Established in 1931 and based in the United States, GIA is the world’s largest and one of the most respected non-profit institutes of gemological research and learning.  Conceived more than 75 years ago in the grand tradition of Europe’s most respected institutes, GIA discovers (through GIA Research), imparts (through GIA Education) and applies (through GIA Laboratories and GIA Instruments) gemological knowledge to ensure and foster the public trust in diamonds, coloured gem stones and jewellery.

With 1,100 employees, the Institute’s scientists, diamond graders and educators are regarded, collectively, as one of the world’s foremost authorities in gemology.

GIA is the creator of the famous 4Cs of diamond value (colour, clarity, cut and carat weight).  Today, GIA’s D-Z colour-grading scale and GIA’s Flawless-I3 clarity-grading scale are recognised by virtually every professional jeweller and savvy diamond buyer in the world.  The Institute is also known for having developed and patented the first modern jeweller’s loupe.

Internationally, the Institute has distinguished itself as the preeminent source of gemological knowledge and professionalism.  By extension, a GIA diamond certificate is considered one of the world’s premier gemological credentials.  Diamonds of all shapes and sizes are sent to the Institute from every corner of the globe for analysis and grading.

Larsen Jewellery specialises in custom made diamond rings and has a wide selection of 1 carat diamond rings to choose from.  Click here to view a few examples of our engagement ring designs.

In recent years 1 carat diamond rings have become increasing popular.  Whereas diamond rings between 0.5 and 0.75 carat used to be the norm, increasingly engaged couples are opting for diamond rings with 1 carat diamonds or larger.

As everything is custom made at our jewellery workshop in Sydney’s Strand Arcade, you can have any design for your diamond ring and with your choice of diamond.  You deal directly with the jeweller who makes your ring and you can either choose from our wide selection of engagement ring designs or you can come up with your own unique design.  You can also have your diamond ring made in a number of different metals including white gold, yellow gold and platinum.

You are welcome to come in to our jewellery studio for an obligation-free design appointment, or to view our selection of loose diamonds and our range of 1 carat diamond rings.  To make an appointment with one of our jewellers, please call us on 02 9223 2006 (Sydney) or 03 9662 3005 (Melbourne) or send us an email.

The light performance or “life” of a finished, polished diamond is described as the overall, face-up appearance, produced by a combination of the three optical effects of Brilliance, Fire and Scintillation.  Light performance analysis is used today by leading laboratories as an integral component in the grading of cut quality.

Brilliance
Brilliance is the term used to describe the combined internal and external reflections of unaltered, white light returned from the crown of a diamond.

Fire
Fire is the name used for light which has been dispersed into its individual spectral colours by a prism-effect which occurs when light, after being internally reflected, returns through the angled facets of the bezel.

Scintillation
Scintillation or “sparkle” is the name given to the alternating on-off flashes of Brilliance and Fire created when either the diamond, the light source or the observer is in motion.

Light Pattern
The light returning from within a diamond forms a distinct pattern created by the contrasting light and dark areas of reflected light and light extinction.

A light pattern, in effect, presents a virtual map of the reflective surfaces of the facets and can be used simultaneously to gauge proportions - by comparing the position and degree of light return to that of light leakage - and to determine the degree of internal or optical symmetry of a diamond.

Light patterns are also referred to as symmetry images and are observed and analysed with the aid of special magnifying, reflective imaging or symmetry viewers.

Please click here for more 4 C's Diamond Information.

Radiant cut diamonds have become an increasingly popular choice for diamond engagement rings in recent years.  Please click here to view a selection of diamond ring designs.

The radiant cut was the first rectangular or square cut to have a complete brilliant facet pattern applied to both the crown and pavilion of a diamond.  Following its patented development in 1976 by Henry Grossbard, it became seen as the forerunner of the modern branded diamond.

Until about 10 years ago, the preferred width-to-length proportion was of 1.5 was in keeping with the proportions of an emerald cut, or the rectangular shape it was originally developed for.  Today radiant cut diamonds are more popular in a square shape, with the width to length ratio most commonly 1.2-1.3 or even as low as 1.05 (almost square).

The radiant’s original, patented design had 55 facets: 25 on the crown and 30 on the pavilion - plus or minus a culet.  There are no strict guidelines for table and depth percentages but, as a general rule, look for a table between 59 and 65 percent and a depth between 59 and 66 percent.

The decision to purchase a radiant cut diamond should never just be based on its proportions alone; brilliance and the overall beauty of the diamond also play their part.

Given that radiant cut diamonds are harder to find than brilliant and princess cut diamonds, it is usually easiest to find a loose stone from a place like Larsen Jewellery and to have the ring custom made.

Cushion cut diamond engagement rings, tremendously popular over a century ago, are becoming trendy again in modern rings.  With the sensual shape and subtle sparkle, they are a sophisticated alternative to flashier designs, yet do not sacrifice either the beauty or romance that symbolises the love a couple shares.

Larsen Jewellery sells loose cushion cut diamonds and specialises in custom made engagement rings.  Click here to view a range of engagement ring designs.

Cushion cut diamonds have rounded corners, large facets and are available in shapes ranging from square to rectangular.  It is a pleasant alternative to emerald, oval or princess cuts, since it incorporates similarities between all three shapes.  Choosing a square or rectangular proportion is completely up to personal preference, and cushion cut diamond engagement rings can be found in a range of shapes and proportions.

For couples interested in a vintage style ring, cushion cut diamond engagement rings may be the perfect choice.  With an antique flair paired with a soft, romantic shape, these diamonds make stunning yet unpretentious engagement rings.

A cushion cut diamond has approximately 60 facets - up to 20 or more facets fewer than in other diamond cuts.  This cut is not as fiery or brilliant as many of the modern cuts, but it has a marvelous romantic and classic look and definitely stands out from the crowd of round brilliants.  Because the stone has fewer facets, clarity is especially critical - even minor flaws will be more noticeable.  Similarly, the colour of the stone is also a crucial characteristic of its quality.

Cushion cut rings are still quite rare in normal jewellery retail stores.  For a couple that wants to design their own cushion cut ring, the best option is to find a suitable loose stone from a place such as Larsen Jewellery and have it set it an appropriate mounting.