The Art of Design Issue 31 2018 | Page 134

134 INTERVIEW: ROLAND NOSER – BUCHERER DIAMOND AMBASSADOR Buying a diamond can be a very difficult process, there is so much to consider and endless research to be done. Is the diamond to be used in jewellery or is it an investment piece? What stone shape feels right and how big or small do you want to go? Whether you know your pave from your facets or not, we sat down with Bucherer’s in-house diamond ambassador to help familiarise you with the world’s toughest stone. Talk us through the infamous four C’s 1) Carat, clarity, colour and cut are the most important factors to consider when buying a diamond. Carat, clarity and colour are created by the earth, while the cut is the only manmade part of a diamond. A diamond carat is the measurement weight of a diamond, each carat is subdivided into 100 ‘points’ allowing for a very precise measurement. cuts, the two highest cuts available. 2) The clarity of a diamond refers to the lack It’s important to remember that a diamond’s of inclusions and blemishes. Diamonds are the result of very high pressure and heat value is determined by all 4C’s, not just one. deep from the earth; this process can result Do diamonds come with a warranty? in characteristics called ‘inclusions’ and Yes. Each diamond comes with a certificate ‘blemishes’. No diamond is absolutely flawless often authenticated by an independent but if there are no inclusions or blemishes laboratory, typically the GIA (Gemology visible at 10x magnification then it will be institute of America). Bucherer stones are classed as so. sent to the lab where the four C’s are closely examined and any inclusions are recognised. 3) The colour of a diamond actually refers to The certificate validates the specifications of the lack of colour; with white diamonds most the diamond. sought after. A diamond’s colour is graded on a cleaning and checking the stone hasn’t come loose in its setting. How do you know you’re buying ethical diamonds? It is imperative to know you are buying from a trusted and ethical diamond dealer. Once a diamond has left the mine it cannot be determined where the diamond is from, while this rule doesn’t apply to emeralds and other precious stones, diamonds are made from pure carbon and there are no traceable elements. The diamond industry pays huge respect to the Kimberley Process which unites How often should you get a diamond 81 countries to promote the responsible cleaned and polished? sourcing of diamonds and prevention of 4) The cut of a diamond is often associated Bucherer diamonds come polished and conflict diamonds. with its