Choosing a Ring

We have a wide variety of finished jewellery containing precious gemstones in our showcases for you to check out in person. Once you have a clear idea about what you are looking for, our designers can provide a gem show for you based on your specific requests. We are able to borrow gems from our dealers and bring in a wide variety of options for you to choose from. We will bring in gems that are at your budget, above and below, so you can see what the differences are. Providing gems for you to look at is considered part of our customer service approach and there is no obligation.

Cut

A stones “cut” refers to the diamond’s reflective qualities, not the shape. The quality of the “cut” does affect the overall look of the stone. A good cut gives a diamond its brilliance, which is the brightness that seems to come from the inside of the stone. The angles and finish of any diamond are what determine its ability to handle light, which leads to brilliance. When a diamond is well-cut, light enters through the top of the stone and travels to the pointy end where it reflects from one side to the other before reflecting back out of the diamond through the top and to the observer’s eye. This light is the brilliance we mentioned, and it’s this flashing, fiery effect that makes diamonds so mesmerizing.

Clarity

Clarity refers to the presence of identifying characteristics within the stone, called inclusions, that occur during the formation process. Most diamonds have flaws or inclusions. It is extremely rare to find a stone with no internal flaws. Inclusions are flaws such as air bubbles, cracks, and non-diamond minerals found in the diamond. Diamonds with no or few inclusions are more highly valued than those with less clarity because they are more rare. Diamonds are graded for clarity under 10x loupe magnification. Grades range from Flawless to Slightly Included. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance, and are therefore more highly prized and priced.

• F – Flawless: No internal or external flaws. Extremely rare.
• IF – Internally Flawless: no internal flaws, but some surface flaws. Very rare.
• VVS1-VVS2 – Very Very Slightly Included (two grades): Minute inclusions. very difficult to detect under 10x magnification by a trained gemologist.
• VS1-VS2 – Very Slightly Included (two grades): Minute inclusions seen only with difficulty under 10x magnification.
• SI1-SI2 – Slightly Included (two grades): Minute inclusions more easily detected under 10x magnification.

Remember that no two diamonds are ever the same. It is not like buying a TV where the working parts are identical and your decision is about the choice of brand and the cost difference. This is a different kind of purchase and we are here to help you learn about how to make the best choice for yourself.

Colour

A diamond’s colour refers to the presence or absence of colour in white diamonds. Colour is a result of the composition of the diamond, and it does not change over time. Colourless diamonds are considered the most desirable since they allow the most refraction of light (sparkle), they are also the most rare. Off white diamonds absorb light, inhibiting brilliance. However, many of our customers appreciate the unique beauty of off white diamonds and we do not want to suggest that any colour is “better” than another. The whiter a diamond’s colour is, the greater its value. To grade ‘whiteness’ or colourlessness, most jewellers refer to a professional colour scale that begins with the highest rating of D for colourless, and travels down the alphabet to grade stones with traces of very faint or light yellowish or brownish colour. The colour scale continues all the way to Z. Note: Diamonds graded G through I show virtually no colour that is visible to the untrained eye.

Carat Weight

A carat is the unit of weight by which a diamond is measured. Because large diamonds are found less commonly than small diamonds, the price of a diamond rises exponentially to its size. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams, or 0.2 grams. Be sure not to confuse “carat weight” with “karat,” the method of determining the purity of gold. These details are meant to give you a brief overview of the factors that go into to pricing diamonds specifically. Coloured gemstones are graded individually based on each of their unique characteristics and we are happy to give you more details about that based on your needs. When you visit our gallery we have a variety of charts and visual tools to help you understand more about diamonds and their grading qualities. When you sit down to meet with one of our in-house designers they can got into much more detail with you as well.

Ethical Stones

All of the diamonds we source are in accordance with the Kimberly Process.  This is an international law that tracks a diamond from rough to consumer to ensure that the stone is conflict free.  Our diamond suppliers have a guarantee on every invoice that certifies that the diamond you are buying is in accordance with the Kimberly Process.

Natural Resources Canada has a Green Mining Initiative, so Canadian diamonds are a great choice. This is initiative regulates greener mining practices, from using cleaner vehicles on mine sites, water protection and conservation, to flora and fauna restoration after mining has ceased.  Canadian diamonds can be more expensive due to higher wages for miners and market demand.

Diamonds are highly regulated.  There are more regulatory bodies in place for diamonds than coloured stones, so they may actually be a safer, more ethical choice.

Use Grandma’s stone.  Re-using family gems is a great way to make an ethical stone choice.  We can create a design that suites you and works for the size and shape of the stone you have. Stones can even be re-cut to create a new look!

Considering a lab grown stone?  Lab grown sapphires and coloured stones are readily available, but range greatly in quality.  Some lab grown stones look better than others.  Lab grown diamonds are still not widely available in Canada.  There are many suppliers on the Internet who sell directly to the public.  Be mindful that not all ‘synthetic’ diamonds are actual diamond material.  It may be a cubic zirconia, which would not hold up well for long term wear.

We hope that the information we have provided has been helpful.  We have numerous documents available to review here in the gallery, should you be interested in learning more.

Ethical Metals

Everybody has different priorities when it comes to making decisions about where you will purchase your special jewellery.  We can assume that if you are interested in Made You Look, not only are you interested in owning something handmade, but perhaps you are also prioritizing with shopping locally and supporting a business that is in your city.  And, if those two things are important to you, then we can also assume that you would like to make sure that the raw materials used are also sourced ethically and responsibly. 

We are happy to tell you that all of our suppliers are working hard to implement better business practices and are insuring that their production processes are being executed with our environment as top priority.  The jewellery industry is dedicated to recycling and improving environmental practices and some of our major suppliers are spearheading these initiatives.

Here are all of the reasons that you can feel good about your choice to have jewellery made here at Made You Look.

We recycle all of our metal – we even sweep up our dust to take to the refinery.  Since metal is valuable, none of it is being wasted.

We can use 100% recycled metal – we have access to several suppliers who provide SCS Certified 100% recycled metal. (SCS Global Services is the certifier of choice for recycled content claims around the world, and for companies seeking certification of their in-house recycling programs.)

We can provide you with information about our suppliers Toxic Reduction Plans, and promises to act responsibly in all areas of production including water, waste and energy management.

You can feel good about shopping locally.  Buying local means you are giving jobs to people in your neighbourhood and keeping money in the local economy.

Everything is made right here, not in a factory overseas.  Many of the artists pick up their supplies on foot, by bike or TTC!

Keep in mind, jewellery is not the only reason for new mining.  Global demand for commodities and use of precious metals in the tech industries also contribute greatly.  Many countries, including Canada, have Green Mining Initiatives and are working to improve safety and standards of living for miners and their families.

Please send us an email or visit the gallery anytime to discuss  this with us in person.

Have you inherited a piece of jewellery that you would like to have turned into something new? We can take your stones out of their old settings and give them new life in a design of your choosing. We can either incorporate your old metal or exchange it for money to be used towards your new ring.