Diamond Guide
Diamonds, explained simply
Plain-language help that builds confidence before you buy.
Natural vs Laboratory-Grown
Two kinds of real diamond
Both are real diamonds. The difference is where they come from.
Formed by the earth
- Origin
- Formed deep in the earth, then mined and cut
- Time to form
- Billions of years
- What it is
- A real diamond — crystallised carbon
- Certificate
- Comes with a certificate
- Price
- Usually higher for the same size and quality
Many designs are available in both. On a product page, look for “See this design in the other diamond type”.
The 4Cs
How a diamond is judged
- 01
Carat
The weight of the diamond. One carat is 0.2 grams. Bigger stones are rarer, so price rises faster than size.
Measured in carats
- 02
Cut
How well the diamond is proportioned and polished. Cut decides how brilliantly it returns light — it matters more to sparkle than anything else.
Graded Excellent to Poor
- 03
Colour
Graded from D (colourless) downwards. The less colour, the more valuable — though a slight tint is hard to see once the stone is set.
Scale: D to Z
- 04
Clarity
How many tiny natural marks (inclusions) the diamond has, from Flawless to Included. Most are invisible without magnification.
Scale: FL to I
Shapes
Find the shape that feels like you
Choose a shape to see how it looks, how it sparkles and what it suits.
Round
The timeless classic
The most facets and the most sparkle of any shape. A round brilliant returns light better than any other cut, which is why it is the most popular choice for solitaires.
Shop round rings →Certificate
Know exactly what you're buying
Two simple checks give you certainty.
Reading a certificate
A certificate lists the diamond's number, shape, measurements, carat weight, colour, clarity and cut. Check that these match the piece you are buying.
Verifying a certificate
Every certificate has a number. Use it to confirm the details and that the certificate is genuine. We are happy to help you check it.
Metal guide
Gold purity, in one table
Karat tells you how much of the metal is pure gold. Gold also comes in yellow, white and rose.
| Karat | Pure gold | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | Purest gold; very soft, rarely used for diamond jewellery. |
| 22K | 91.6% | Traditional gold jewellery; rich colour, softer. |
| 18K | 75% | A popular choice for diamond jewellery — strong and holds stones well. |
| 14K | 58.5% | Harder and more affordable; good for everyday wear. |
| 9K | 37.5% | The most durable and lowest-priced gold option. |
Ring size guide
Find your ring size
Measure at home
- Wrap a thin strip of paper or string around the base of the finger you'll wear the ring on.
- Mark where it overlaps and measure the length in millimetres — that is the circumference.
- Match it to the table. If you're between sizes, choose the larger one.
- Measure at the end of the day, when fingers are at their largest.
Sizes above match the numbers on our product pages. Not sure? Message us and we'll help.
| Size | Inner diameter | Circumference |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 15.7 mm | 49.3 mm |
| 6 | 16.5 mm | 51.9 mm |
| 7 | 17.3 mm | 54.4 mm |
| 8 | 18.1 mm | 56.9 mm |
| 9 | 18.9 mm | 59.5 mm |
Jewellery care
Keep it looking new
- Take jewellery off before swimming, bathing, exercising or sleeping.
- Put it on last — after perfume, lotion and hairspray.
- Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or lined box so pieces don't scratch each other.
- Clean gently with warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft brush; rinse and pat dry.
- Avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach and chlorine.
- Have prongs and clasps checked from time to time so stones stay secure.
Still have a question?
Ask us anything — we're happy to help you choose.