the diamond grading report

Diamond certificates, or certs, as they are known in the diamond industry, are often called the fifth C, in addition to the well-known 4Cs of diamond stones: carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. A diamond certificate is the evaluation by a third-party, not by either the diamond buyer or seller. Unfortunately, an 3rd party certification is necessary, as it would be easy for an unscrupulous jeweller to take advantage of an uninformed buyer and sell a stone, which might be sold with higher qualities and value than it really does. While many of the diamond grader's certifications might be different from the next, the following are a list of the most commonly used diamond graders in North America:

• Hoge Raad voor Diamant (HRD) - Commonly referred to as the "Diamond High Council" is one of the highest standards in diamond grading. HRD's diamond certificates are considered legal documents in the European Union.
• Gemological Institute of America (GIA) - Is a non-profit organization that created the "4 C's" methodology as well as the International Diamond Grading System. Reports from this institute omit certain aspects of diamond cuts that other reports cover (e.g. crown height percentage, pavilion depth percentage, crown angle, pavilion angle). Keep in mind that GIA issues reports - not certificates.
• American Gemological Society (AGS) - Certifies diamonds based on their cut grade on a rating scale from 0 (most desirable) - 4 (least desirable). AGS is now more widely used for gemstone grading rather then diamond grading. 
• European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) - Has the least amount of structure in comparison to the above graders. EGL is an independent network of diamond grading laboratories. Grading standards tent to vary from one labe to another, making EGL less desirable and trusted than HRD, GIA, and AGS grading reports. 




As there are relatively less restrictions in diamond grading than any other retail industry it really is a buyer-beware market. Select a jeweller that will educate you on your stone and allow you to view the diamond loose. By hand selecting your stone and viewing the stones flaws under a microscope you are ensuring yourself that you are making an educated decision. Diamond qualities can vary from grading, report, and certification and it's beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.

single vs full cut diamonds

Single cut diamonds began in the 1600's with just a few facets to catch the light. Consumers and jewellers have more recently moved back to single cut diamonds because of the shortage and cost of the diamonds today. Single cut diamonds can still refract light and when set properly, give a brilliance to jewelry in a more cost effective manner.




The difference between single cut diamonds and regular round brilliant diamonds is the number of facets (cuts). The classic round brilliant (full cut) will have 58 facets while single cut diamonds have 16-18 facets; 8 facets on top, 8 facets on the bottom and additional facets on the culet, facet or the crown. Single cut diamonds are small and usually under .10 carats. Some jewellers prefer to use single cuts on small stones because there are fewer cuts making the facets more visible compared to round brilliants having 58 facets within one very small stone.

the mokada process

The perfect ring has many important steps before it finds the perfect person. Yes, there may be times when "the ring" captures your eye with the elation you were hoping for but what happens when you can't find a piece that evokes those emotions? More than half (59%) of proposals in 2011 had custom aspects in the engagement ring. There are many steps in the custom design process but mokada has conception  it to four steps.

The Concept Stage

We explore pictures, drawings, descriptions, likes/dislikes with you to narrow down to a general design concept. 

The Design Stage

Working with you, we come up with a design for what you have envisioned. With a 3D image of your jewelry, you'll be confident that you are getting exactly what you want. Once the final design has been approved we create a wax model of that is optional for viewing before the piece is sent to cast.

We Work For You

mokada believes that your jewelry should be a perfect fit; including the budget. Pricing for any piece has many different variables; choice of metal, size and quality of set stones, intricacy of design, and weight. mokada can cast your heirloom in 18k gold, 14k gold, 10k gold, platinum, and sterling silver. Quality of stones, especially diamonds, play a large part of preference and budget. Once the Design Stage is complete mokada works for you in determining which variables are the perfect fit.





Today's Heirloom

It feels different when you wear a piece of custom-designed jewelry. Many thoughts and emotions come to play when going through the design process of creating tomorrow's family heirloom. It will fill you with pride to know that you had a hand in creating a beautiful family heirloom. Nothing brings us more excitement when seeing your concept come to realization.

To start your custom design process today contacts us at www.mokada.ca 

A Cut Above The Rest.

The shape of a diamond is something that should reflect your individual style. It should be something you fall in love with every time you look down at your hand.

Here is a chart of the variety of different diamond-cuts! We've picked three great cuts to talk about today! Enjoy!

Emerald-Cut

Emerald-cut diamonds are unique in their long and slender shape. For a classic, elegant look this cut, which has a large surface face  and fewer detailed but deeper, more dramatic cuts that therefore highlight it's clarity. 

Oval-Cut

One of the rarest cut diamonds is the Oval! Round cut diamond will always remain classic but the oval is something exciting and unique in the ring world. It's gives a modern and funky twist to your typical ring. 

Princess-Cut

The Princess-cut style diamond ring is one of the most common diamond cuts. If you’re looking for something contemporary and timeless, consider the Princess-cut. It has qualities from both the square and round cut diamonds, but combined with a subtle shape from the emerald with pointed edges and a range of detailed dimensions that give the diamond that extra sparkle.

Come see us at Mokada and let's talk more about what cut would best suit you!

Join The Mokada Trend - Think Custom

Why wear something someone else has when our custom designed jewelry is tailored to your individual style, tastes and emotion? Symbolize who you are and what you love in one perfectly handcrafted peiece. We at Mokada take pride in the high-grade quality materials we use to make your dream peiece a reality.

Watch this video and see a little more about what we do! 

Unwavering professional integrity and unrivaled education is the backbone of our organization and the core of an extraordinary customer experience. 

Our creations are nurtured in an environment where customer satisfaction is paramount. Our suppliers and design team share the same values and integrity. Placing your business with us demonstrates that you believe it is important...and for that, Mokadä is extremely grateful.

Come in for a visit, sit down with us and lets talk jewelry!

We at Mokadä are happy to be apart of your milestone occasions.

Push Presents - Practically Necessary

'Push Presents' are an increasingly hot trend for moms-to-be.


According to Linda Murray, the executive editor of babycenter.com, "It’s more and more an expectation of moms these days that they deserve something for bearing the burden for nine months, getting sick, ruining their body. The guilt really gets piled on." Now, not that many women think of child bearing as "bearing the burden" and "ruining their body" and often women will say that the gift of their child is a present enough. But wouldn't it be nice to receive a gift as a kind gesture and small token of thanks from your partner? When studied, 38% of women received a push present, 55% of women wanted one and 40% of women think it's materialistic only when demanded. In a recent article regarding the subject Jenny Atkinson says, "I certainly don’t “expect” a gift, but I think it would be a wonderful gesture for a husband to do to show a woman how much they appreciate what they’re putting their bodies through to help build their family."


In recent pop culture news it is rumoured that Jessica Simpson's former NFL'er dad-to-be, Eric Johnson has purchased a push present of $30,000 worth of jewels from a store in Italy, where they first fell in love. This by no means sets the bar for your partner to break the bank. Go for a gift that is personalized and stamped with meaning. A small family ring to look down and recall your thoughtfulness when she's away from you and the little one; or a pendant with your new baby's fingerprint for her to remember just how small that finger once was.

                                                       Photo credits by Elle Magazine.

Introducing Mokada

After a career of retail sales, Mona Stott was recruited by a reputable jewelry franchise in 1991. In only one year after finishing her apprenticeship Mona had transformed her location to top sales in the city. After ten years in the retail jewelry industry she recognized the increasing demand for custom designs. She was often recognized within the company for “thinking out of the box” and helping customers find exactly what they were looking for by going outside of the franchisee sales mold. She has now been an independent jeweler since 2000 and is proud owner of an exciting new jewelry studio, Mokada.

Mokada recognizes the desire to design a unique creation for your loved one while tailoring to the needs of your budget while satisfying the highest quality. Mokada is dedicated to provide the ultimate service and experience with a state of the art design program and on-site goldsmith to cast your idea into a hand-set reality.

Services – Custom designed jewelry, engagement rings, wedding bands, redesigning existing traditional pieces,  engraving, sizing, marriage licences, appraisals, repairs and cleaning. 

Visit our new website at www.mokada.ca or our Winnipeg location at 1-530 Waterfront Drive