How to Buy a Diamond
Since selecting a diamond for any occasion can be mystifying, here is some information to give you the knowledge needed to take the questions out of buying diamonds. We know an educated and informed consumer is a confident, satisfied customer. Select a category to learn more.
Throughout history the shape of a finished diamond has taken on many forms. The term shape is often confused with the technical term "cut".
The traditional shapes pictures here are the most popular. However, the shape of the finished diamond is limited only by the skill and imagination of the craftsman. There are many more choices of shapes available.
Jewelers are offering a wide variety of shapes and cuts. New cuts are regularly introduced and jewelers often offer exclusive designs to their clients. No shape is better than any other. Let your individual style and taste guide you when selecting the shape of your diamond.
The precision with which a diamond is cut is a critical factor in releasing its "fire" and "brilliance". The only factor of the 4 Cs that man can control. The facets of the diamond should be placed in exact geometric relation to each other, the "cutlet", or point, should be in the exact center of the bottom of the diamond and the diamond needs to be well polished. This symmetry is crucial for light entering the diamond to be reflected back to the eye as brilliance. If these geometric proportions are compromised, the beauty and brilliance of the diamond are sacrificed. To release a diamond's dazzling radiance, it must be well cut.
Although most gem-quality diamonds when seen alone appear to be colorless to the untrained eye, there are subtle differences in shade. Color in diamonds results from traces of other elements which mix with carbon during the diamond's formation. Diamonds with no traces of body color are extremely rare.
To determine a diamond's true color, the diamond is viewed table down under balanced white light. It is compared to diamonds in a "Master Set" whose colors have been predetermined by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Our diamonds are color graded using a special diamond light developed for color grading. The color grade is then assigned according to the diamond's color relative to the Master Set.
Most diamonds develop natural "inclusions" (crystals, feathers, etc.) during their formation deep within the earth.
Diamond clarity is determined by the position, color, number, nature and size of these inclusions. The fewer the inclusions, the rarer the diamond and the greater the value. Flawless and internally flawless are exceedingly rare. The term "flawless" is a highly restricted one, Under Federal Trade Commission rules a diamond can only be deemed flawless when no internal or external imperfections are visible to a professional eye under ten power magnification using a binocular microscope in good light. While inclusions may not affect the beauty of a diamond, they do affect its value and price.
Of the 4 Cs, carat weight is the simplest factor used to determine the value of a diamond. As with all precious gems, the weight of a diamond is expressed in carats. One carat equals one-fifth of a gram or 1/142 of an ounce. One carat is divided into 100 points, so a diamond weighing 3/4 carat has 75 points or .75 carat.
As diamonds increase in weight, their price per carat usually increases geometrically, not arithmetically. Thus, a two-carat diamond will usually be more than double the price of a one-carat diamond of the same quality.
Diamonds are accurately weighed on a calibrated scale when they are loose, or fre from any mounting.
While the diamond's incomparable strength has made it the symbol of undying love, it is the diamond's shimmering brilliance that has made it the most prized of all gems
After a diamond is cut, a setting is selected. We offer a wide range of elegant, attractive settings designed to best show off your diamond. There are many combinations of shapes and settings. Whether you choose a traditional or a contemporary shape is purely a matter of personal taste. There is no one style that is more appopriate than any other.