Introduction: A Legacy of Excellence

At Fogal and Barnes Fine Jewellers of Harrogate, we have been purveyors of fine jewellery for over a century. Our commitment to excellence is exemplified by our carefully curated selection of natural, earth-mined diamonds, each certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This guide is designed to take you on a journey through the fascinating world of diamonds, showcasing why our dedication to natural, GIA-certified stones sets us apart in the realm of fine jewellery.

I. The Diamond Through History: From Ancient Talismans to Fogal and Barnes Masterpieces

The diamond's journey from the depths of the Earth to adorning engagement rings is a tale spanning millennia. At Fogal and Barnes, we are proud to be part of this rich history.

Ancient Beginnings to Modern Marvels

• India, 4th Century BCE: The earliest known reference to diamonds appears in Sanskrit texts.
• Ancient Rome, 1st Century CE: Pliny the Elder described diamonds as the most valuable of all human possessions.
• 15th Century: Archduke Maximilian of Austria commissioned the first known diamond engagement ring in 1477.
• 1866: The discovery of diamonds in Kimberley, South Africa, transformed the diamond market.
• 1947: De Beers' slogan "A Diamond is Forever" cemented the diamond's status as the quintessential engagement ring stone.
• Present Day: Fogal and Barnes continues the tradition of excellence, offering only the finest natural, GIA-certified diamonds.

II. The Genesis of Diamonds: A Geological Marvel

At Fogal and Barnes, we believe that understanding the formation of diamonds is crucial to appreciating their rarity and value.

Formation Process

Diamonds crystallize under extreme pressure and temperature conditions, typically at depths of 150-250 kilometers beneath the Earth's surface. This process usually occurs in the Earth's mantle, under specific geological conditions:

1. Temperature: Between 900 to 1,300 degrees Celsius
2. Pressure: 45 to 60 kilobars

Types of Diamond Deposits

1. Primary Deposits:
   • Kimberlite Pipes
   • Lamproite Pipes
2. Secondary Deposits:
   • Alluvial Deposits
   • Marine Deposits

At Fogal and Barnes, we source our diamonds from ethical primary and secondary deposits, ensuring the highest quality and responsible mining practices.

III. The 5 C's: The Fogal and Barnes Approach to Diamond Excellence

At Fogal and Barnes, we apply rigorous standards in selecting our diamonds, focusing on the 5 C's: Clarity, Cut, Colour, Carat, and Certificate. Our commitment to natural, GIA-certified diamonds ensures that each stone meets the highest quality benchmarks.

1. Clarity: Nature's Fingerprint

Diamond clarity refers to the absence of inclusions and blemishes. Our expert gemologists at Fogal and Barnes carefully select diamonds that meet our exacting clarity standards.

GIA Clarity Scale:

• Flawless (FL)
• Internally Flawless (IF)
• Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)
• Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)
• Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)
• Included (I1, I2, and I3)

At Fogal and Barnes, we primarily offer diamonds in the VVS to VS range, ensuring exceptional clarity in every stone.

2. Cut: The Artistry of Light

The cut of a diamond is perhaps the most crucial factor in determining its beauty. At Fogal and Barnes, we specialize in diamonds with excellent cut grades, maximizing brilliance, fire, and scintillation.

Historical Development of Diamond Cutting:

• Point Cut (14th Century) to Modern Brilliant Cut (20th Century)

At Fogal and Barnes, we primarily offer classic cuts that stand the test of time, including:

• Round Brilliant
• Princess
• Emerald
• Oval
• Cushion

3. Colour: The Spectrum of Brilliance

The GIA colour scale for white diamonds ranges from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). At Fogal and Barnes, we typically offer diamonds in the D-J range, ensuring that each stone exhibits exceptional white colour.

We also offer a select range of fancy coloured diamonds for those seeking something truly unique.

4. Carat: Weight and Perception

While carat weight is important, at Fogal and Barnes, we emphasize the importance of balancing carat with the other 4 C's to achieve the best overall appearance and value.

5. Certificate: The Diamond's Passport

At Fogal and Barnes, we exclusively offer GIA-certified diamonds. The GIA certificate provides:

• Unique report number
• Shape and cutting style
• Measurements and carat weight
• Colour and clarity grades
• Cut grade (for round brilliant diamonds)
• Finish grades (polish and symmetry)
• Fluorescence
• Comments on additional characteristics

IV. Beyond the 5 C's: The Fogal and Barnes Difference

Fluorescence

At Fogal and Barnes, we carefully consider fluorescence when selecting our diamonds, choosing stones where fluorescence enhances rather than detracts from the diamond's natural beauty.

Polish and Symmetry

We select diamonds with excellent to very good polish and symmetry grades, ensuring superior light performance and overall appearance.

Ethical Sourcing

At Fogal and Barnes, we are committed to ethical sourcing. We adhere to the Kimberley Process and go beyond, ensuring our diamonds are not only conflict-free but also ethically and sustainably sourced.

V. The Fogal and Barnes Collection: Timeless Elegance

While we appreciate innovative cutting techniques, at Fogal and Barnes, we focus on classic, timeless cuts that showcase the natural beauty of our GIA-certified diamonds.

Our Signature Styles:

1. The Harrogate Solitaire: Our flagship engagement ring, featuring a stunning round brilliant diamond in a classic six-prong setting.
2. The Yorkshire Rose: A unique halo design inspired by the white rose of Yorkshire, showcasing a cushion-cut center stone.
3. The Fogal Legacy: A three-stone ring symbolizing past, present, and future, crafted with the finest emerald-cut diamonds.

VI. The Fogal and Barnes Experience: Expertise and Personal Service

When you choose Fogal and Barnes, you're not just purchasing a diamond – you're investing in a legacy of excellence. Our commitment to natural, GIA-certified diamonds means you can trust in the quality, value, and authenticity of your purchase.

Our Selection Process:

1. Sourcing: We work with trusted suppliers who adhere to ethical mining practices.
2. Initial Screening: Each diamond is carefully examined for quality and authenticity.
3. GIA Certification: We only accept diamonds that have undergone GIA's rigorous grading process.
4. Final Inspection: Our expert gemologists conduct a final assessment to ensure each diamond meets our exacting standards.

Personalized Consultation

Our experienced staff provides personalized consultations to help you choose the perfect diamond. We take the time to understand your preferences, budget, and the story behind your purchase.

Custom Design Services

For those seeking something truly unique, our master jewellers can create bespoke designs, turning your visions into reality while maintaining our commitment to using only natural, GIA-certified diamonds.

VII. Care and Maintenance: Preserving Your Fogal and Barnes Diamond

To ensure your Fogal and Barnes diamond engagement ring retains its beauty for generations, we offer the following care advice:

• Regular cleaning using our specialized cleaning solution
• Complimentary professional cleaning and inspection services
• Secure storage recommendations
• Insurance advice and valuation services

Conclusion: Your Journey with Fogal and Barnes

Choosing a diamond engagement ring is a significant decision, blending emotion with investment. At Fogal and Barnes Fine Jewellers of Harrogate, we are honored to guide you through this journey. Our commitment to offering only the finest natural, GIA-certified diamonds ensures that your chosen stone will be a testament to both the wonders of nature and the milestones of your life.

We invite you to visit our Harrogate showroom, where our expert staff will be delighted to share their knowledge and help you find the perfect diamond to symbolize your enduring love. With Fogal and Barnes, you're not just choosing a diamond – you're becoming part of a legacy of excellence in fine jewellery.