Dear Visitor, this section contains some general information on diamonds. We hope you find it usefull.

We continuously aim to offer the most comprehensive diamond information service available in Queensland.

Clients enjoy tailored in-depth advice.

Diamond is composed of Carbon atoms which have arranged themselves in a cubic or isometric system. Most gems contain minor traces of other elements which may influence color, clarity and shape.

We believe diamonds are very special part of our planet. It is formed by nature within very specific parameters found far below the surface of the earth in the upper mantle. On average it takes nature several hundred million years to create these magnificent structures. Some are estimated to be over 4 billion years old.

In Australia we have a long history of appreciation for Diamonds. Our country is the proud keeper of a major diamond resource. The most important mine ‘Argyle’ makes significant contributions to the annual world diamond production. Argyle opened an office in 1991 to market its rough in Antwerp, the ‘ World Diamond Center’.

Carat is the unit of measurement used to weigh diamods where 1 Ct = 0.20 g

Color refers to the color intensity.

Clarity describes the number, location, type and size of inclusions visible under 10x magnification.

Cut reflects how admirable the dimensions of the gem are. It directly affects brilliance and fire and is different from Polish and Symmetry.

When selling a diamond or diamond jewelry, retailers should inform clients of the 4C’s. Apart from the 4C’s there are many more factors to consider. It is important to understand how the 4C grades are determined and how exactly they affect the gem and its cost.

Some natural Diamonds are treated. The improved product will still be graded using the 4C grades to describe it and can be sold as a natural diamond. There are numerous methods to treat Diamonds. Most severely affect the gem value. As you understand the 4C’s will not tell you. ClaesDiamonds will.

Diamond grading laboratories issue ‘Grading Reports’. Sometimes reference is made to 'certificates' however the laboratories consistently specify not to use this term to describe their reports.

Gems must be graded in a professional laboratory. Even there, they are seen by several graders to ensure an idyllic consensus is achieved. Grading is done under very specific conditions.

Are gems graded loose or set? If set, a laboratory will grade the gem ‘as mounting permits’ because certain details may be concealed by the jewelry stone setter. We strongly advise to buy a stone separately and before setting.

ClaesDiamonds can provide advice and acquire diamonds for you. Our aim is to safeguard clients from costly mistakes and advance client confidence by providing more information pertaining to our goods. The “4C’s” are grossly inadequate to portray an appreciable picture of value.

Grading Reports are highly advisable. Some laboratories are excellent and others dissapointing.

Therefore we advise the following top laboratories:

IGI

The International Gemological Institute, the largest independent grading and appraisal organization in the world.

Their standards of excellence have earned them a global reputation for integrity, accuracy and reliability.
Headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium.

HRD

The "Hoge Raad voor Diamant" or Diamond High Council

The first ISO-certified diamond lab, which issues one of the world’s most  respected diamond certificates.

Headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium.

GIA

Internationally, the Institute has distinguished itself as a preeminent source of gemological knowledge and professionalism. By extension, the GIA Diamond Grading Report and the GIA Diamond Dossier are considered premier gemological credentials.

Headquartered in California, USA.

DCLA

The Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia (DCLA) is an independent diamond grading laboratory.

AGS

The AGS Laboratories have provided high-quality diamond grading services since 1996. AGS Laboratories has maintained its reputation as an industry leader since.

There are 4 groups of gems:

Mineral

Definite composition of atoms bonded in a particular structure. ClaesDiamond is a specialist merchant of natural Diamonds which are of the mineral class.

Eg. Ruby, Diamond

Organic

Gem formed from organisms in nature.

Eg. Coral, Amber

Synthetic

Man made material that has identical chemical, physical and optical properties as their natural counterpart.

Eg. Synthetic Diamond, Synthetic Ruby

Simulant = Imitation

A gem which looks similar to another.

Eg. Cubic Zirconium is often used as a diamond simulant.

Note. There is a market of gems advertised as ‘Synthetic Diamond Simulants’. 

It should be noted that these do not have the same chemical, physical and optical properties as diamonds. It is a fancy way to say ‘imitation’. Unfortunately when bought as an alternative to a natural diamond the consumer may be disappointed as over the life of the stone the difference will become more and more obvious. The hardness (10) of natural diamonds ensures their durability and long lasting beauty. Even hardness 8 or 9 stones should not be promoted as remotely close to 10. The difference is in fact massive because this scale is far from linear.

ClaesDiamonds is a specialist merchant of natural polished Diamonds.