rarity: PP: Purplish Pink P: Pink PR: Pink Rose'

Intensity Scale:

“The colour pink is the universal colour of love. Pink is a relaxing colour that
promotes love, self worth, acceptance and protection.”

Natural Fancy Yellow Diamonds

Fancy yellow diamonds are among the most abundant of all
coloured diamonds and are defined as diamonds that exhibit
colours beyond the D to Z diamond colour grading scale. The faint
to very light yellows are part of this scale and are not considered
fancy in nature. The colour of yellow diamonds is intensified by
the presence of nitrogen and varying amounts of this element allows for more
vibrant colour saturations to exist beyond the faint yellow.

Secondary Colours
There are two main yellow diamond colour categories: one contains the
appearance of orangey undertones while the other has greenish undertones.
Neither group is more valuable than the other and purchase decisions are
generally based on personal preference. In yellow diamonds, modifiers
(secondary colours) such as brown, green or orange can drastically increase the
visual appearance of the diamond. Colour modifiers can create a very unique
and interesting yellow diamond. Common descriptors of a yellow diamond with
a secondary colour include greenish yellow, orange yellow or brownish yellow.

Fancy Shapes Deliver Maximum Colour
Light reflection reduces the appearance of yellow colour, potentially giving the
diamond a lighter colour grade. Due to the low level of saturation that round
cuts produce, the majority of yellow diamonds are cut into fancy shapes. Round
brilliant cuts often reflect a large amount of white or near white light so each
yellow diamond rough is cut into the shape that will deliver the maximum
amount of colour when looking at the diamond in the face up position.

Yellow Diamonds and Clarity
Overall natural yellow diamond rough has fewer inclusions than other coloured
diamonds. Colour appearance is the most important factor when grading a
coloured diamond but if you are looking for an exceptionally clean coloured
diamond then yellow diamonds give you the best chance of finding one.

Yellow Diamonds and Fluorescence
Fluorescence occurs in a range of colours such as blue, green, white, orange,
and yellow and is regarded as a negative factor when grading white diamonds.
When it comes to coloured diamonds, especially yellows, fluorescence can
increase the overall intensity of the diamond, thus adding value. For example
blue fluorescence can give a greenish hint of colour to a yellow diamond.

Grading Scale
When grading yellow diamonds, Argyle uses the 1Y to 7Y grading scale which
separates the tone or depth of colour progressively.

“The colour yellow is very warm, uplifting and cheerful.”

Natural Brown Diamonds

The same type of structural defect that produces the rarest pink
and sometimes red diamonds also causes the most common hue
available in a brown diamond. The range of shades available
from champagne to cognac is striking; with each brown
diamond being a unique blend of colours.

Secondary Colours
Brown diamonds have the greatest array of secondary colours, often imbued
with rich overtones of yellow, orange and pink. These colours drastically alter
the overall appearance of colour and ultimately, the value. Modifiers (secondary
colours) can drastically increase the visual appearance of the diamond.

Cut to maximise Colour
The most important thing when deciding on a coloured diamond is the colour.
Coloured diamonds are cut to maximise colour, not clarity, and most inclusions
are hidden by the saturation of colour within the diamond. Value is based on
colour factors such as hue (basic colour of the diamond), intensity (degree to
which the colour is present; the more intense the colour the more valuable the
diamond) and tone (range from light to dark colour). A grading scale separates
the tone or depth of colour progressively.

Brown Diamonds and Clarity
Clarity is almost necessary when selecting a high quality white diamond, this is
not so when considering brown coloured diamonds. Quite often the feathers or
small crystal inclusions appear the same colour as the diamond and don’t
diminish the colouring. As long as the brown diamond is considered “eye clean”
to an untrained eye clarity is not as crucial. However brown diamonds that have
a strong saturation of colour and a higher clarity demand a premium in price.

Price of Brown Diamonds
Currently brown diamonds are the least expensive of the coloured diamonds and
present the best opportunity for bargains in the world of fancy coloured
diamonds. Demand for champagne and cognac diamonds has increased in
recent years and with supplies decreasing, the value of brown diamonds will
continue to increase.

Grading Brown Diamonds
When grading brown diamonds, Argyle uses the C1 to C7 grading scale which
separates the tone or depth of colour progressively.

“The colour brown represents a connection with natural earth and the
stability and clear thinking this brings.”

Natural Fancy Green Diamonds

Created by natural radiation over millions of years, green diamonds
are among the rarest natural colour diamond on earth. They range
from fancy light green diamonds to the more rare fancy vivid green
diamonds and are sought after by collectors.

Secondary Colours
In green diamonds, modifiers (secondary colours) such as yellow,
grey, brown and blue can drastically increase the visual appearance of the diamond.
Colour modifiers help create a very unique and interesting green diamond, however
the more pure the colour, the more rare the diamond.

Cut to Maximise Colour
Coloured diamonds are cut to maximise the colour, not the clarity, and most
inclusions are hidden by the saturation of colour within a diamond. Value is based
on colour factors such as hue, intensity and tone. Hue is the basic colour of the
diamond, intensity is the degree to which the colour is present and tone is the range
from light to dark colour. A grading scale separates the tone or depth of colour
progressively.

Green Diamonds and Clarity
Clarity is almost necessary when selecting a high quality white diamond, this is not
so when considering green coloured diamond. Quite often the feathers or small
crystal inclusions appear the same colour as the diamond and don’t diminish the
colouring. As long as the green diamond is considered “eye clean” to an untrained
eye clarity is not as crucial. However green diamonds that have a strong saturation
of colour and a higher clarity demand a premium in price.

Common Colour Variations
Green diamonds are graded according to the intensity of colour with the more
intense and vivid colours demanding very high prices:
Fancy Light Green, Fancy Green, Fancy Intense Green, Fancy Vivid Green, Fancy
Deep Green.
Most green diamonds come with yellow, brown, gray and blue which can
drastically increase the visual appearance. The following are some common
variations:
Fancy Yellowish Green, Fancy Greyish Green, Fancy Brownish Green, Fancy Gray
Yellowish Green, Fancy Intense Yellow Green, Fancy Intense Bluish Green, Fancy
Vivid Yellowish Green, Fancy Vivid Bluish Green.

Fancy Yellowish Green Fancy Bluish Green Fancy Vivid Bluish Green Fancy Vivid Green

“The colour green is the most restful colour to the eye and suggests stability and
endurance. Aqua green is associated with emotional healing and protection,
while olive green is the traditional colour of peace”.

Natural Fancy Orange Diamonds

Orange diamonds are one of the most vibrant coloured diamonds.
Fancy Intense Orange and Fancy Vivid Orange are extremely rare
and these exquisite diamonds are very popular with collectors.

Secondary Colours
Orange diamonds usually come with modifiers (secondary colours)
such as yellow, brown and pink and can drastically increase the
visual appearance of the diamond. Colour modifiers help create a
very unique and interesting orange diamond, however the more pure the colour, the
more rare the diamond.

Cut to Maximise Colour
Coloured diamonds are cut to maximise the colour, not the clarity, and most
inclusions are hidden by the saturation of colour within a diamond. Value is based on
colour factors such as hue, intensity and tone. Hue is the basic colour of the diamond,
intensity is the degree to which the colour is present and tone is the range from light
to dark colour. A grading scale separates the tone or depth of colour progressively.

Orange Diamonds and Clarity
Clarity is almost necessary when selecting a high quality white diamond, this is not
so when considering green coloured diamond. Quite often the feathers or small
crystal inclusions appear the same colour as the diamond and don’t diminish the
colouring. As long as the green diamond is considered “eye clean” to an untrained
eye clarity is not as crucial. However orange diamonds that have a strong saturation
of colour and a higher clarity demand a premium in price.

Common Colour Variations
Orange diamonds are graded according to the intensity of colour with the more
intense and vivid colours demanding very high prices:
Fancy Light Orange, Fancy Orange, Fancy Intense Orange, Fancy Vivid Orange,
Fancy Deep Orange.
Most orange diamonds come with yellow, brown or pink which can drastically
increase the visual appearance. The following are some common variations:
Fancy Yellowish Orange, Fancy Intense Yellowish Orange, Fancy Vivid Yellowish
Orange, Fancy Deep Yellowish Orange, Fancy Brownish Orange, Fancy Intense
Brownish Orange, Fancy Vivid Brownish Orange, Fancy Deep Brownish Orange.

Fancy Deep Brownish Orange Fancy Intense Yellowish Orange Fancy Deep Yellowish Orange Fancy Intense Orange

“The colour orange is vibrant and energetic and represents creativity and success.”

Diamond Colour Chart

Colour Guide

Coloured Diamonds on the chart are graded by the Intensity

of the colour.

Brown graded C1 to C7: C7 the deepest colour.

Yellow graded 1Y to 7Y: 1Y the deepest colour.

Pink Rose’ graded 1PR to 9PR: 1PR the deepest colour.

Pink graded 1P to 9P: 1P the deepest colour.

Purple Pink 1PP to 9PP: 1PP the deepest colour.

White (colourless) graded D to Z: D Colourless

Compassion Diamonds

Email: [email protected]

www.compassiondiamonds.com.au Mobile: 0438 592140

Diamonds are our Passion

Compassion
Diamonds

The Gift of Giving

“Discover our Collection”

White Diamonds Coloured Diamonds
Australian Diamonds

Mobile: 0438 592140

Email: [email protected]

P. O. Box 4075
Victoria Park W. A. 6979

www.compassiondiamonds.com.au