Every Spence store contains:

• Binocular microscopes with dark field illumination that magnify stones at 10X so you can examine clarity;
• GIA Facetware^TM Software that automatically estimates GIA cut grades for round-brilliant diamonds;
• Diamondlite, which neutralizes all room light so you can see a diamond's true colour;
• The Spence Guarantee.

After giving you an unbiased look at the quality of your diamond, we back it up in writing on the Spence Certificate. This provides a permanent blueprint of your diamond, recording all the details of the cut, color and clarity as measured by the Gem Instruments. We even plot the natural inclusions that you can see through the microscope.

4-Cs

Selecting a quality diamond at a great price starts with an understanding of the ‘4-Cs’ – Carat weight, Cut, Colour and Clarity. Nobody is more qualified to help you identify the right combination of these characteristics than Spence. Educate yourself as best you can online, and when you’re ready, come in and let us be your trusted advisor. It’s the best way to ensure you get a deal you feel good about on a ring that’ll impress her as well as everybody she shows it off to.

Watch some 4-Cs videos and get a quick diamond education.

See some other reasons why you should choose Spence.

Carat Weight

Diamond weight is measured in carats. There are five carats in a gram, and 100 points in each carat. For example, a 50-point diamond is a half-carat diamond. As a general rule, larger diamonds are more rare and valuable. But size does not determine beauty and brilliance. Two stones of the same carat weight can have very different values depending on their cut, color and clarity.

Note: Image size may vary depending on your browser and computer display and thus, may not reflect actual carat size.

Cut

Cut is the most important contributor to a diamond’s fire and brilliance. Diamonds that are cut to precise proportions bounce light from one facet to another. But if the pavilion angle is cut too deep, your diamond will look dark. If it is too shallow, your diamond will look watery. It takes a skilled master craftsman to cut a diamond with pinpoint precision and effectively release its true scintillation.

Colour

Diamonds are graded on the GIA color scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). The most expensive diamonds are found at either end of the scale, due to their rarity.

Clarity

The clearer a diamond is, the rarer it is. Most diamonds contain natural 'inclusions' that resemble tiny crystals. These are the birthmarks that make each stone unique. The number, size and position of these inclusions affect the value. The Gemological Institute of America clarity scale ranges from Fl (flawless) to I3 (many inclusions visible to the naked eye).

Sharing our diamond knowledge with you is only one of many ways we can help. There are plenty more things guys need to know about buying a diamond at Spence. For instance, we go to great lengths to ensure that all of our diamonds are conflict-free. And we stand behind our diamonds with a comprehensive Spence Guarantee that includes protection against loss, a lifetime trade-up allowance and ring style swapping .

Shape

To most people, the word ‘diamond’ conjures images of the ever-popular and always classic round stone. Going this route is almost guaranteed to get you the reaction you’re looking for, but you can also choose one of the more unique shapes collectively referred to as ‘fancy cuts’.

Shape does not affect the quality of the stone. If it is well cut its brilliance and value will endure no matter what. The shape of the rough diamond crystal usually dictates the shape of the stone. All are cut for maximum fire and brilliance, but facet shape varies with the cut and as a result, filters light differently. Additionally, some designs are more suited to a particular shape.

Finding the Ring She Really Wants

A diamond’s shape and 4-Cs are important, but setting that diamond in the right ring also plays a huge role in the statement it makes. Take a look at our online selection of engagement settings now. That way you’ll have a better idea of exactly what you’re looking for should you choose to visit a Spence near you.

Knowing what you are looking at will help you establish control over the buying process by keeping you focused on the ring she really wants at a price you can afford. To that end, one of the more valuable aspects of buying your diamond at Spence is our 4-C’s presentation. Learn about how to get the most for your money by watching some 4-Cs videos.

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