Selecting diamonds: reflecting the excellence of the Maison
Forged by over 100 years of expertise, the Maison’s exacting standards and taste in gemstones shines through in every creation. By way of example, diamonds undergo a double selection process unique to Van Cleef & Arpels.
All the Maison’s gemstones meet the internationally renowned “4C” criteria. Only the highest qualities are chosen by the Stone Department: D to F for color, IF to VVS for clarity. These scientific grades are backed by precise visual evaluations by the Maison's gemologist experts. This meticulous examination makes it possible to assess the elegance of the cut, the beauty of the stone and the liveliness sparkling in each gem.
Van Cleef & Arpels thus offers diamonds of such remarkable quality, both for center and pavé stones.
Color
From a scale of D, which corresponds to an exceptional colorless rating, to Z, Van Cleef & Arpels chooses only the most colorless diamonds: D to E for the center stones and D to F for the pavé stones. Thanks to these strict criteria, each of its diamond creations sparkles.
Legend of diamonds collection
Clarity
The gemstones chosen by the Maison are graded from Flawless – no visible inclusions with a 10x loupe – to VVS2 (Very very slightly included, meaning very, very slightly visible inclusions with a 10x loupe). Inclusions are foreign particles trapped in the stone during its formation. Therefore, a gemstone with a high clarity grade sparkles more.
Legend of diamonds collection
Carat
A diamond’s weight is expressed in a standard unit of measurement used all around the world: the carat, a term which comes from the carob seed. One carat is the equivalent of 0.20 grams. For its center stones, the Maison uses diamonds weighing at least 0.30 carats.
Legend of diamonds collection. Chevron Mystérieux, necklace, pear shaped diamonds
Cut
This grade evaluates the symmetry of the cut, its proportions and the quality of the polish, which help make the stone shine even more. Gemstones chosen by the Maison have the best cut grades: Excellent or Very Good. They reflect the light better, sparkling with intense fire.
