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Ask Our Expert: Everything You Need to Know About Diamonds

Here at Ernest Jones, we want you to feel confident when it comes to purchasing your fine jewellery from us. So, we have gathered everything you need to know from our diamond expert, with tips on what to ask your jeweller, how to tell if a diamond is real, the 4 C’s and more.

24 OCTOBER 2022 - ERNEST JONES WRITER

Our diamond expert has driven thousands of miles up and down the country throughout her career in search for the right ring, in the right place for the right client. She has a passion for helping to find the diamond to perfectly suit its wearer, which is why Elaine McLachlan is our chosen expert and we are excited to share with you all you need to know about the timeless gemstone.

What do you love the most about being a diamond expert?

For me, diamonds are the perfect meeting of art and science: thousands of years of crystalline development, hundreds of hours of craftsmanship and expertise to make one unique polished diamond. Everybody’s story is different, and every diamond is different.

What’s the most romantic moment you’ve heard from a customer?

My clients had been having a late-night dance in their house and as they were slow dancing he asked her if she wanted to get married. It wasn’t planned or prepared for, but the moment was absolutely right. I got to be the person to find their perfect ring to commemorate their perfect moment.

Buying Diamonds

What Should You Ask A Jeweller Before Buying Diamonds?

The questions I’d say are most important to ask are:

What do you like about this diamond?

Can you see any areas of the diamond’s personality that are visually affecting the look of this individual diamond?

Is this a good size/shape/setting for my hand?

How do I best look after my diamond?

What Are The Most Popular Diamond Shapes?

Currently the emerald cut and oval cut are the most fashionable, for their drama and striking impact on the finger. But historically, the most popular diamond shape is known to be the round diamond cut because of its timeless and classic look.

Which Diamonds Have The Most Sparkle?

The round brilliant cut has been mathematically proven to get the best sparkle out of a diamond. In 1919, Tolkowsky published his thesis, and the technique is still used today to form beautiful and striking round brilliant diamonds.

Diamond Certification

Should Diamonds Be Certified?

All diamonds should be certified by a respected gemmological institute, Ernest Jones diamonds are GIA certified and undergo the GIA grading process, so that you can feel confident with your purchase and the quality of your chosen diamond.

Where Do Ernest Jones' Diamonds Come From?

Devoted to celebrating love and life, Ernest Jones recognises the importance of responsible sourcing in all products and services offered. They pride themselves on being committed to a conflict-free supply chain and as one of the world’s largest diamond jewellery retailers they take their responsibility very seriously. As a company they fully support the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) and require all diamond trade suppliers to provide a guarantee that they do not supply them with conflict diamonds.

Diamond Facts

How Are Diamonds Made?

It’s a combination of extreme heat and intense pressure that creates the perfect condition for a diamond to be formed. Naturally this is deep within the earth’s crust, however they can also be lab grown. When first found they look almost like nuggets of glass, none of the glitter or glossiness is there in their natural state and they are commonly shaped as an octahedron.

What Are Diamonds Made Of?

Diamonds are composed by carbon atoms bonded together. Occasionally, the arrangement and trace elements can be involved which can impact the diamonds unique properties such as the colour.

What Are The 4 C's?

The 4 C’s of diamonds are carat weight, colour, clarity and cut. Having spoken to expert graders, they would say that the cut element of the 4’Cs is the most important in getting the most glitter out of the diamond. Explore the Diamond Buying Guide at Ernest Jones for more in-depth detail on the 4 C’s and what they determine.

Facts About Diamond Rings

Which Finger Does the Engagement Ring Go On?

Traditionally in the UK, the 4th finger of the left hand is where an engagement ring should sit. This is known as your 'ring finger'. Most people would say that it is because there is a vein going straight from your heart to that finger. For me, I like the Chinese ring finger hypothesis – they believe each finger is a representation of you and your family members. The thumb represents you parents, the index finger represents your siblings, your middle finger represents you and your pinky finger represents your children.

How Do I Pick an Engagement Ring To Go With My Wedding Ring?

Look at the details on your engagement ring and echo them on the wedding band. Width, depth, diamond setting, all the subtle varieties in these will make or break your pieces looking like a cohesive set.

You should now have everything you need to take you on your diamond buying journey. We hope we’ve answered all your questions, but if you would like further information or guidance please book an appointment in-store or online to speak to our team at Ernest Jones.