A Girl's Best Friend...Forever

As you might expect, the Christopher Ward approach to diamond watches is as individual as the watches themselves.

Our philosophy of sharing the benefits of our unique business model on an equal basis with our customers has delivered price advantages which took even us (and we’re supposed to be used to this sort of thing) by surprise. You see, just like with luxury watches, the base price of diamonds is a long way from the retail price - only more so! So when we don’t apply the huge mark ups of other brands and only look to cover our own costs plus a small margin, we are able to bring you top quality diamond watches at below the wholesale price a retailer would pay.

Diamonds have existed for millions of years. When first discovered, man soon developed a systematic approach to distinguish, cut and trade them. More recently the quality criteria has become more demanding, new cutting methods have been developed and with the advent of a new scientific dimension, the need has arisen for independent gemological reports for diamond stone. Each gem is unique, and with the naked eye the consumer is unable to see the difference between a flawless stone and one with a small inclusion.

With this in mind Christopher Ward diamonds are tested by the IGI and the subsequent reports and certificates which use the 4C international grading system (see below). Our approach to delivering value is certainly unusual if not unique, but if you think the care and service we provide is likely to suffer at these prices then think again.

We want the same assurances that you require. We want you to wear these elegant timepieces with the pleasure that objects of such beauty provide, but also in the knowledge that their quality and provenance is guaranteed.

That’s why, in addition to our now quite famous (and industry leading) 60/60 Guarantee which allows you an unprecedented 60 day period to return any watch for a completely no quibble refund, we have two further guarantees covering authenticity and source.

The '4Cs' Certificate of Authenticity

All diamonds are independently tested by the International Gemological Institute (IGI) who provide us with a certificate authenticating the carat, colour, cut and clarity of the diamonds.

These elements are often referred to as the '4Cs' (for further information please select one of the above links) and are the critical characteristics determining a diamond’s quality and value. All diamonds are most definitely not the same and at CW we only use diamond quality levels associated with high end luxury watch brands. When comparing the value of our diamond watches you need to look at brands such as Longines who like us use VVS1 diamonds in their watches.

Further information about the diamond grading system and other fascinating diamond facts can be found on the IGI website www.igiworldwide.com

Cut

How a diamond has been cut, polished, and to what proportions and symmetry, are of utmost importance since these factors determine the life, brilliance and dispersion of the diamond. If these cutting factors fall below standard, the appearance of the diamond will be adversely affected.

a) Reflection When a ray of light touches the surface of a diamond, part of the light is reflected back
b) Refraction The rest of the ray penetrates the stone and is then reflected toward the center of the diamond
c) Dispersion The ray of light is reflected to the surface, where it is seen as the colors of the spectrum

Execution of the design, the precision of the cutting details and the quality of the polish are collectively called the 'finish'.

The following illustrations are diagrams of old diamond cuts showing their evolution from the most primitive (point) cut to the most advanced pre-Tolkowsky cut (old European) cut. The rose cut has been excluded but could be considered an intermediate between the old single and Mazarin cuts.

Carat

The weight or size of a diamond is measured in carats (ct.). A carat is 0.2 grams and there are 100 points (or 200 milligrams) per carat.

With an accuracy of 1/100,000 ct, the IGI scales provide a highly precise diamond weight and this weight is specified on the Diamond Report to two decimal points.

Clarity

The weight or size of a diamond is measured in carats (ct.). A carat is 0.2 grams and there are 100 points (or 200 milligrams) per carat.

With an accuracy of 1/100,000 ct, the IGI scales provide a highly precise diamond weight and this weight is specified on the Diamond Report (shown below) to two decimal points.

Colour

Most diamonds of gem quality vary in shade from colorless to yellow. To determine the correct color, all submitted diamonds are compared to an internationally accepted master set of stones, the color of which ranges from D, or colorless (the most sought after) to Z, the yellowest.

Other colors occur in diamonds such as brown, orange, pink, blue, etc. The most intense of these shades are determined as 'Fancy' colors and referenced on the IGI Diamond Report (shown below).

The Kimberley Guarantee

In 2003, an international certification scheme called the Kimberley Process was launched, making it illegal to trade in conflict diamonds. A Kimberley Process certificate, guaranteeing diamond as conflict-free accompanies all official shipments of rough diamonds to and from partricipating countries.

To support this, the international diamond industry agreed to a voluntary system of warranties to ensure diamonds continued to be tracked right up to the point of sale. All invoices for the sale of diamonds and jewellery containing diamonds should now include a written guarantee stating they are conflict-free

What The Diamond Industry Agreed To Do

Keep records of all invoices and audit them every year train staff about company policies / government regulations include a written guarantee on all invoices, adopt a code of conduct to prevent the buying or selling of conflict diamonds

For more information please visit www.kimberleyprocess.com and www.diamondfacts.org

The Kimberley Process

This scheme was established in 2003 and is designed to certify the origin of diamond sources which are free of conflict. The aim is to prevent rebel groups and their rivals from funding their war aims from diamond sales.

The certification scheme is targeted at preventing 'blood diamonds' from entering the mainstream rough diamond market. The KPCS originated from a meeting of Southern African diamond producing states in Kimberely, South Africa in 2002.

In order for a country to be a participant it must ensure:

• that every diamond export be accompanied by a Certificate
• that no diamond is imported from, or to, a non-member of the scheme
• that any diamond originating from the country does not finance a rebel or other entity seeking to overthrow a UN recognised government
• All Christopher Ward diamonds (which are from South Africa) are Kimberley
• Certified and each invoice is marked accordingly with the KPCS guarantee

IGI Testing Certificates

All our diamonds are independently tested by the International Gemological Institute (IGI) who provide a certificate authenticating the carat, colour, cut and clarity of the diamonds. From time to time we also use other testing houses to cross-check IGI results.