OUR DIAMONDS
The diamond is the starting point for every SARAH & SEBASTIAN engagement ring. Our jewellers and gemologists are passionate about carefully sourcing and selecting the most beautiful responsible stones for each engagement ring. We only work with conflict-free diamonds compliant with the Kimberley Process, and certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the world’s foremost authority on diamonds.
THE FOUR Cs
Other than shape, each diamond has unique characteristics. A diamond’s quality and overall excellence is measured against a universally recognised set of criteria known as the 4 Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. Discover our in-depth diamond guide below defining each diamond property and and its significance to the grading system.
A SUBJECTIVE CHOICE
SHAPE
The diamond shape plays a significant role in determining the overall aesthetic appeal of a diamond. This refers to the physical outline or form of the stone when viewed from above.
Different diamond shapes have distinct characteristics, reflecting light and displaying unique patterns of brilliance and sparkle in different ways. The choice of diamond shape is subjective and often influenced by individual preference, style and taste.
To find a diamond shape that resonates most with you or your significant other, discover the SARAH & SEBASTIAN offering below.
HOW LIGHT INFLUENCES BRILLIANCE
CUT
The most important characteristic of a diamond is the cut which directly influences its overall visual appeal and brilliance. This refers to the way a diamond has been faceted, polished and proportioned for symmetry. A well-cut diamond will maximise the way the stone interacts with light, creating a stunning display of sparkle and scintillation.
At SARAH & SEBASTIAN, we prioritise well-proportioned, high-quality diamonds, strictly sourcing ‘Excellent’ to ‘Very Good’ cut grades. We offer three different types of diamond cuts: Brilliant, Step and Mixed cut.
A MEASURE OF WEIGHT
CARAT
The term ‘carat’ refers to the weight of a diamond, which directly corresponds to its physical size. When all other factors are equal, the value of a diamond increases as carat weight increases, because larger diamonds are rarer and more desirable. However, the value of a diamond cannot be determined by carat alone, and it is important to consider all of the 4Cs when assessing its worth.
SARAH & SEBASTIAN is pleased to source diamonds in any carat weight above 0.5ct within our parameters of the 4 Cs.
THE PURSUIT OF COLOURLESSNESS
COLOUR
Diamond colour is all about what you can’t see. The value of white diamonds is determined by their proximity to 'colourlessness'. The more a diamond lacks colour, the higher its value.
GIA’s diamond colour-grading scale is recognised as the global industry standard. The scale begins with the letter D, representing colourless, progressing through the alphabet with increasing presence of colour, up to the letter Z, representing light yellow or brown.
SARAH & SEBASTIAN diamonds run from colourless to near-colourless (D-G), with slight hints of yellow or brown.
A MEASURE OF FLAWLESSNESS
CLARITY
Natural diamonds, formed through intense heat and pressure over millions of years, are unique and may have internal and external imperfections known as ‘inclusions’ and ‘blemishes.’ Diamond clarity refers to the absence of these inclusions and blemishes – those without these marks are rare and more valuable.
The GIA's International Diamond Grading System™ assigns clarity grades ranging from FL (flawless) to I3 (obvious inclusions).
At SARAH & SEBASTIAN, our diamonds fall within the clarity range of IF (internally flawless) to SI1 (slightly included to the first degree), with the majority falling between VVS (very, very slightly included) and VS (very slightly included).
Our in-house gemologists carefully select stones to ensure there are minimal inclusions visible to the naked eye. Any visible inclusions are strategically positioned to be concealed, or will not impact the diamond’s overall brilliance or visual appeal.
