WHEN IT COMES to diamonds and other precious gemstones, most are well aware of the four Cs: cut, carat, colour and clarity. Of the four, cut and carat are the least ambiguous. Cut refers to how the stone is faceted and carat refers to its weight. Wellcut stones are always symmetrical and balanced with good proportions. Colour, on the other hand, depends very much on the type of stone in question. Diamonds should ideally be completely devoid of colour, while the best emeralds, rubies, sapphires and coloured diamonds are fancy intense or fancy vivid in hue.
This brings us to the final C, clarity. Although this sounds straightforward enough—after all, the best stones are supposed to be crystal clear— oftentimes, the presence of foreign elements such as trapped crystals, liquids, gas bubbles and even fractures (known as ‘inclusions’ or ‘jardin’ in emeralds) can lend a poetic quality to an otherwise cut-and-dried stone. But what are inclusions, really? Why do we dread them and, indeed, should we dread them? These questions were asked—and answered—by L’École, School of Jewelry Arts at its recent Bangkok stopover.
This story is from the May 2023 edition of Robb Report Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2023 edition of Robb Report Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE POINTS OF TRAVEL
Peggy Roe of Marriott International shares the reasons why people travel and how the hotel chain is aligning with new trends.
Evening Spirits
An exclusive group of Robb Report Singapore readers was treated to an evening soiree where they savoured The Macallan's signature serves and journeyed through the brand's 200 years of expertise.
A Hotel For The Ages
Once the site of military machinations, espionage activities and multiple Bond films, he Old War Office in London's Whitehall has undergone a billion-pound-plus transformation o become The OWO and the landmark address of Raffles London at The OWO.
An Appetite For Exceptional The
Eat and rest well-like a Maldivian would-at Velaa Private Island.
Steeped In Chiang Mai's Culture
The newly opened InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping offers tailored experiences for an authentic journey through this mountainous city.
A Week In Scotland
With Scott Dunn Private, whisky aficionados looking for the finest drams can luxuriate in a bespoke amber haven in Scotland.
This Month's Feed
Only the best dining and drinking spots in Singapore.
Riding High With The Boss
Hit records, diamond-encrusted Rolexes and a car collection so vast he's lost count of what's in it-Miamibased rapper and entrepreneur Rick Ross is living his dream. But it's his latest acquisition, a tricked-out Gulfstream G550, that makes the biggest statement.
For Dubai, The Time Is Now
The bustling Middle Eastern city is emerging as an important hub for serious watch collectors around the globe.
Timing Is Everything
It doesn't matter where you are on your horological appreciation journey. There is a watch made just for you at Watches and Wonders 2024.