INTRODUCTION

For centuries diamonds have been the most sought after gems in the world. Formed deep within the earth’s mantel, diamonds are precious gifts from nature, valued for their rarity. They have fire, they have brilliance, they are an expression, a reward and a promise. They are heirlooms that can be enjoyed today, tomorrow and for generations to come.

COLOUR

The colour of a diamond is graded on an alphabetical scale commencing at D. The closer to D, the freer the stone is of a yellow or brownish tint and the higher the colour grading, Hence, more valuable the stone.

CLARITY

Clarity refers to the size, number and position of any natural inclusions a diamond possesses and virtually all have some form of natural characteristic. These inclusions are most commonly minute crystals or minerals and are the result of the process of formation over three billion years ago. For this reason an inclusion should not be regarded as a flaw but as a fingerprint that makes each diamond unique and identifiable. The number of flawless diamonds mined is approximately 0.01% of all production and, hence, attracts an enormous premium.

CUT

The ‘cut’ of a diamond refers, not just to the shape, but to the proportions and accuracy with which the stone has been faceted. The modern diamond is the result of years of development to maximise the amount of light that is reflected and refracted by the stone’s facets that act like a series of windows and mirrors.

Like the other diamond characteristics, there are different qualities of cut available that are not as readily distinguished as the differences in colour or clarity. However, the cut can vary the appearance and value of a diamond dramatically and, as such, should be reflected in the price.

It is always important to remember that there are no ‘bargains’ when purchasing a diamond, only a trade off between quality and price. If the price seems to good to be true it could indicate that the quality of cut is not as good as it could be and the diamond will never truly fulfill your expectations.

CARAT WEIGHT

The last of the factors used to determine the value of a diamond is purely a measure of size. 100 points are the equivalent of one carat and five carats is equal to one gram. Certain sought after sizes of diamonds, such as 1.00ct, can attract a slight premium.

PERCY MARKS POLICY ON CONFLICT DIAMONDS

Percy Marks diamonds have always been purchased from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations resolutions. Percy Marks guarantee that all our diamonds are conflict free, based on our personal knowledge and/or a written guarantee provided by the suppliers of our diamonds.

DIAMOND UPGRADE PROGRAM

A Percy Marks diamond is mark of a special occasion, a bright shining moment to be enjoyed forever. When you invest in a diamond from Percy Marks* we hold a standing offer for you to trade up your diamonds with us, at any time. You can trade as many times as you like, the offer still stands. Now you can reinvest and rest assured that should you desire more, you can have it.

*Sizes commence at a combined weight of .25ct and increase to where you can have 1 carat or more in each earring. Our minimum diamond quality is H colour, S11 clarity.