​​Vandenbergs Fine Jewellery | Winnipeg
Get Informed
When searching for the perfect engagement ring, diamond ring, pendant, or pair of diamond earrings there are many things to consider. Whether you're looking for a brand name piece or having your own custom ring designed, it's important to be informed. We at Vandenbergs want to ensure that you are going away with a piece that suits your taste and lifestyle. Discover the choices available to you.
​
The 4Cs classify the value of diamonds. Every diamonds price, rarity, and beauty are determined by the combination of cut, color, clarity and carat weight.
Cut
Cut describes the proportions and angles of a diamond. Many people confuse cut with the shape of a diamond. Although nature determines the other three characteristics, it takes a master diamond cutter to reveal a diamonds true beauty. Diamonds are available in various shapes including round, square, pear, heart, marquise and oval but cut refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond.
​
A well cut diamond reflects light from one mirror-like facet to another and projects the light through the top of the diamond. The result is a fiery and brilliant display. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow leak light through the side or bottom, resulting in a lackluster appearance and diminish value.
​
Color
White-colored diamonds remain the most popular, even though diamonds are found in a kaleidoscope of colors. Diamonds are graded on a color scale implemented by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which ranges from D, which is colorless, to Z. Color differences can be so subtle that diamond colors are graded under controlled lighting conditions and are compared to a master set for accuracy. While truly colorless diamonds, graded D, are treasured for their rarity, diamond color is ultimately a very personal taste. Ask us, to show you an array of color grades next to each other to help you determine your color preference.
​
Clarity
Nature ensures that each diamond is as individual as the person who wears it. Naturally occurring inclusions such as minerals or fractures are identifying characteristics created while diamonds are formed in the earth. We use magnification to view diamonds at 10x their actual size so these tiny inclusions are more easily seen. Inclusions are measured on a scale of perfection, known as clarity, which was established by GIA. The greater a diamonds clarity, the more rare and valuable it is. A diamond with an inclusion in the middle or top could impact the dispersion of light, making the diamond less brilliant.
​
Carat Weight
Carat is a diamonds measure of weight, not size. One full carat is equal to 100 points. A 3/4 carat diamond is the same as 75 points. Since larger diamonds are found less frequently in nature, a 1 carat diamond will cost more than twice a 1/2 carat diamond (assuming all other characteristics remain constant). The cut and the mounting can make a diamond appear larger than its actual weight. We will help you find the right diamond and mounting to optimize its beauty.
​
The value of a diamond is determined by its rarity. Larger diamonds are not uncovered in the mining process as often as smaller diamonds. Thus larger stones are more precious and rare.
