At Morgan & Co, every diamond we source, design with, and ultimately deliver to our clients has been hand selected to meet our strict buying parameters. This isn’t just about quality it’s about responsibility, ethics, and ensuring that every ring we create carries meaning beyond its sparkle. Our clients trust us with one of the most important purchases of their lives, and we take that responsibility seriously.

In an industry where there are thousands of diamonds available at varying qualities, prices, and origins, we’ve chosen to set high standards that we will never compromise on. Here’s why.

1. Ethical Responsibility

The diamond industry has a complex history, and as a modern jeweller, we believe it’s our duty to operate transparently and responsibly. At Morgan & Co, we will only work with suppliers who can guarantee conflict-free and ethically sourced stones.

By sticking to our strict buying parameters, we ensure that every diamond we offer has been sourced with respect for human rights and fair trade. Our clients can wear their rings with pride, knowing their diamond hasn’t come at someone else’s expense.

2. Guaranteed Quality & Beauty

A diamond is more than its certification. While many diamonds may look similar on paper, subtle differences in cut, proportions, and light performance dramatically affect how a stone actually looks.

Our buying parameters are designed to eliminate stones that may “pass” by certificate standards but underperform in reality. For example, we carefully select only those diamonds that display exceptional brilliance, fire, and symmetry diamonds that truly come alive in the light.

This ensures that when a client chooses a diamond at Morgan & Co, they’re choosing something that has been curated to meet the highest standard of beauty.

3. Long-Term Value for Clients

An engagement ring is both a sentimental purchase and a long-term investment. By adhering to strict quality criteria, we help our clients avoid the pitfalls of buying diamonds that look good initially but lose appeal over time.

Diamonds that fall outside of our parameters such as those with poor cuts, imbalanced proportions, or clouded clarity may be less expensive upfront, but they lack lasting value. At Morgan & Co, we only buy diamonds that we would be proud to own ourselves, ensuring every client receives enduring beauty and integrity in their purchase.

4. Upholding Our Reputation

Morgan & Co has built its reputation on trust, craftsmanship, and personal service. Part of that trust comes from our promise to never compromise on the stones we offer.

Our clients often share how reassuring it feels to know they don’t need to sift through hundreds of diamonds or second-guess whether they’re making the right choice. By pre-filtering to only the very best, we take the stress out of diamond buying and allow couples to focus on the joy of creating their dream ring.

Our promise to you is that we only sell a diamond that we would proudly wear ourselves. 

5. Our Commitment to Personalised Service

Every love story is unique, and we believe the diamond at the heart of an engagement ring should be just as special. By sourcing within strict parameters, we’re able to provide tailored recommendations that align with  our  clients’ values, preferences, and budget without ever compromising on ethics or quality.

Our process is about more than just selling a stone. It’s about guiding our clients through an experience where they feel informed, empowered, and cared for.

Adhering to the Four Cs  — Our Strict Diamond Standards

The Four Cs Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat are the universal framework for assessing a diamond’s quality. At Morgan & Co, we take these standards further by narrowing our focus to only the best-performing ranges:

• Colour: We source only colourless diamonds, specifically D, E, and F, and on occasion, a carefully selected G stone if it displays exceptional quality. This ensures the diamond’s brilliance is crisp, bright, and never compromised by a yellow tint.
  

• Clarity: We work strictly within the VVS1 to VS2 clarity range. This means the diamonds we choose are either flawless to the naked eye or carry inclusions so minor they don’t affect beauty or sparkle.
  

• Cut: We believe cut is king. Even the finest colour or clarity can’t save a poorly cut diamond. That’s why we only accept stones with proportions and symmetry that maximise light performance and will only source a diamond of excellent cut. 
  

• Carat: While size matters, it’s never at the expense of quality. Importantly, carat weight doesn’t always reflect how large a diamond looks. A well-cut stone will carry its weight where it matters most—across the top of the stone (measured in millimetres). This is what determines the “face-up” size you actually see. A poorly cut diamond may weigh more on paper, but if that weight is hidden in the depth, it can look smaller than a lighter but better-cut stone. That’s why at Morgan & Co, we carefully balance carat weight with spread, ensuring our clients get maximum beauty and presence in their chosen diamond.

A note on natural diamonds

While we hold firmly to these buying parameters with lab grown diamonds, we acknowledge the rising price of natural diamonds. On rare occasions, when sourcing a natural diamond for a client, we may consider a slight deviation from our usual ranges to meet their budget or size preferences. Even then, our expert team ensures that any stone we approve still meets our strict standards for brilliance, beauty, and long-term value.

Final Thoughts

At Morgan & Co, our diamonds aren’t chosen by chance, they're chosen with intention. Our strict buying parameters ensure every stone we present reflects our values of quality, ethics, and beauty.

When you purchase a diamond from us, you can feel confident that it’s been responsibly sourced, expertly curated, and selected to stand the test of time. Because at the end of the day, your love deserves nothing less.

You can book a no obligation consultation with us at our Buderim Studio — we look forward to discussing your beautiful diamond.

With Love,
Laura xo 

Diamonds have long been revered as one of the most precious and sought-after natural materials on Earth. Their rarity and value are shaped by a combination of geological, aesthetic, and market factors. But what truly makes a diamond rare and valuable? Let’s explore the key elements that define the worth of these mesmerising gemstones.

1. The Four Cs: The Foundation of Diamond Value

The value of a diamond is often determined by its cut, clarity, colour, and carat weight, collectively known as the Four Cs. These characteristics work together to influence a diamond’s rarity and desirability:

• Cut: A diamond’s cut is crucial to its brilliance and sparkle. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, creating the signature fire and scintillation we associate with high-quality diamonds. The process of achieving the perfect cut requires immense skill and precision, making exquisitely cut diamonds rare and valuable.

• Clarity: Diamonds form under extreme pressure and heat, often resulting in natural inclusions and blemishes. The fewer the imperfections, the rarer the diamond. High-clarity diamonds (graded VS2 to VVS1 and higher) are harder to find, which drives up their value.

• Colour: While many believe diamonds are purely colourless, truly colourless diamonds are incredibly rare. Most diamonds have subtle hints of yellow or brown. The rarest and most valuable diamonds fall within the D to F colour range, meaning they exhibit no detectable colour. Fancy-coloured diamonds, such as pinks, blues, and greens, are even rarer due to the unique conditions required for their formation.

• Carat Weight: Larger diamonds are much rarer than smaller ones. Finding a high-quality diamond with significant carat weight is uncommon, as most rough diamonds are found in smaller sizes. As carat weight increases, so does the value exponentially.

2. Natural Formation: Billions of Years in the Making

A diamond’s journey begins deep within the Earth’s mantle, where carbon is subjected to intense heat and pressure over one to three billion years. Over time, these conditions crystallise carbon into the remarkable structure that forms a diamond.

Once formed, diamonds travel to the surface through rare volcanic eruptions. This natural process is unpredictable, and for every diamond discovered, countless others remain deep within the Earth, never to be found. This lengthy formation period, combined with the difficulty of retrieval, contributes to a diamond’s rarity and allure.

3. Geographic Scarcity: Limited Sources

Diamonds are not found just anywhere—they are mined in only a handful of locations worldwide. Some of the most famous diamond-producing regions include:

• Botswana – One of the world’s largest diamond producers, known for high-quality stones.

• Canada – A growing source of ethically mined diamonds.

• Russia – Home to some of the largest diamond deposits.

• South Africa – Historically one of the most significant diamond sources.

Some of the rarest diamonds come from specific mines, like the Argyle Mine in Australia, which produced the world’s most coveted pink diamonds before closing in 2020. The closure of such a significant source has only increased the rarity and value of pink diamonds.

4. Unique Characteristics: What Sets a Diamond Apart

Even diamonds of the same grade can have distinct characteristics that make them unique. Factors such as light performance, fire, scintillation, and fluorescence play a role in making one diamond stand out from another.

A diamond’s proportions and ratio also influence its overall appearance. Certain shapes, like elongated cushions or oval diamonds, can create the illusion of a larger stone while maintaining excellent brilliance. Some diamonds even possess rare optical effects, like the butterfly effect seen in fancy-cut stones, making them highly sought after by collectors.

5. Fancy-Coloured Diamonds: Nature’s Rare Gems

While white diamonds dominate the market, fancy-coloured diamonds are exceptionally rare and valuable. These diamonds owe their colour to the presence of trace elements during formation:

• Blue diamonds (such as the famous Hope Diamond) get their colour from boron.

• Yellow diamonds contain nitrogen, which gives them their sunny hue.

• Pink and red diamonds are the result of unique structural changes during their formation.

• Green diamonds gain their colour from natural radiation exposure over millions of years.

Because of their rarity, fancy-coloured diamonds often command record-breaking prices at auctions, making them some of the most valuable gemstones in the world.

6. Market Demand and Historical Significance

Beyond their physical attributes, historical significance and market demand play a crucial role in a diamond’s value. Diamonds have long been associated with love, commitment, and prestige, making them a symbol of lasting beauty.

Some diamonds become priceless due to their provenance and history. Famous examples include:

• The Cullinan Diamond – The largest rough diamond ever discovered, parts of which now reside in the British Crown Jewels.

• The Koh-i-Noor – A historic diamond with a legacy spanning centuries and multiple royal dynasties.

Owning a diamond with a rich history or extraordinary origin makes it even more desirable.

7. Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing: The Future of Diamonds

With increasing awareness around ethical sourcing, consumers today seek responsibly mined diamonds with verified origins. Ethical diamonds, including Canadian-mined stones and lab-grown diamonds, are gaining popularity as buyers prioritise sustainability and transparency.

Diamonds with certified ethical origins often carry a premium, as they ensure minimal environmental impact and fair labor practices. As demand for ethical jewellery grows, responsibly sourced diamonds are becoming an essential part of the industry’s future.

Conclusion: Rarity in Every Sparkle

A diamond’s rarity and value are shaped by a combination of natural phenomena, meticulous craftsmanship, and market dynamics. From their billion-year formation deep within the Earth to their transformation into dazzling gemstones, diamonds are truly nature’s finest treasures.

Whether you are drawn to their timeless beauty, historical significance, or unique brilliance, understanding what makes a diamond rare and valuable allows you to appreciate their significance even more.

Ready to find your own rare and valuable diamond? Book an appointment with Morgan & Co and explore our hand-selected collection of exceptional stones, perfectly suited for your unique love story.

Choosing the perfect diamond size can feel overwhelming, especially with so many factors to consider—but it doesn’t have to be. This guide will walk you through what truly matters when selecting the diamond that will mark one of the most meaningful moments of your life.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Perfect Diamond Size

Selecting a diamond is a deeply personal experience. It’s not just about choosing something beautiful, it’s about choosing something right for you or your partner. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Average Diamond Sizes in Australia

To start, let’s break down carat weight. One carat equals 200 milligrams, but visually, a two-carat diamond does not look twice as large as a one-carat. This is because size perception is influenced by proportion, cut, and surface area, not only weight.

In Australia, the average engagement ring features a diamond between .90ct and 1.5ct fo a natural diamond and between 1.8 and 3.00 carats for a lab grown diamond. But at Morgan & Co, we don’t believe in rules or trends dictating your choice. Your ring should reflect your taste, lifestyle, and values.

For personalised guidance, we always recommend booking a complimentary consultation at our Buderim studio.

2. How Finger Size Influences Perception

Your partner’s hand and finger shape can make a diamond appear larger or smaller:

• Petite fingers may suit a slightly smaller stone

• Fuller fingers may balance a larger diamond beautifully

• Slender fingers often look elongated with oval or marquise cuts

• Round cuts may appear more proportional on broader fingers

Trying on different styles is the best way to get a sense of what feels right. Solitaire designs remain popular because they flatter every hand shape and allow the centre stone to shine.

3. Lifestyle Considerations

An engagement ring is worn every day, so lifestyle matters:

• Active jobs or hands-on hobbies may suit smaller or lower-profile stones

• Office-based lifestyles allow for larger, more elevated designs

• Those who love jewellery may naturally gravitate toward larger diamonds

Practicality is just as important as aesthetics when choosing a ring you’ll wear forever.

4. Budget Matters (But Bigger Isn’t Always Better)

Budget is a key factor, but it shouldn’t be stressful. If you're opting for a natural diamond, a smaller, high-quality diamond will always look more beautiful than a larger, poorly cut stone.

Currently, natural diamonds between .90ct and 1.20ct are increasingly popular for their minimal, elegant appeal and excellent value. There are stunning options starting from $14,000 for a natural diamond of reasonable quality. 

As for lab grown diamonds, you're more free to increase your diamond size and quality because their starting prices are much lower than a natural diamond.

At Morgan & Co, we work closely within your budget to create a ring that feels luxurious, personalised and meaningful, without compromising on quality.

How Diamond Cuts and Shapes Affect Perceived Size

Carat weight is only one part of the equation.
Cut and shape can dramatically influence how large a diamond looks.

1. Brilliant (Round) Cut

The most classic and sparkly, thanks to its 58 facets. Because so much weight goes into creating brilliance and symmetry, round diamonds can appear slightly smaller than other shapes of the same carat weight.

2. Oval & Marquise Cuts

Their elongated silhouettes make them appear larger than round diamonds of the same weight, while also flattering the finger by adding length.

3. Princess & Cushion Cuts

Square or softly square, these cuts offer excellent surface area and often look bigger when viewed from above.

4. Pear Cut

Romantic and unique, its teardrop shape gives a stunning elongated look, enhancing the perception of size even in smaller carat weights.

We offer all of these shapes and more at Morgan & Co—whether you visit us in our Sunshine Coast studio or book a virtual consultation.

Why Diamond Quality Matters More Than Size

A diamond’s beauty is influenced by the 4Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat Weight.

Cut determines brilliance.
Colour affects purity and value.
Clarity influences sparkle and transparency.

A high-quality diamond will look more radiant—and sometimes even larger—than a bigger diamond of lower clarity or poorer cut.

How Settings Influence the Appearance of Size

The setting you choose can dramatically change how large or small your diamond appears:

1. Solitaire Setting

Minimal and timeless.
Allows the diamond to take full visual focus, often making smaller stones appear larger.

2. Halo Setting

Adds a ring of tiny diamonds around the centre stone, increasing sparkle and creating the effect of a larger diamond.

3. Bezel Setting

A metal rim surrounds the stone for maximum protection.
This can make the diamond appear slightly smaller because less light enters the stone.

4. Prong Setting

Elevates the diamond to capture light from every angle.
Makes even modest-sized diamonds appear brilliant and more substantial.

5. Pavé Setting

Small diamonds set along the band amplify sparkle and boost the overall luxurious feel.

6. Channel Setting

Creates a seamless row of diamonds along the band, balancing elegance with practicality.

We guide you through all these setting styles during your appointment so you can confidently choose the perfect ring.

Conclusion

Choosing the right diamond size involves more than following trends or aiming for a certain carat weight. Consider your partner’s finger shape, lifestyle, personal style, and—most importantly—what will feel meaningful and special for the two of you.

Whether you choose a handcrafted solitaire or a custom Morgan & Co design, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Each piece is crafted with love on the Sunshine Coast using ethically sourced diamonds and high-quality precious metals.

Your dream engagement ring is waiting and we’d be honoured to help you create it. Book your complementary consultation with our team at our Sunshine Coast studio. 

With Love,
Morgan xo