The Four Cs
Proportions
The proportions or relative dimensions establish the main angles of reflection and essentially determines the amount of light returned from the top of a diamond. Ideal proportions lie within a narrowly defined range, calculated to yield the highest possible light return.
Symmetry and Finish
Symmetry refers to the uniformity of shape and the precision of cutting. Finish refers to the quality of the surface finish or polish. Both symmetry and finish play a part in determining the quality of the light returned.
Size and Carat Weight
A diamond’s size-to-weight relationship varies according to its proportions. On average, a well made 1 carat, round brilliant cut has a diameter of around 6.5mm.
Carat Value
In determining the carat value of a finished diamond, each of the 4 Cs is considered. For each step of improvement in clarity or colour the value is increased. As the carat weight increases the premium factors for both colour and clarity are also increased.
Cut Quality and Carat Value
The quality of the cut can have the greatest influence on value. Superior cuts take more time, require greater skill, and yield lower finished weights adding significantly to the overall cost and ultimate per carat value.
Caring For Your Ring
Caring properly for your jewellery is essential to ensuring its longevity and helps to avoid unnecessary repairs. We generally recommend using a silver polishing cloth once a month to wipe the surface of your jewellery with gentle pressure to help prevent any tarnish and also to cleanse the metal of skin, perfume, food or other “outside” particles, taking care not to wipe any pearls that may be present. These polishing cloths are made of soft cotton and impregnated with a specific cleaning solution; Selvyt is a good brand that is used in-house. We would discourage using commercial liquid polish or “dips” on your jewellery, as these can sometimes be too abrasive and, when used too liberally, can also remove any deliberate oxidisation detail.
We would also recommend removing rings when washing your hands or moisturising and in particular when doing the washing up - washing up liquid is one of the only substances that can actually wear down diamonds over time so that they lose their lustre. Additionally, it is always advisable to avoid wearing jewellery when doing manual labour (such as gardening or home DIY), cleaning, doing exercise or playing sports.
Please note on yellow and rose gold vermeil jewellery it is essential to follow the above guidelines to avoid excessive wear and tear on the plating. However if you do require replating please contact info@shaunleane.com.
To protect your jewellery, pieces should be individually placed in a pouch or within a soft lined box to stop them being scratched or tangled. Ideally store your jewellery in a dark, cool and dry place, and try to keep pieces apart, so that they don’t rub together or tangle up.
The Kimberley Process, GIA Certification, Conflict Diamonds
The Kimberley Process (KP) unites administrations, civil societies, and industry in reducing the flow of conflict diamonds - ‘rough diamonds used to finance wars against governments’ - around the world.
Who Or What Is The GIA?
Who Or What Is The GIA?
The Gemological Institute of America, is a non-profit independent institute dedicated to research and education in the field of gemology and the jewelry arts. When it was founded in 1931, GIA’s mission was to protect all buyers and sellers of gemstones by setting and maintaining the standards used to evaluate gemstone quality. By 1953 the GIA had developed its own International Diamond Grading System.
What is a GIA Certificate?
What is a GIA Certificate?
A GIA Certificate is a document, sometimes known as a diamond grading report, dossier, or a diamond analysis document that contains a full scientific and unbiased assessment of your diamond’s 4Cs. GIA tests every diamond submitted to establish its authenticity as a diamond and whether it’s been subjected to treatments. GIA reports provide a full description of the diamond, including color, weight, measurements, and cutting style, and disclose any known treatments
Ring Size Guide
Measure your ring size at the end of the day when fingers are at their largest. Consider the width of the band, a particularly thick band will feel tighter than a thin band so you may want to buy a full size larger than your normal ring size. Ensure that your ring sizer fits comfortably, snug enough so that so that it will not fall off, but loose enough to slide over your knuckle.
| UK SIZE | US SIZE | EU SIZE | DIAMETER | CIRCUMFERENCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | 3 | 44 | 14.0mm | 43.8mm |
| G | 3.5 | 45 | 14.4mm | 45.0mm |
| H | 3.75 | 46 | 14.8mm | 46.2mm |
| I | 4.25 | 47 | 15.2mm | 47.4mm |
| J | 4.75 | 49 | 15.6mm | 48.6mm |
| K | 5.25 | 50 | 16.0mm | 49.8mm |
| L | 5.75 | 51 | 16.4mm | 51.0mm |
| M | 6.25 | 52 | 16.8mm | 52.2mm |
| N | 6.75 | 53 | 17.2mm | 53.5mm |
| O | 7 | 55 | 17.6mm | 54.7mm |
| P | 7.5 | 56 | 18.0mm | 56.0mm |
| Q | 8 | 57 | 18.4mm | 57.3mm |
| R | 8.5 | 58 | 18.8mm | 58.6mm |
| S | 9 | 60 | 19.2mm | 59.9mm |
| T | 9.5 | 61 | 19.5mm | 61.1mm |
| U | 10 | 62 | 19.9mm | 62.4mm |
| V | 10.5 | 63 | 20.3mm | 63.7mm |
| W | 11 | 65 | 20.7mm | 64.9mm |
| X | 11.5 | 66 | 21.1mm | 66.1mm |
| Y | 12 | 67 | 21.5mm | 67.3mm |
| Z | 12.5 | 68 | 21.9mm | 68.5mm |
*this is only a guide and we will size the ring up to X
Testimonials
Shaun Leane’s love of nature and his desire to show exquisite perfection , combined with a deep sense of craft, make him one of the most talented and important jewellery designers of our time.
He is also one of the most charming and spiritually uplifting people to spend time with. He is always gleefully bending rules and breaking boundaries; you should know that, when working with him, the little twinkle in Shaun's eye is actually the spark in the powder keg of an incredible imagination.
Nick Knight, Fashion Photographer
Testimonials
Shaun’s creations are absolutely unique: the strength and fragility they gather reveal a powerful beauty that has been often imitated but never duplicated. I feel honored that Shaun designed this ring and I will cherish endlessly the treasure that it is.
Wearing it makes me different. That is Shaun’s magic: he reveals the better version of yourself.
Anne Deniau
Testimonials
A bespoke piece of jewellery from Shaun Leane is unlike any jewellery purchase I have made before. You are not buying a ring, you are making a unique piece of fine art, something to traasure forever with your loved one.
The team listend to my requirements and came up with designs that fitted the brief, keeping me informed along the process. The completed ring exceeded expectations, is exquisite in design and execution, and above all, is now treasured, unique and loved gift.
The staff at Shaun Leane offer wonderful service and support, if you get a change to see the atelier, you must.
Chris and Jane
Testimonials
Shaun Leane captures the most vicious minute of our psyche. I find the work is Thomas Hardy in romance. Organic movement with sensuous shapes that curl and twist arround our feeble body, Objects for etemity.