Guide to Buying Diamonds

What to look for when buying a diamond?
The rules of thumb when buying diamonds
are the 3Cs Carat - Clarity - Color
Carat (size in weight)
Clarity (any faults or blemishes)
Color (the whiter the better)

The (left) Star of Africa or Cullinan at 530 carats, it is the largest cut fine quality colorless diamond in the world. The second largest stone, the Star of Africa II or Cullinan II is 317 carats.

Both of these stones, are on display in the Tower of London with Britain's other crown jewels.

The larger Cullinan is mounted in the British Sovereign's Royal Scepter, while the Cullinan II sits in the Imperial State Crown.

Jennifer Lopez  Lorraine Schwartz 10 carat yellow and white diamond earrings set in yellow and black gold and a huge yellow diamond ring.

Richard Burton also gave Liz a heart-shaped yellow diamond which was originally a gift from Shah Jahan in 1621 to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who inspired the Taj Mahal.