Before making a diamond purchase one must know the
4 C's first; carat weight, diamond
clarity, diamond color and diamond cut (not shape). Other
advanced characteristics of diamonds include diamond fluorescence
and diamond enhancements. By understanding what all the diamond
characteristics are and what to ask when purchasing a diamond, you
are much more empowered when it comes time to make your diamond
investment.
When
purchasing diamonds either for your engagement ring, diamond stud
earrings, tennis bracelets or other jewelry, make sure the
diamonds you select best suit that type of jewelry application.
Visit our engagement rings
section to see some of the most popular ring setting designs. Some
diamond qualities are best suited for engagement rings while
others are best suited for diamond stud earrings.
ABOUT DIAMOND CERTIFICATES
Diamond Certificates are invaluable documents
that show in detail a diamond's credentials. They provide a unique
fingerprint of a diamond which is a source of vital information to
the trained gemologist, jewelry or consumer.
A certificate enables you to buy your diamond
with confidence.
A diamond certificate, however, is only useful if
it is reliable and has been issued by a reputable independent
laboratory which has no financial interest in the stone.
If you've never heard of the institution that is
offering a grading report, don't hesitate to ask about its
credentials.
The two largest, and most reputable independent
laboratories worldwide are:
GIA
or
HRD
& EGL
report.
Don't, however, expect the grades
from an unknown laboratory to be the same as a
GIA
or an
HRD
& EGL
report. Not all laboratories are as strict. In fact, some
laboratories are popular with certain retailers because they have
a reputation of being generous with grades
One important thing to remember is that a grading
report does not include an appraisal, or any kind of statement
about the monetary value of the diamond.
A Diamond Certificate, from a recognized Gem
Trade Laboratory, is a unique fingerprint of a diamond. It not
only identifies the diamond but also provides important
information which helps both consumers and jewelers alike.
There
are many characteristics that control a diamond's appearance and
durability. Four important factors are often lumped together and
called the Four Cs: diamond color, clarity, cut and carat
weight. Each of those topics is important on its own, but it's up
to you to combine them in different ways to find a diamond that
suits your style, your needs and your budget.
A diamond's
color can be natural or it can be altered by treatments. Diamond
color can be affected by fluorescence--a characteristic that makes
diamonds shift color in different lights. There are several topics
to explore to begin understanding diamond color.
Carat weight affects a diamond's
appearance and its price, making it a characteristic you should
definitely understand before you buy a diamond.
Did you know that a diamond's cut does not
refer to its shape? When gemologists say "cut," they are talking
about a gemstone's proportions--its depth and width and the
uniformity of its facets--all characteristics that control
brilliance, durability and other qualities we look for in a
diamond.
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