Finally, it helps if you have some basic knowledge of what makes up the value of a diamond.

The quality and therefore the value of every diamond is evaluated using 4 criteria - carat, clarity, colour and cut.

The weight of the diamond is fixed and precise, and the bigger the stone, the greater the rarity and therefore the higher the price per carat. The other 3 criteria are much more subjective. Flaws and imperfections within the diamond will reduce the value. The very best are internally flawless.

To the untrained observer most diamonds will appear to have no tint colour, but most are slightly coloured and are evaluated on a scale from pure white to colours of the rainbow. Pure white is rare but fancy colours are extremely rare. The highest price paid per carat at auction for a diamond is US$1 million for a 0.95 carat red diamond.

The cut of a diamond is the final key to setting the value. The finest and most exacting cutting and polishing will maximise the diamond's fire and lustre.

Value is very much expressed through rarity - If you were to gather all the diamonds ever polished since the beginning of time, they would only fill one double-decker bus. Come to find your special, individual and rare dream at Icecool Diamonds.