01
Alive in three lights
Daylight by the window, warm lamplight, and low ambient light. A stone that only performs under a jeweller’s spotlight is not a stone you will enjoy.
02
Eye-clean at arm’s length
Whatever the clarity grade says, we look with the naked eye at normal distance. If an inclusion is findable without a loupe, the stone is declined.
03
Even across the table
No dark centre, no bow-tie, no window through the pavilion. Light should be distributed across the face rather than pooling in one region.
04
Cut for beauty, not weight
We check proportions and total depth against the shape. Stones cut deep to hold weight on paper are turned down however well they grade.
05
Honest on the hand
Seen on a hand, next to its alternatives, at the same weight. This is where the decision is actually made, so it is where we test.
06
Documented and traceable
Independent report, stated origin, and a supplier we can name to you. Anything missing means the stone does not proceed.