• Aesthetics: Mined diamonds are celebrated for their natural brilliance, fire, and sparkle, making them a popular choice for those who value authenticity. Each diamond is unique, with characteristics like clarity, cut, and colour that contribute to its visual appeal. We make it our mission to help clients carefully select diamonds that enhance their bespoke pieces. We also emphasise the importance of an excellent cut to maximise light performance.   

• Cost: Mined diamonds tend to be priced higher due to the labour-intensive process of extraction and certification. The cost is influenced by factors such as carat weight, clarity, and overall quality. We work closely with you to find diamonds that fit both your budget and design preferences, creating a piece that’s not only beautiful but also meaningful. 

• Durability: Known for being the hardest natural material, mined diamonds are exceptionally durable and perfect for everyday wear. Their resistance to scratches and damage ensures that your bespoke jewellery, whether it’s an engagement ring, wedding band, or heirloom piece, will remain as stunning as the day you first wear it. This durability makes them an ideal choice for clients looking for long-lasting, timeless designs. 

• Ethical Sourcing: At Durham Rose, we understand the importance of ethical sourcing. We follow practises to ensure that all our mined diamonds adhere to strict ethical standards, such as the Kimberley Process, which guarantees that the diamonds are sourced responsibly. We are committed to offering diamonds that you can wear with pride, knowing they align with your values.

• Design Versatility: One of the key advantages of mined diamonds is their versatility in design. Whether you envision a classic solitaire engagement ring or a unique, intricate piece, mined diamonds can enhance any design. At Durham Rose, we specialise in working with clients to create bespoke jewellery that reflects your individual style and vision.

Did you know?

The most important “C’ among the 4Cs is the ‘Cut‘

Colour 

When choosing the right diamond for your bespoke jewellery, it’s essential to understand which diamond colour aligns with your preferences. Do you prefer a warm, pale brown hue or the classic brilliance of a crystal white diamond? Once you’ve identified your preferred colour, the next step is considering your comfort price points. These two factors will help you focus on the ideal colour for your diamond.

Colour plays a pivotal role in a diamond’s character, directly impacting the stone’s overall appearance and beauty. Diamonds range from colourless to light hues, and their grading is based on the absence of colour; the less colour a diamond has, the rarer and more valuable it becomes.

*Kindly note that the illustration below serves to provide an approximation of the diamond’s colour; actual appearances may vary slightly.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has developed an internationally recognised colour grading scale for diamonds, ranging from D (completely colourless) to Z (displaying light yellow or brown tones). Diamonds graded D are exceptionally rare and are highly valued for their icy, pure white appearance. Conversely, diamonds closer to Z exhibit more noticeable colour tints, typically yellow or brown.

Colourless Diamonds (D-F)

Diamonds graded D to F are categorised as colourless, making them the most desirable of all. These diamonds reflect white light with extraordinary brilliance, with no visible colour to distract from their sparkle. As a result, diamonds in this range are among the rarest and most valuable, ideal for those seeking a bright and pristine look in their jewellery.

Near-Colourless Diamonds (G-J)

Diamonds graded G to J fall into the near-colourless category, they have very faint traces of colour, though these are usually imperceptible to the naked eye. In most cases, these diamonds will still appear virtually colourless once set in a piece of jewellery, and they provide a striking balance between quality and cost. For clients looking to maximise value without compromising on beauty, near-colourless diamonds are an excellent option. Their slight warmth often goes unnoticed, especially in settings like white or yellow gold.

Faint to Light Colour (K-Z)

Diamonds in the K to Z range display progressively more noticeable shades of yellow or brown. As the colour becomes more pronounced, it tends to lower the diamond’s value. However, some clients may prefer this warmer hue, particularly when combined with yellow or rose gold settings, where the soft tint can create a harmonious and unique aesthetic. These diamonds can offer a more distinctive, vintage look that appeals to certain tastes and styles.

Clarity

Clarity defines the purity of a diamond by indicating the presence of natural inclusions (internal flaws) or blemishes (surface imperfections) that occur as the diamond forms deep within the earth. While no diamond is completely flawless—except for the rarest stones—clarity helps to define how “clean” a diamond appears to the naked eye and under magnification. These imperfections are often microscopic and do not affect the structural integrity of the diamond. However, the fewer and less visible these flaws, the higher the clarity grade and, consequently, the value of the diamond.

FL & IF – Flawless & Internally Flawless: 

These Diamonds have no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification, making them incredibly rare and highly valuable due to their perfect purity. Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds, while also free of internal inclusions, may have slight surface blemishes that are very difficult to detect even under 10x magnification. Though not entirely flawless, IF diamonds still offer exceptional clarity and are almost indistinguishable from FL diamonds to the naked eye, making both grades highly sought after for their rarity and brilliance.

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2):

Inclusions are so minute that they are very difficult to detect even under 10x magnification. These diamonds are nearly flawless and represent excellent quality.

Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2):

Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification but are still minor and typically not noticeable to the naked eye. VS diamonds offer a high level of clarity at a more affordable price point than VVS diamonds.

Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2):

Inclusions are noticeable under magnification and, in some cases, may be visible to the naked eye. However, many SI diamonds still offer excellent brilliance, and their inclusions are often hidden by the diamond’s sparkle or by the setting itself.

Included (I1, I2, I3):

Inclusions are visible to the naked eye and may affect the diamond’s brilliance and durability. These diamonds are generally less expensive, but may not offer the best visual appearance for a bespoke piece.

Carat

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