Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
Diamonds diamonds DIAMONDS
4C's of Diamond Quality
Diamonds are graded by four characteristics: cut, carat (weight),
clarity, and color. All four of these properties determine how much a diamond is
worth.
- What is the proportion of the diamond? Round brilliant diamonds
are commonly cut with 58 facets. The better proportioned these facets are on the
diamond, the more light will be reflected back to the viewer's eye. This is
extremely important. When cut properly, the diamond will sparkle more. Diamond
cuts are measured by the table percentage, so always ask for it. A good table
percentage is between 55-60%. Cut also refers to the shape such as: round, pear,
and oval. If you are having a diamond mounted, write down the measurements
of your stone. Measurements never change. Measure the stone
after it is mounted and verify that it matches the appraisal and/or certificate.
Carat - How big is the diamond? Larger diamonds often cost more per
carat due to their size. There are 100 points to a carat. Hence a 50 point
diamond is 1/2 a carat. (There are 5 carats to a gram.) Always get the actual
point size of a diamond rather than a fractional weight. Sometimes jewelers will
try to sell a .90 diamond as a 1 carat diamond. A .90 diamond should be
substantially less expensive.
Clarity - How clear is the stone? Clarity ranges from flawless
(perfect) to I (included). Here is a chart:
Flawless: perfect inside and out Internally Flawless: may
have minor blemishes on the outside VVS1, VVS2: have very very small
inclusions. VVS1 inclusions can only be seen through the pavilion. VVS2
inclusions are more visible. VS1, VS2: have very small inclusions.
VS1 inclusions are harder to see than VS2. SI1, SI2, SI3: have small
inclusions I1, I2, I3: have inclusions visible to the naked eye
Color: Diamond colors generally range from D - X for white and yellow
diamonds. D is the whitest. Around S they become "Fancy" yellow Diamonds. One
can also find green, pink, red, blue and brown diamonds - though these are
usually irradiated.
Be certain to ask: Do you guarantee the color and clarity of your stones?
Many states allow dealers to be off by one color and/or one clarity.
How Diamonds are Treated
Diamonds are often treated. If you are concerned about getting true value
for your money, know what you are getting.
Filled for clarity: Diamonds with inclusions are sometimes filled
with glass to make them appear clearer. Yehuda Diamonds have undergone this
treatment. Filler can be damaged by heat, ultrasonic cleaning, and by
re-tipping. The filling does not repair the inclusion, it just makes it less
visible.
If you look at a filled diamond closely, rotate it under light, you should be
able to notice a bluish flash. Yehuda will usually refill your diamond for free
if it is ever damaged. Check for guarantees before buying such a diamond.
Irradiated for color: Can be affected by heat.
Painted for color: Can be painted to offset a yellow tinge. The paint
wears off rather quickly.
Fracture Filled: Laser Process: As late May 1999, newly treated
diamonds will be sold in the market. These diamonds have been lasered to remove
imperfections and then are filled. This process was developed by General
Electric for LKI. GIA can NOT detect this process yet.
Ask if the diamond you are considering buying is treated. Getting a notarized
statement from your jeweler saying that your diamond in not treated is
recommended. This is like having the jeweler swear under oath that to his/her
knowledge that the diamond is not treated. Several states have disclosure acts
requiring dealers to tell you about these treatments
How to Care for your Diamonds
Diamonds are often thought to be unshatterable. Unfortunately, this is
not the case. Here are some useful handling and care tips.
Diamonds are brittle: If you hit a diamond hard, they WILL crack or
chip if mishandled. Don't wear your diamond when doing rough work.
Storage: Store diamonds separately. When stored with other jewelry,
diamonds may scratch other jewelry (or each other).
Cleaning: The best method for cleaning is a jeweler's polishing
cloth. Most jewelers will clean your diamond ring for free if you are making
another purchase in the store.
