SHAPE
Diamond shape determines its overall aesthetic appeal. It refers to the physical form or outline of the stone when viewed from above. Different diamond shapes have distinct characteristics—reflecting light and displaying unique patterns of brilliance and sparkle. The choice of diamond shape is subjective, influenced by individual style and preference. To find your signature shape or that of a significant other, explore the SARAH & SEBASTIAN offering below.
A vision of perfect symmetry and balance, the round diamond is designed to maximise light and reflection. With exceptional sparkle, this classic diamond shape transcends trends. An enduring choice for engagement rings, the round diamond has a timeless quality that pairs well with a wide range of settings including a claw Solitaire and our signature Suspense setting.
An edgy choice with elevated appeal, the pear diamond stands out from the crowd. Combining round edges with a pointed tip, this distinctive teardrop silhouette features a combination of brilliant and step-cut facets to lend brilliance and sparkle. Pear diamonds work best as a solitaire with a claw setting, paired with a contrasting knife edge band or a classic round band.
Exuding understated sophistication, the emerald diamond is characterised by its captivating play of light and reflection. A rectangular silhouette with trimmed corners and long, step-cut facets, this diamond’s clarity and scintillation lend a polished look. Emerald diamonds are best showcased as a minimalist claw-set solitaire, paired with a sleek square band or with our signature Suspense designs.
A regal and romantic choice, the marquise diamond features a narrow silhouette designed to elongate the finger. Often associated with celebrities throughout history, its tapered shape and pointed ends are also conducive to a striking modern aesthetic. Like an oval stone, the marquise diamond lends the illusion of length and size, working well as a northwest solitaire ring or with an east-west setting in our signature Suspense design.
Universally flattering, the oval diamond strikes a careful balance between modern sophistication and enduring timelessness. Its long silhouette helps to elongate the finger, while its large surface area creates the illusion of appearing optically larger. Innately versatile, the oval diamond pairs well with a wide range of band designs.
With a touch of vintage charm, the cushion-cut diamond is designed for excellent light dispersion. Its square or rectangular silhouette and distinctive round corners lend a captivating sense of brilliance. With its classic appeal, the cushion-cut diamond works well with a solitaire claw setting or paired with intricate side stones for added flair.
One of the most mesmerising shapes, the radiant-cut diamond is a true eye-catcher. Featuring a unique arrangement of over 70 facets, its rectangular or square silhouette and trimmed corners mean it combines the sleek elements of a traditional emerald cut with the sparkle of a round brilliant cut. To maximise brilliance, the radiant-cut diamond works best with a solitaire claw setting and a classic round or square band.
THE FOUR C's
Aside from shape, each diamond has unique characteristics. A diamond’s quality and overall excellence is measured against a universally recognised set of criteria known as the 4 Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. Discover more with our in-depth diamond guide below.
THE PLAY OF LIGHT
Cut
Cut is the most important characteristic of a diamond, directly influencing its overall brilliance and visual appeal. This refers to the way a diamond has been faceted, polished and proportioned for symmetry. A well-cut diamond will maximise the way a stone interacts with light, creating a stunning display of sparkle and scintillation.
At SARAH & SEBASTIAN, we prioritise well-proportioned, high-quality diamonds, strictly sourcing those graded from ‘Excellent’ to ‘Very Good’. We offer three different types of diamond cuts: Brilliant, Step and Mixed cut.
A BLANK CANVAS
COLOUR
Diamond colour is all about what you can’t see. The value of white diamonds is determined by their proximity to 'colourlessness'. The more a diamond lacks colour, the higher its value will be.
GIA’s diamond colour-grading scale is recognised as the global industry standard. The scale begins with the letter D, representing colourless diamonds, then progresses through the alphabet with increasing presence of colour, right up to the letter Z, representing light yellow or brown diamonds.
SARAH & SEBASTIAN diamonds run from colourless to near-colourless—D—G on the colour grading scale—with very subtle hints of yellow or brown.
IN PURSUIT OF PERFECTION
CLARITY
Diamond clarity refers to the absence of inclusions. Natural diamonds, formed through intense heat and pressure over millions of years, are unique and therefore may have internal or external imperfections known as ‘inclusions’. Diamonds without these marks are rare and considered more valuable.
The GIA's International Diamond Grading System™ assigns clarity grades ranging from FL (flawless) to I3 (obvious inclusions).
At SARAH & SEBASTIAN, our diamonds fall within the clarity range of IF (internally flawless) to SI1 (slightly included to the first degree), with the majority falling between VVS (very, very slightly included) and VS (very slightly included).
Our in-house gemologists carefully select stones to ensure there are minimal inclusions visible to the naked eye. Any visible inclusions are strategically positioned to be concealed, or will not impact the diamond’s overall brilliance and visual appeal.
At SARAH & SEBASTIAN, we prioritise well-proportioned, high-quality diamonds, strictly sourcing those graded from ‘Excellent’ to ‘Very Good’. We offer three different types of diamond cuts: Brilliant, Step and Mixed cut.
BALANCED PROPORTIONS
CARAT
The term ‘carat’ refers to the weight of a diamond, which directly corresponds to its physical size. When all other factors are equal, the value of a diamond increases as carat weight increases, because larger diamonds are rarer and more desirable. However, the value of a diamond cannot be determined by carat weight alone, and it is important to consider all 4 Cs when assessing its worth.
SARAH & SEBASTIAN is proud to source diamonds in any carat weight above 0.5ct within our parameters of the 4 C's.
Hosted in private suites at our New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland or Western Australia locations or offered virtually for clients unable to make it into store.
Select the diamond that resonates with you and let our master jewellers set it in your preferred engagement ring or fine jewellery piece.