diamonds

Considering a Diamond Jewelry Purchase?

Turn to Hourglass Diamonds

At Hourglass Diamonds, we are passionate about diamonds and believe that every stone has a unique story to tell. As you embark on your journey to find the perfect diamond, it is also important to make an informed choice. We invite you to keep reading as we guide you through the fascinating world of diamonds.

The First of the 4 C’s: Cut

Let's start with the diamond cut, which is a crucial factor in a diamond's brilliance. 

The cut refers to the diamond's proportions, symmetry, and finish—all of which impact how much it sparkles. We believe that the cut is the most important of the 4 C's (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight) because it's determined by human craftsmanship. Our commitment to excellence leads us to offer GIA/AGS graded natural diamonds, as these grading standards hold the highest reputation in the industry.

Diamond Color: A Kaleidoscope of Brilliance

Color refers to the degree of colorlessness in a diamond. Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (strong yellow or brown). While colorless diamonds are cherished for their rarity, near-colorless grades like G, H, I, and J offer an excellent balance of quality and affordability. When shopping for an engagement ring, note that most diamonds fall within the D-J range of colors.

Additionally, for those who seek a touch of uniqueness, we also offer fancy color diamonds, in hues that include pink, orange, green, black, and more. Fancy color diamonds are evaluated by a different set of standards—do not hesitate to ask us about them.

Beyond the Surface: Delving into a Diamond’s Clarity

Clarity is another important aspect that defines a diamond's purity. This grade is based on the presence or absence of tiny impurities or inclusions, which are like the fingerprints of the stone. From Flawless (FL) to Included 3 (I3), our extensive range of clarity grades ensures there's a perfect diamond for every preference and budget.

A Brief Overview of Clarity Grade Explanations:

  • Flawless (FL): A stone of this clarity showcases no inclusions or surface imperfections that are visible under a magnification of 10x.

  • Internally Flawless (IF): The diamond possesses no internal inclusions that are visible under 10x magnification. 

  • Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1): In this clarity grade, there are very small inclusions. However, they are very hard to see under 10x magnification. 

  • Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS2): Like the previous explanation, again, there are small inclusions that are challenging to see. 

  • Very Slightly Included (VS1 & VS2): Under 10x magnification these stones have very small inclusions that are difficult to see. 

  • Slightly Included (SI1): This stone has noticeable inclusions under 10x magnification; however, they should not be visible to the naked eye.

  • Slightly Included (SI2): There are noticeable inclusions under 10x magnification, but they should not be visible to the naked eye. 

  • Included (I1): A diamond of this clarity will have some obvious inclusions under 10x magnification. Additionally, they will likely be seen with the naked eye—usually even when placed in a setting. This is typically the lowest clarity grade a jeweler will sell. 

  • Included (I2): There are obvious inclusions in a stone of this nature—and under 10x magnification. They are visible to the naked eye and can sometimes compromise the diamond’s appearance and durability. 

  • Included (I3): A stone of this grade has inclusions that are highly obvious, and the diamond’s appearance and durability are heavily compromised.

Carat Weight Matters:

Understanding the Significance of Diamond Size

When it comes to this “C” it's essential to remember that carat refers to the diamond's weight, not just its size. Larger diamonds are rarer, and a well-proportioned 1-carat diamond will have different dimensions compared to a shallow or deep-cut diamond of the same weight. 

Understanding the carat weight of a diamond is a crucial aspect of the diamond buying journey. The carat weight will influence the diamond’s appearance, value, and rarity—and it’s essential to strike a balance between carat weight and other factors like cut, color, and clarity to ensure a diamond exudes optimal beauty. 

Our team will help you understand the impact of carat weight on a diamond's appearance and assist you in finding the ideal balance between size and brilliance.

The Art of Diamond Shapes:

Unveiling the Beauty of Every Cut

Hourglass Diamonds is proud of our ability to offer a wide variety of diamond shapes, including round, square, cushion, emerald, and many more. Each shape has its unique attributes, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal taste and style preferences. 

Whether you prefer a classic round brilliant cut or a more distinctive shape like an Asscher cut or pear, we'll be happy to walk you through the characteristics of each to ensure you make a choice that resonates with you and is something you will cherish forever.

Remember, diamond shape plays a significant role in defining the allure and character of a diamond. Beyond sparking brilliance alone, different diamond shapes embody unique symbolism and carry the ability to evoke a wide variety of emotions. The diamond shape serves as the canvas for capturing and reflecting the essence of a love story or a wonderful memory, making it a key part of the diamond buying process.

How Diamond Certificates Safeguard Your Investment

Sometimes referred to as “The 5th C,” one of the most essential aspects of your diamond purchase is the diamond certificate. This document, prepared by a trained gemologist, offers detailed information about the diamond's measurements, weight, color, clarity, and more—and provides considerable peace of mind. 

The diamond certificate serves as an assurance that the diamond you're investing in matches the specifications provided. To ensure transparency, Hourglass Diamonds relies on independent diamond grading laboratories like GIA, IGI, or AGS for our certificates. Beware of retailers who issue their own certificates, as these may not be unbiased.

Expertise Meets Elegance

Partnering with Hourglass Diamonds on Your Purchase

At Hourglass Diamonds, we're passionate about diamonds, and we're here to share that enthusiasm and commitment with you. We offer obligation-free diamond appointments and welcome the chance to show you a variety of diamond shapes and sizes. It is our goal to help you find a diamond that holds true to your vision, reflects your unique style, and becomes a precious part of your story. 

Let's embark on this exciting journey together! Schedule your one-on-one consultation today.