Frequently asked questions

All of our diamonds are GIA Certified.

GIA stands for the Gemological Institute of America. Founded in 1931, GIA is widely recognized as one of the most respected and authoritative sources of information on diamonds, coloured stones, and pearls. The GIA is best known for its diamond grading system, which is widely used as the standard in the jewelry industry. 

To confirm if your diamond is GIA certified, you can request a copy of the diamond grading report from the seller. The grading report will indicate if the diamond was evaluated by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and include details such as the diamond's cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. If you don't have a grading report, you can also verify the certification by contacting the GIA directly and providing the report number or other relevant information.

At À Point, all of our lab-created diamonds are sold with a certificate issued by IGI.

The IGI (International Gemological Institute) Diamond Report is a document issued by the IGI, which is a global organization that provides independent diamond grading and appraisal services.

The IGI Diamond Report provides a comprehensive analysis of a diamond's characteristics, including its carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. The report also includes a diagram of the diamond's dimensions, a plot of its inclusions, and a statement of its fluorescence. The report serves as a reliable and unbiased assessment of a diamond's quality, and is widely recognized as one of the leading diamond grading reports in the world. 

In addition to grading diamonds, the IGI also provides certification for a range of other gemstones, including emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and more. The IGI Diamond Report is often requested by consumers who are interested in purchasing a diamond, as it provides important information about the diamond's quality and value. It is also often required by insurance companies and appraisers when assessing the value of a diamond.

The 4C's of diamonds, which stands for cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight, are important because they are the universally recognized standard for evaluating a diamond's quality and value:

1.  Cut: The cut of a diamond refers to the quality of the diamond's proportions, symmetry, and polish. A well-cut diamond will have optimal light performance, meaning that it will reflect and refract light in a way that maximizes its brilliance, fire, and sparkle.
2.  Colour: The color of a diamond refers to how colorless or tinted the diamond appears. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) uses a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown) to grade a diamond's color. The less color a diamond has, the more valuable it is.
3. Clarity: The clarity of a diamond refers to the presence or absence of inclusions and blemishes within the diamond. Inclusions are internal imperfections, while blemishes are external imperfections. A diamond with fewer inclusions and blemishes is more valuable than one with more imperfections.
4.  Carat Weight: The carat weight of a diamond refers to how much it weighs. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams. Generally, the larger the diamond, the more valuable it is.

By understanding the 4C's of diamonds, consumers can make informed decisions when purchasing diamonds and ensure that they are getting a high-quality and valuable diamond for their money.

Cut and shape are two different characteristics when it comes to diamonds.

The shape of a diamond refers to the outline or form of the diamond as viewed from the top. Popular diamond shapes include round, princess, oval, pear, marquise, and emerald. Diamond shape is a matter of personal preference, and there are no objective standards for evaluating the beauty or value of one shape over another. 

The cut of a diamond, on the other hand, refers to how well the diamond has been cut and polished from its rough state. A diamond's cut is the most important factor in determining its beauty, as it affects how well the diamond reflects and refracts light. A well-cut diamond will have optimal light performance, meaning that it will reflect and refract light in a way that maximizes its brilliance, fire, and sparkle.

 When evaluating the cut of a diamond, experts consider several factors, including proportions, symmetry, polish, and the overall quality of the cutting workmanship. The GIA has established a diamond cut grading system, which ranges from Excellent to Poor, to help consumers understand the quality of a diamond's cut.

In summary, while the shape of a diamond is a matter of personal preference, the cut of a diamond is a critical factor in determining its beauty and value. A well-cut diamond can make even a less popular diamond shape look stunning, while a poorly cut diamond will look dull and lifeless regardless of its shape.

Lab-grown diamonds are produced in a laboratory using advanced technological processes, while natural diamonds are formed in the Earth's mantle over billions of years. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, but they are typically less expensive and have a smaller environmental impact. However, natural diamonds have a unique beauty and rarity that some people value, and they are often associated with tradition and romance.

Some consumers still prefer natural diamonds for their unique beauty, rarity, and sentimental value. Ultimately, the choice between natural and lab-grown diamonds will depend on personal preferences, budget, and the intended use of the diamond.

 At À Point, we are not taking any stance on which type of diamonds would be the best for you. We just simply want educate you as much as possible, so you can make the best decision for yourselves.

A diamond appraisal is a professional assessment of the quality and value of a diamond. There are several reasons why you may need a diamond appraisal, including:

1. Insurance: If you plan to insure your diamond, your insurance company may require an appraisal to determine its value. An accurate appraisal can help ensure that you are adequately covered in case of loss, theft, or damage.
2. Resale: If you plan to sell your diamond, having a professional appraisal can help you determine its fair market value and ensure that you receive a fair price.
3. Estate Planning: If you plan to include your diamond in your estate planning, a professional appraisal can help you determine its value for tax and inheritance purposes.
4. Curiosity: If you are simply curious about the quality and value of your diamond, an appraisal can provide you with valuable information about its characteristics, such as its carat weight, clarity, colour, and cut, as well as its estimated value.

Best quality-price ratio refers to the balance between the quality of a product or service and its price. It is a measure of how much value a customer gets for the money they spend.

A good quality-price ratio means that the product or service offers high quality at a reasonable price, making it a good value for the customer. For example, if a product is well-made, durable, and performs well, but is priced reasonably, it has a good quality-price ratio.

On the other hand, if a product is expensive but of poor quality or doesn't meet the customer's expectations, it has a poor quality-price ratio.

Finding the best quality-price ratio involves assessing the quality of the product or service, the features it offers, and comparing its price to other similar products or services on the market. It is important to consider both quality and price when making purchasing decisions to ensure that the customer gets the best value for their money.

At À Point, we make sure our jewelry is priced fairly while still using the best quality materials for each piece. Book an appointment today to see for yourself!