At Macintyres we have the highest qualified staff possible including our expert diamond graders and gemmologists and we believe that, like us, our customers want quality and value.

We personally select all our diamonds to ensure the best possible value for money. We hope the following information will help you understand the characteristics that affect the value of a diamond.

Certified Diamonds

Many of Macintyres’ diamonds come with independent certificates confirming the quality and cut grade of the individual stone. These certificates are prepared by diamond grading laboratories of international renown such as GIA, HRD, IGI and EGL. These labs will also confirm that the diamonds are natural and have not been treated in any way.

Beware of other diamond sellers who provide obscure certificates or self-certify their own stones.

Cut and Shape

When you think of the cut, you probably think of the shape of the diamond. You are partially correct but while cut does refer to the shape it also refers to the proportions of how the diamond is actually cut. Diamonds are cut into many different shapes, reflecting not only popular taste but the proportions and quality of the rough diamond.

The most popular diamond cuts include Round, Oval, Square, Princess, Emerald, Baguette and Marquise. Many speciality shapes are also available.

A diamond’s overall proportions as well as the size and placement of its many reflective surfaces or facets, also play a large part in “cut”. The consistency and balance of these can greatly affect how the stone captures light and reflects it back to the eye.

Carat

The size of the diamond is measured not by its dimensions but by weight. One carat, the traditional unit of measure for diamonds, is equal to 0.2 grams. You may also hear the weight of a diamond referred to in points. A point is equal to 1/100 of a carat. Therefore a 75 point diamond equals 0.75 carat. Diamonds of equal weight may appear slightly different in size, depending on their depth and proportions. Because they are quite rare, larger diamonds of gem quality are much more valuable.

Colour

With the exception of some fancy coloured diamonds, the most valuable diamonds are those with the least colour. The colour scale for transparent diamonds runs from D-F (colourless), G-J (near colourless), K-L (faint yellow) to Z (light yellow). Completely colourless diamonds are rare. When diamonds are formed with traces of other minerals, rare and beautiful colours can result. These “fancy” colours range from blue to brilliant red, brown, pale green, pink and violet. Because of their rarity, coloured diamonds are highly desirable and may be quite valuable.

Clarity

Diamond clarity is measured by the existence or absence of visible flaws. Tiny surface blemishes or internal inclusions, even those seen only under magnification with a jeweller’s loupe, can alter the brilliance of the diamond and thus affect its value. Clarity levels begin with flawless (F&IF) and go down to Very Very Slight (VVS1 &VVS2), Very Slight (VS1 & VS2), Slightly Included (SI1 7 SI2) and Included (I1 & I2 & I3).

Ethically Sourced Diamonds

Along with all Macintyres products, our gemstones and diamonds are ethically sourced and conflict free. All diamonds are purchased from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict in compliance with United Nations’ resolutions and the Kimberly Process.

Ring Size Guide

We will be more than happy to accurately measure your finger in-store and offer advice on the most suitable size. Alternatively, order your FREE Multisizer Ring Gauge by emailing us, including your full name, postal address, or by phone on + 44 131 220 4252 (Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm).

If you know what finger size you require, please select it from the drop down list before clicking on the Buy Now button.  If the ring is a gift or you are unsure of the finger size, we recommend that you purchase it in the stock size available, selecting Not Sure from the list of size options. The ring can then be adjusted or ordered in the correct size.

Diamond & Dress Rings

All Macintyres’ diamond and gem set rings are unique. Each one is hand crafted to individual specifications, including finger size. Most can be adjusted to fit a UK finger size range of "K" to "O" and will supplied at the prices stated. Finger sizes beyond this range, J or below and P or above, may have to be specially made. Special orders may take longer to supply and may incur a surcharge. We will contact you by phone or e-mail to discuss your individual requirements.

Wedding Rings

Standard wedding bands are available in ladies’ sizes from I to O and in gent’s sizes from P to Z. Most sizes are available from stock. If we are temporarily out of stock we will contact you with an expected delivery date.

Diamond set and bespoke wedding bands are made to order in your size and will take longer than our standard delivery times. We will contact you with an expected delivery date. Special orders cannot normally be exchanged.

When measuring your finger, the following should be taken into account:

• -  Your finger size may vary with your body temperature. Please be sure to measure your finger when it is not too hot or cold.

• -  Fingers on opposite will vary slightly. Please do not assume for example that your wedding finger (left hand) is the same as your dress ring finger (right hand).

• -  Broader rings may need a slightly larger size.

• -  Your preference: do you like your rings to be firm or slightly loose. Remember, if you have a large knuckle, you may need a larger ring size.