Learn before you buy
The few things that actually matter
Short, honest guides. No jargon for its own sake, and nothing written to make a sale easier, including the parts that argue against spending more.
Start here
The 4Cs, and which of them you will actually notice
Cut, colour, clarity and carat are not equally important. Two of them change how a diamond looks; two mostly change what it costs.
Read the guide
-
Natural or lab-grown: an honest comparison
Both are real diamonds with identical chemistry. They differ in how they formed, how they are priced, and how they behave over time.
-
Reading a certificate, and why it matters
A grading report is an independent opinion, not a guarantee of value. Here is what to look at, and what to ignore.
-
Buying coloured gemstones: colour, origin, treatment
With rubies, sapphires and emeralds the grading logic of diamonds barely applies. Three different things drive the price.
-
Setting a budget without guessing
There is no rule about months of salary. There is a sensible way to arrive at a number you are comfortable with.
-
Looking after what you have bought
Diamonds are hard, not indestructible, and coloured stones are considerably softer. A few habits keep a piece looking new.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, and that is deliberate. Appointments mean the room is yours, with no one waiting behind you and no interruptions. Most are arranged within a day or two.
Is there any obligation to buy?
None. A significant number of first visits are people learning what their budget buys before deciding anything. That is a perfectly good reason to come in.
Can I bring someone with me?
Please do. A second opinion is genuinely useful, and the room is set up for it.
How long does a consultation take?
Usually between forty minutes and an hour and a half. It is not a fixed slot, and we do not move you along.
Can you source something you do not have?
Most of what we place is never listed on the site. Tell us the shape, size, quality and budget, and we will come back with options, typically within a few days.
Do you buy or take stones in part exchange?
In some cases, yes. Bring the stone and its certificate if you have one, and we will give you an honest assessment, including when the answer is that you would do better elsewhere.
How long does a bespoke piece take?
Typically four to six weeks from approved design to handover, depending on the setting. We will give you a date before anything begins, not after.
Are prices negotiable?
We price fairly to begin with rather than starting high and discounting. What we will always do is explain why a stone costs what it does, and show you what changes if you adjust a specification.
The next step
Still have a question?
Reading only takes you so far. Bring your question to the office and we will answer it with the stones in front of you.