Buying a Diamond

COLOR
A diamond's color actually refers to its lack of color. The less color, the higher the color grade. Colorless diamonds are typically grades D-F, and Near-Colorless are grades G-J. To avoid a pale yellow color, we suggest you choose a diamond grade H or higher. See the chart below to see the color scale for diamonds.

CLARITY
Most diamonds have tiny imperfections called inclusions.The higher the clarity grade, the fewer and less visible the inclusions are

Here is a breakdown of the grading options:
   •   Flawless (FL) No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification
   •   Internally Flawless (IF) No inclusions visible under 10x magnification
   •   Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification
   •   Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification, but can be characterized as minor
   •   Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification
   •   Included (I1, I2, and I3) Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification which may affect transparency and brilliance

We suggest any stone that’s SI1 or higher. However, VS2 or higher will ensure that inclusions are not visible to the naked eye. See the chart below to see the clarity scale for diamonds.

CARAT
Carat actually refers to a diamond's weight, not its size. To maximize your budget, we recommend selecting a carat weight slightly below the whole and half carat marks. For example, instead of a 1.0-carat diamond, consider buying a 0.9-carat weight. This will save some money and the slight size difference will never be noticed. Additionally, if you don’t have a huge budget but want the stone to appear larger than it is, consider adding a halo to the setting. It makes the center stone appear about 25% bigger than it actually is.

CUT
When a diamond is cut with the proper proportions, light is returned out of the top of the diamond. If it is cut too shallow, light leaks out of the bottom; too deep and it escapes out of the side. We suggest a cut grade of Very Good or better.

CERTIFICATION
A diamond certificate is a diamond grading report created by a team of gemologists. The diamond is evaluated, measured, and a completed certificate includes an analysis of the diamond’s dimensions, clarity, color, polish, symmetry, and other characteristics. We only sell certified white diamonds for center stones so that you can properly compare diamonds based on the Four Cs and other factors.

We offer GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and EGL (European Gemological Laboratory) certifications for natural diamonds. We also offer GCAL certifications for Lab-Created diamonds.

ETHICS

At Après Jewelry you can trust that you’ll be purchasing an ethically sourced natural diamond. Our most trusted diamond dealer employs strict standards and complies with the Kimberly Process. They also go beyond the overarching problem of conflict diamonds, requiring diamonds to be sourced from suppliers with equitable work hours, child labor policies, and fair compensation.

In terms of the environment, all mined diamonds must be in accordance with the UN and local environmental regulations.

Our diamonds are sourced internationally from countries like Canada, Israel, Belgium and China. Please note, with the recent geo-political events, our dealer has cut ties with Russian sourced diamonds.

Additionally, a portion of the profits goes to KIVA to support women, especially in nations with developing economies, get access to loans.

If you are not satisfied by the Kimberly Process backing, we are happy to source diamonds exclusively from Canada.

Please reach out to our concierge team to have us begin sourcing stones for you!

PRICING

Below is estimated pricing of a Natural Brilliant-Cut Diamond (Color G-H, Clarity: VS2-SI1). For more specific pricing, email us at orders@apresjewelry.com and we can send you exact pricing based on your specifications and what is available.