Diamonds are recognized around the world as the most precious of gemstones. Their physical, structural and visual attributes are unmatched by any other material on the planet. They are the epitome of beauty.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed The International Diamond Grading System in 1953, introducing a widely recognized methodology referred to as the Four C's system. This system grades diamonds based on their cut, clarity, colour, and carat weight. The value of a diamond is largely determined by its position on this grading. Today, we believe a fifth C for 'conflict free' should be added to the grading system to reflect the humanitarian and environmental impact of a diamond's (mining) history.

The colour measurement of white diamonds is based on the absence of colour, with chemically pure and structurally perfect diamonds having a higher value. GIA rates diamonds on a colour-grading system ranging from ‘D-to-Z,’ measuring the degree of colourlessness. These subtle colour distinctions, though invisible to the untrained eye, greatly impact a diamond's overall quality and ability to reflect light. Diamonds with less colour allow more light to pass, increasing their brilliance. Recently, colourful diamonds (also referred to as 'fancy' diamonds) have become more popular and in many cases more valuable.

While diamonds are considered the most precious of gemstones, they are also often associated with questionnable mining conditions. Over a million diamond miners in Africa live in extreme poverty earning less than €1 per day. Still today, governments and military organisations torture and kill miners who encroach on valuable diamon territory. Furthermore, mining is the world's leading cause of man-made mercury pollution, poisining local air and water supplies.

But there is hope. Unlike gold or silver, diamonds are not chemical elements. They are a mineral that is composed of carbon atoms arranged in a specific crystal lattice structure. Therefore, diamonds can be crafted and cultivated using special mechnical techniques that require the skill of human craftsmanship and precision.

We are proud to be working with the world's leading diamond artisans who craft and grow diamonds above the ground using renewable energy sources. Those cultivated diamonds are genuine diamonds which are anatomically and physically identical to mined diamonds. As with diamonds that form below the earth, each stone has its own unique pattern, imperfections, inclusions, and characteristics. No two cultivated diamonds are the same—just as with mined diamonds. The only difference between the two is their origin.

At Inacio we have established a unique and sustainable procurement process to curate the best diamonds available. The below process chart illustrates the differences between our approach and the historic standard.