The 6 C's

Buying a diamond for your engagement ring can be an overwhelming, yet exciting task. Knowing that, we've gone well beyond the traditional 4 C's of diamonds that you'll get from most jewelers. To better assist you in your diamond buying quest and to arm you with the information you'll need to make an intelligent decision, We bring you: Hyde Park's 6 C's (and one 'S').

Cut
A beautifully cut diamond sparkles with intensity and fire. Cut refers to the proportions and finish created when transforming a rough diamond into a polished diamond. Of the Cs, Cut has the most influence on a diamond's brilliance, radiance and beauty. Round is the most brilliant shape, and also has the most demanding cutting standards. To measure the proportions of a Hyde Park diamond, we use the Sarin Brilliant Eye. The Sarin Brilliant Eye is a machine that is able to carefully and consistently measure every facet and angle, as well as provide an accurate and detailed printout of the quality and precision of a round diamond's cut. Each round diamond receives a Sarin cut grade from 0, being the most brilliant, to 10, the least brilliant. This extra step is just one way Hyde Park takes the mystery out of evaluating and comparing stones, and also assures that you're getting the most beautiful diamond. When a diamond has been cut to ideal proportions by a master cutter, it will refract light internally from one facet to another, and release the light through the top. This creates the enchanting sparkle and brilliance that make diamonds so desirable. Every Hyde Park diamond is either ideally (0) or premium (1-2) cut. We don't sell any stones that are cut too shallow or too deep, and we don't recommend any round brilliant-cut diamond with a Sarin grade above 4.

Color
It's remarkable that a characteristic so subtle can have such a dramatic impact on a diamond's value. But truly colorless diamonds are the most rare and exquisite of them all. To the untrained eye, most gem-quality diamonds appear colorless. But actually, there are minuscule differences in shade "� the result of trace elements combining with carbon over the diamond's million-year formation. To determine its true color, every Hyde Park diamond is graded in an accredited, internationally recognized gemological laboratory. It is viewed on its side under balanced white light and assigned a color grade according to a "Master Set"� of diamonds provided by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Its beauty is obvious. But thanks to this unique certification, you can also feel confident your Hyde Park diamond is everything we say it is.

Clarity
While many diamonds are incredibly beautiful, no two are alike. Most diamonds have flaws, called inclusions, which are unique to each diamond. Inclusions can be crystals, feathers and lines generally not seen unless magnified. Clarity is determined by the absence of inclusions "� the fewer the inclusions, the more rare and more valuable the diamond. Clarity grades are determined by the number, size, color and location of inclusions. The smaller and less visible the inclusions, the higher the diamond's grade. A gemscope is a type of microscope used for examining diamonds. It allows inclusions to be easily seen and evaluated, so when you choose your diamond, you can do so confidently. We provide a gemscope for you to use, because you can't choose the right diamond without seeing everything that makes your diamond beautiful and unique.

Carat
The most obvious factor of a diamond's value is its size. However, two diamonds of equal size can have completely different values because of the other Cs: cut, color and clarity. As with all precious gems, the weight or size of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams. When weighing diamonds, a 1.00 carat diamond is divided into 100 points; therefore, a diamond of 25 points is also described as 0.25 carats or a quarter of a carat. Every Hyde Park diamond is weighed when it is loose, or free from any mounting, so it will be accurately weighed. As a diamond increases in size, its rarity increases, which also increases the price-per-carat exponentially. Therefore, a two-carat diamond is more than twice as valuable than a one-carat diamond of the same quality and characteristics.

Certification
When you purchase from Hyde Park, you will be confident in knowing your diamond has been sourced from a conflict-free mine, in accordance with the Kimberley Process. This initiative is used to control and account for clean, conflict-free diamonds throughout the producing, cutting and selling process. Your diamond is also graded by one of the most reputable and respected grading laboratories: The Gemological Institute of America, the American Gem Society, or the Gem Certification and Assurance Laboratory. Every Hyde Park diamond is personally chosen and purchased from skilled master cutters "� removing the middleman and markup, as well as ensuring that the diamonds we choose are the highest quality, and the most beautiful and brilliant.

Shape
Shape is often mistaken with the technical term "cut."� The precision of a diamond's cut determines its beauty, brilliance and fire. The shape of a diamond is limited only by the skill and imagination of the craftsmen. The beauty and brilliance of any shape is determined by the precision of the cutting and polishing process. Although the round diamond is the most popular and brilliant diamond shape, there are beautiful shapes for diamonds that give each its own unique characteristics. Whatever shape you prefer, when you come to Hyde Park, you can be sure that the diamond you choose is the perfect diamond for you.

Care
Diamonds are one of the hardest substances on earth and are uniquely resistant to damage by heat or scratching. That said, diamonds are not indestructible. They can chip and break and are especially vulnerable at the girdle. Having diamonds set in a relatively protective setting, can help keep them safe. When wearing your diamond, you should be conscious of it on your finger, removing it when doing any type of activity that might expose it to a rough substance or a hard blow, including gardening, doing the dishes, intense exercise, etc. See your jeweler at least once a year to have your jewelry inspected for loose prongs, worn mounting, and general wear and tear. Visit your jeweler every six months to have your jewelry professionally cleaned. Each Hyde Park location is pleased to offer complimentary jewelry cleaning services.