Formed by nature.
Natural diamonds develop deep within the Earth under intense heat and pressure over geological time, then travel toward the surface.
NATURAL DIAMONDS✧ THE ÉLEVANE JOURNAL / EDUCATION
A little knowledge.
A lifetime of
brilliance.
Discover the details that make a diamond extraordinary, and choose yours with a little more clarity.
Discover the 4CsKNOWLEDGE, BEFORE THE SPARKLE.01 — 05
A closer look at something extraordinary.01 / THE FOUNDATIONS
Brilliance begins
with the 4Cs.
Four characteristics. A world of difference.
Understand what makes each diamond its own.
THE ANATOMY OF BEAUTYLIGHT / PROPORTION / BRILLIANCEConcept illustration · not a grading tool
01 / CUT
The art of light.
Proportions, symmetry, and polish influence how a diamond returns light. Cut quality is different from its outline or shape.
WHEN YOU CHOOSE
Look beyond the shape. Observe brightness, flashes of color, and contrast as the diamond moves.
THE ANATOMY OF BEAUTY
D–FG–JK–MN–Z
D–F · COLORLESS G–J · NEAR COLORLESSConcept illustration · not a grading tool02 / COLOR
Beauty in every shade.
For diamonds in the normal color range, the D–Z scale describes increasing traces of color. Fancy-color diamonds use a different system.
WHEN YOU CHOOSE
Compare stones in consistent lighting and consider how the setting’s metal changes your perception.
THE ANATOMY OF BEAUTY
Illustrative inclusion detail
INTERNAL INCLUSIONS / SURFACE BLEMISHESConcept illustration · not a grading tool03 / CLARITY
A character all its own.
Inclusions and surface blemishes help describe a diamond’s clarity. The visibility of these features depends on their size, location, and the stone itself.
WHEN YOU CHOOSE
Ask to see the individual stone. A clarity grade alone cannot tell you exactly how it will look to your eye.
THE ANATOMY OF BEAUTY1 CARAT = 0.2 GRAMSConcept illustration · not a grading tool
0.5 ct
1.0 ct
2.0 ct
04 / CARAT
Weight, with perspective.
One carat equals 0.2 grams. Carat describes weight; a diamond’s outline and proportions also influence its apparent size.
WHEN YOU CHOOSE
For a pair or multi-stone piece, check whether the listed carat weight is per stone or the total for the jewelry.
02 / FIND YOUR FORM
A shape for
every point of view.
From the classic to the unexpected, discover the outline that speaks to you.
The enduring classic.
A symmetrical outline with brilliant faceting. A timeless starting point for those drawn to sparkle.
01 / 06An elongated elegance.
Soft curves and an elongated outline. View the individual stone to assess contrast, including any bow-tie effect.
02 / 06An architectural point of view.
A rectangular outline with step-cut facets and broad flashes of light. Clarity characteristics can be more visible in its open facets.
03 / 06Softly distinctive.
Rounded corners meet a square or rectangular silhouette. Facet patterns and proportions vary between individual stones.
04 / 06A graceful departure.
One rounded end meets a delicate point. Consider the length-to-width ratio and a setting that protects the tip.
05 / 06A striking silhouette.
A long outline with two pointed ends. Compare symmetry and ask about settings that protect both tips.
06 / 06Shape illustrations are stylized and are not shown to scale.
03 / TWO EXTRAORDINARY BEGINNINGS
Different origins.
The same
element of wonder.
Natural and laboratory-grown diamonds share essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure. Their story begins differently.
Explore diamond origins at GIAA RECORD OF YOUR DIAMOND
THE DETAILS THAT MATTER
Know your diamond.
Keep its story.
Identity & originMeasurementsQuality assessmentReport number
ILLUSTRATIVE GUIDE · NOT A GRADING REPORT04 / CONFIDENCE IN THE DETAILS
Beauty you can see.
Details you can verify.
A grading report records a diamond’s characteristics. It is different from a valuation or appraisal.
- 01
Read the individual report
Confirm the origin, measurements, and quality assessment. Report formats differ by laboratory and diamond type.
- 02
Verify at the source
Use the issuing laboratory’s official report-check service to confirm the report number and recorded details.
- 03
Match it to your stone
Ask a jeweler to help compare the stone and report, including a laser inscription when present.
05 / A LITTLE MORE CLARITY
Thoughtful questions.
Clear answers.
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds. Their origin is different, and specialist testing can identify them. They are distinct from diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia.
Is a bigger diamond always a better choice?
Choose the balance that feels right to you. Carat measures weight, while proportions and shape influence how large a diamond looks. Compare the measurements and view the diamond, rather than choosing by carat weight alone.
What is the difference between shape and cut?
Shape is the outline, such as round, oval, or pear. Cut describes how a diamond’s proportions, symmetry, and polish affect its interaction with light. A shape name alone does not describe cut quality.
Does every diamond come with a grading report?
Report availability depends on the individual stone and product. Check the product details before purchasing, especially for multi-stone jewelry. If a report is supplied, ask which laboratory issued it and what it covers.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
Now, find the one
that feels like you.
Bring a little knowledge to a deeply personal choice.
A starting point for your diamond journey. Explore further with GIA