Moira's Approach to Diamonds
"Diamonds fascinate me – they’re shaped by immense natural forces, yet they capture something tender and romantic when set into jewellery."
MOIRA PATIENCE
The Right Stone
We believe that choosing the right diamond should feel instinctive. It’s not just about certificates and technical specs - it’s about how a stone speaks to you.
Every diamond we use is sourced responsibly and hand-selected for its individual beauty and charm. We’re drawn to diamonds with real character, whether that’s a beautifully cut modern stone or an antique diamond with soft, hand-cut facets and a unique twinkle.
This short guide will help you understand the fundamentals of choosing a diamond you will love for years to come. If you'd like to know more about diamonds visit the Gem Index.
The 5 C's
Most people know about the classic four Cs: Carat, Cut, Colour and Clarity. We like to add a fifth C for Character – because diamonds are more than their grades on paper.
Carat
Cut
Colour
Clarity
Character
Carat
Carat refers to the weight of a diamond. Bigger isn’t always better, as the quality of the cut and the overall balance of the design can have more impact on a diamond’s sparkle.
If you’re working to a specific budget, striking a balance between carat weight and the other Cs often leads to the most beautiful result.
Cut
Cut is all about proportion and symmetry, influencing how well a diamond reflects and refracts light. An exceptional cut means your diamond will sparkle brilliantly, regardless of its shape.
Popular shapes include round brilliant, oval, cushion and emerald cuts, but old mine or antique cuts can add vintage charm.
Some cuts also appear larger than others. For example, an oval cut can appear larger than a round brilliant-cut of the same weight.
Colour
Traditionally, diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colourless) through to Z (light yellow or brown).
Many people prefer near-colourless stones (G–I range) for great value without a noticeable tint. However, we love to work with warm white diamonds - further down the scale as they add an unexpected charm and you also get more bang for your buck.
Fancy colour diamonds are also an exciting alternative - think subtle yellows, pinks and blues!
Clarity
Clarity refers to the number and visibility of natural inclusions or marks inside the stone.
While flawless diamonds are extremely rare, most inclusions are microscopic and have little impact on a stone’s beauty.
We often recommend focusing on clarity grades where inclusions aren’t visible to the naked eye, so you get the best sparkle without paying a premium for a flawless grade.
Character
This final C is less about lab certificates and more about personal connection. It might be the diamond’s shape, a particular facet pattern or even its provenance.
Some clients prefer antique or old mine cut stones for their unique charm. Others fall in love with a stone’s subtle hue or the story behind where it came from.
Fancy Colour Diamonds
If you're drawn to something a little different, fancy colour diamonds offer a world of possibility.
From soft champagne tones and glowing yellows to romantic pinks and silvery greys, these natural diamonds bring warmth, depth, and personality to any design.
Their extreme rarity and unique colour make them especially meaningful.
Old Mine Cut & Antique Diamonds
We love working with old mine-cut and antique diamonds for their unique beauty and character.
These diamonds were cut by hand before laser cutting techniques existed. Their slightly irregular facets and deep, intricate shapes create a soft, romantic twinkle that’s hard to replicate with modern cuts.
Using antique diamonds can also be a more ethical choice if you're looking to reduce your environmental impact.
Natural Vs Lab-grown
At Moira Patience, we exclusively work with natural diamonds - responsibly sourced or antique and old-cut.
While lab-grown diamonds share the same chemical properties, natural diamonds carry a history and rarity that cannot be replicated in a factory.
To understand the differences further, read Moira's Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds article.
Any questions about Diamonds?
Moira's Bespoke Diamond Jewellery Commissions
Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
When my client asked for something modern with a vintage feel, I felt it was an opportunity to source some amazing old cut diamonds to show him...
East-West Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
As always, it was lovely working on this bespoke commission with my client; we’ve created a few pieces together now and she always has such a strong sense of aesthetic...
Oval Canadian Diamond Engagement Ring
This was one of those diamonds that just stopped me in my tracks. It's absolutely b e a u t i f u l. There seems to be something about Canadian diamonds that really pings with light...
Split Shank Diamond Engagement Ring
This exquisite D coloured 1.5ct diamond has to be one of the rarest diamonds I’ve had the pleasure to work with...
Diamond Engagement Ring with Champagne Diamond Band
One of my stand out commissions from last year is this beautifully simple diamond engagement ring...
Pear-shaped Diamond Halo Ring
It was a real treat working with this client's pear diamond - it was quite an unusual elongated shape. The client wanted a wearable, comfortable ring so...
Diamond Jewellery in Stock
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Gemstone Index
