From Bond's Gemologists
Understanding Your Diamond
Every diamond has its own story. Our in-house gemologists have put together these detailed guides so that, whether you're starting from scratch or refining your knowledge, you can approach your purchase with real clarity. No jargon — just honest, expert advice from Bond Jewellery & Diamonds.
The Foundation
The 4Cs of Diamond Quality
Four characteristics define every diamond's appearance, rarity and value. Understanding Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat Weight allows you to make an informed choice — and get the very best diamond for your budget.
Budget & Pricing
How Much Does a Diamond Cost?
Diamond pricing isn't arbitrary — it's a precise reflection of the stone's individual characteristics. A slight improvement in cut grade or a step up in clarity can meaningfully change the price, and knowing why helps you allocate your budget smartly.
Our cost guide breaks down exactly how each of the 4Cs affects price, and where you can make considered trade-offs without compromising on beauty.
Find Your Shape
Diamond Shapes
Shape is often the first decision — and a deeply personal one. From the timeless brilliance of the round to the architectural elegance of the emerald cut, each shape has its own personality. Explore them all and find the one that speaks to you.
Round diamonds are the most popular of the diamond shapes, representing around 75% of all combined diamond sales. The mechanics of this shape lead to the highest levels of light reflection, giving the most brightness and sparkle and their versatile nature means they can be used in almost any piece of jewellery. Due to the high demand and high amount of rough stone lost in the cutting process of round diamonds, they are the most valuable and therefore most expensive of all the diamond shapes.
Oval cut diamonds are a stunning blend of brilliance and elegance, known for their elongated shape that creates a flattering, lengthening effect on the finger. With their rounded edges and excellent light reflection, they offer a sparkle similar to that of a round brilliant cut but with a more unique, modern silhouette. Oval diamonds also tend to appear larger (per carat) when compared to other shapes, making them an excellent choice for those seeking maximum size and brilliance in a timeless yet distinctive design.
Radiant cut diamonds are a brilliant combination of the rectangular silhouette of an emerald cut and the dazzling sparkle of a round brilliant cut. With their cropped corners and 70 carefully arranged facets, radiant cut diamonds offer exceptional brilliance and fire, making them one of the most vibrant diamond shapes. Their versatile shape works beautifully in a variety of settings, whether you're seeking a classic or contemporary design. Radiant cuts are also excellent at hiding inclusions, making them a great choice for those who want maximum sparkle with a modern, angular appeal.
Emerald cut diamonds are renowned for their timeless elegance and sophisticated appearance. With their elongated, rectangular shape and large, open facets, emerald cuts showcase a "hall of mirrors" effect that emphasizes clarity and creates a unique, understated sparkle. Unlike brilliant cuts, the emerald cut offers a subtle yet captivating light reflection, focusing more on the diamond’s transparency and depth. This cut is perfect for those who appreciate a refined, vintage-inspired aesthetic and prefer a sleek, sophisticated look with clean lines.
Marquise cut diamonds are known for their distinctive, elongated shape with pointed ends, resembling the silhouette of a boat or a smile. This cut maximises carat weight, giving the diamond a larger appearance than other shapes of the same size, and creates an elegant, slimming effect on the finger. With its brilliant facets, the marquise cut sparkles beautifully while offering a striking, vintage-inspired look. Perfect for those seeking something bold and unique, the marquise cut is a timeless choice that exudes both sophistication and individuality.
Princess cut diamonds are cherished for their modern, square shape and exceptional brilliance. With their sharp, clean lines and dazzling array of facets, princess cuts deliver a sparkle that rivals round diamonds, making them one of the most popular choices for engagement rings. Their versatile design works beautifully in both classic and contemporary settings, offering a sleek, geometric appeal. The princess cut’s combination of elegance and sparkle makes it a perfect choice for those seeking a chic, sophisticated look with maximum brilliance.
Pear shaped diamonds feature a unique teardrop shape that combines the brilliance of a round cut with the elegance of a marquise. With one rounded end and one pointed tip, the pear cut offers a graceful, elongated silhouette that flatters the finger, creating a slimming effect. Its brilliant facets maximize sparkle, making it a striking and eye-catching choice for those who love a distinctive, romantic look. Whether worn with the point facing up or down, pear cut diamonds bring a timeless elegance and dramatic appeal to any setting.
Cushion cut diamonds are admired for their soft, square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, resembling a cushion or pillow. This classic cut combines vintage charm with modern brilliance, offering a unique balance of sparkle and depth through its large facets. Known for their romantic, timeless appeal, cushion cut diamonds have a warm, elegant look that’s perfect for those who appreciate both tradition and glamour. Their versatility works beautifully in various settings especially halo and three stone rings, making them a popular choice for engagement rings with a touch of old-world sophistication.
Asscher cut diamonds are known for their distinct, vintage-inspired shape with perfectly symmetrical, square facets and a mesmerizing "hall of mirrors" effect. Featuring a deep step-cut pattern and cropped corners, the Asscher cut emphasizes clarity and creates a unique, understated brilliance. This elegant diamond shape exudes an art-deco charm, making it ideal for those who appreciate a refined, timeless look. With its striking geometric design and dramatic depth, Asscher cut diamonds offer a sophisticated choice for anyone seeking classic beauty with a touch of boldness.
Heart shaped diamonds are the ultimate symbol of love and romance, featuring a unique silhouette that captures the essence of affection. This enchanting shape is characterised by a cleft at the top and a rounded bottom, resembling a heart. With their brilliant facets, heart cut diamonds deliver exceptional sparkle, making them a captivating choice for engagement rings and meaningful gifts. Their romantic allure and distinctive design set them apart, allowing the wearer to express their individuality and sentimentality in a truly special way. Whether set in a classic or contemporary style, heart cut diamonds make a heartfelt statement.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Are Lab Diamonds Right for You?
Created in controlled laboratory conditions that replicate the heat and pressure of the earth's mantle, lab-grown diamonds are physically, chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds — and typically available at a significantly more accessible price point.
Our guide walks you through everything you need to know: how they're made, how they compare to natural diamonds, and how to decide which is the right choice for your ring.
Our Commitment
Diamonds You Can Feel Good About
Ethical sourcing isn't an afterthought at Bond Jewellery & Diamonds — it's central to everything we do. We work exclusively with suppliers who meet the highest standards of transparency and responsibility.
Ethical Sourcing
Traceable from Mine to Ring
We partner only with the most reputable diamond suppliers in the world — those who share our belief that transparency and accountability should never be compromised.
The Kimberley Process
Supporting Conflict-Free Trade
We fully support the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme — an international framework that has eliminated over 99% of conflict diamonds from the global supply chain.
Lab-Grown Option
A Sustainable Alternative
For those seeking an ethically created stone, our lab grown diamonds are identical in every way to their mined counterparts, with a sustainable message at heart.
We're Here to Help
Not Sure Where to Start?
Choosing a diamond for the first time can feel overwhelming and that's completely understandable. Our diamond specialists are here to take the guesswork out of the process, walking you through every consideration at your own pace.
Whether you visit us in person or prefer a relaxed virtual consultation, Bond Jewellery & Diamonds offers a genuinely unhurried, pressure-free experience. You'll leave knowing exactly what you want and why.
Explore More
More Buying Guides
Everything you need to know about buying with Bond Jewellery & Diamonds — from choosing a metal to finding your perfect ring size.
Ring Guides
Choosing a Metal
Platinum, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold — understand the differences and find the best fit for your lifestyle.
Styles
Popular Ring Styles
From solitaire to halo, trilogy to toi et moi — discover our most popular engagement rings.
Buying Advice
Engagement Ring Basics
Understand the basics with an expert checklist for first-time buyers, everything to consider before making your purchase.