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4
Cs Diamond Guide
History of Diamonds
Journey of
the Diamonds - From the Mine to the Shop
Shopping for
Diamonds
Spending Guidelines
Certification
Cleaning &
Protecting
Styles & Shapes
4 Cs
DIAMOND GUIDE Various characteristics
of diamonds are graded and categorized by the diamond industry.
Learning about diamonds is first learning about the "four
Cs" of diamonds which are considered the most important
grades and categories.
Many people are confused about how diamonds
are priced. The best explanation is that asking for the price
of a diamond is like asking for the price of a house. A real
estate agent can’t quote you a price for a house without knowing
its size, condition, location, etc. This process is the same
one used when buying a diamond. A diamond’s beauty, rarity,
and price depend on the interplay of all the 4Cs:
The 4Cs are used throughout the world to classify
the rarity of diamonds. Diamonds with the combination of the
highest 4C ratings are more rare and, consequently, more expensive.
No one C is more important than another in terms of beauty
and it is important to note that each of the 4Cs will not
diminish in value over time.
Once you have established those 4C characteristics that are
most important to you, a jeweler can then begin to show you
various options with quoted prices.
CUT
Refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond.
Nature determines so much about a diamond, but it takes a
master cutter to reveal the stone’s true brilliance, fire
and ultimate beauty.
Based on scientific formulas, a well-cut diamond will internally
reflect light from one mirror-like facet to another and disperse
and reflect it through the top of the stone. This results
in a display of brilliance and fire, thereby placing well-cut
diamonds higher on the Diamond Quality Pyramid than deep or
shallow-cut diamonds. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too
shallow lose or leak light through the side or bottom, resulting
in less brilliance and ultimately, value.
Cut also refers to shape—round, square, pear, or heart for
example. Since a round diamond is symmetrical and capable
of reflecting nearly all the light that enters, it is the
most brilliant of all diamond shapes and follows specific
proportional guidelines. Ask a jeweler to find out more about
these guidelines.
Non-round shapes, also known as “fancy shapes,” will have
their own guidelines to be considered well-cut.
CLARITY
Refers to the presence of inclusions in a diamond.
Every diamond is unique. Nature ensures that each diamond
is as individual as the person who wears it. Naturally-occurring
features—know as inclusions—provide a special fingerprint
within the stone. Inclusions are natural identifying characteristics
such as minerals or fractures, appearing while diamonds are
formed in the earth. They may look like tiny crystals, clouds
or feathers.
To view inclusions, jewelers use a magnifying loupe. This
tool allows jewelers to see a diamond at 10x its actual size
so that inclusions are easier to see. The position of inclusions
can affect the value of a diamond. There are very few flawless
diamonds found in nature, thus these diamonds are much more
valuable.
Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection, known as clarity,
which was established by the Gemological Institute of America
(GIA). The clarity scale, ranging from F (Flawless) to Included
(I), is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification
of 10x.
Some inclusions can be hidden by a mounting, thus having little
effect on the beauty of a diamond. An inclusion in the middle
or top of a diamond could impact the dispersion of light,
sometimes making the diamond less brilliant.
The greater a diamond's clarity, the more brilliant, valuable
and rare it is—and the higher it is on the Diamond Quality
Pyramid.
CARAT
Refers to the weight of a diamond.
Carat is often confused with size even though it is actually
a measure of weight. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams.
One carat can also be divided into 100 “points.” A .75 carat
diamond is the same as a 75-points or 3/4 carat diamond.
A 1-carat diamond costs exactly twice the price of a half-carat
diamond, right? Wrong. Since larger diamonds are found less
frequently in nature, which places them at the rarest level
of the Diamond Quality Pyramid, a 1-carat diamond will cost
more than twice a 1/2-carat diamond (assuming color, clarity
and cut remain constant).
Cut and mounting can make a diamond appear larger (or smaller)
than its actual weight. So shop around and talk to your jeweler
to find the right diamond and setting to optimize the beauty
of your stone.
COLOR
Refers to the degree to which a diamond is colorless.
Diamonds are found in almost every color of the rainbow, but
white-colored diamonds remain most popular.
Diamonds are graded on a color scale established by the Gemological
Institute of America (GIA) which ranges from D (colorless)
to Z. Warmer colored diamonds (K–Z) are particularly desirable
when set in yellow gold. Icy winter whites (D–J) look stunning
set in white gold or platinum.
Color differences are very subtle and it is very difficult
to see the difference between, say, an E and an F. Therefore,
colors are graded under controlled lighting conditions and
are compared to a master set for accuracy.
Truly colorless stones, graded D, treasured for their rarity,
are highest on the Diamond Quality Pyramid. Color, however,
ultimately comes down to personal taste. Ask a jeweler to
show you a variety of color grades next to one another to
help you determine your color preference.
Nature has also created diamonds in intense shades of blue,
green, yellow, orange, pink or – rarest of all – red. These
diamonds are called ‘colored fancies’ and are extremely rare
and highly treasured.
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THE
DIAMOND QUALITY PYRAMID
The Diamond Quality Pyramid is a tool
to help understand a diamond’s value.
The Diamond Quality Pyramid is a framework to help you compare
diamonds. While all diamonds are precious, those closest to
the top of the pyramid—possessing the best combination of
cut, clarity, carat weight and color—are the earth's rarest
and most valuable.
Carat
Quality Pyramid
Clarity
Quality Pyramid
Color
Quality Pyramid
Cut
Quality Pyramid
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HISTORY
OF DIAMONDS
Diamonds are made up of carbon that was buried
deep within the Earth under intense pressure and heat. They
were made popular because loose diamonds are the hardest known
substance. They do not easily break, crack or chip, though
can be cut by a single blow. India began mining diamonds for
diamond jewelry over a thousand years ago until they were
found in other places. Today, 90 percent of diamond jewelry
are made from diamonds mined in African countries with the
rest mined in Australia, South America, Canada and Russia.
Instead of just white, diamond jewelry actually come in a
rainbow of colors because diamonds can be as colorful as any
other gem. The occurance of different hues are created by
the presence of slight traces of other elements beside carbon.
The type of element inclusion determines the color. Pink and
blue diamonds are especially popular and have been sold at
higher dollars per carat than any other loose gemstones in
history. Red, green, and purple diamonds are among the rarest
of the rare.
Diamond center stones are now a favorite for the engagement
ring. The tradition started when Archduke Maximilian of Austria
gave the first diamond engagement ring to Mary of Burgundy
in 1477. Now, more than 250 tons of earth is mined before
a single 1-carat good quality diamond is found. Although there
are many substitutes for diamond jewelry, such as the popular
and affordable cubic zirconia, out of this world moissanites,
and rare white sapphires, real, genuine diamonds are still
the most desired. Diamond jewelry and diamond rings will be
adored and regarded as the premium choice for countless years
to come.
It should come as no surprise that our culture
was not the first to be lured by the hypnotic spell the diamond
casts. Consider the ancient Greeks and Romans who believed
diamonds were tears of the Gods and splinters from falling
stars. Then, there were the Hindus, who attributed so much
power to these precious stones they went so far as to place
diamonds in the eyes of some of their statues.
BILLION OF YEARS OF MAKING
What many people don’t know about diamonds is
that they were formed under immense heat and pressure hundreds
of miles below sea level. Diamonds were formed billions of
years ago under intense heat and pressure when diamond-bearing
ore was brought to the surface through volcanic eruption.
After the magma cooled, it solidified into blue ground, or
kimberlite, where precious rough diamonds are still found
today. Rated 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, diamonds are
the hardest substances on earth, but their appeal goes far
beyond durability
Adding to the mystery and aura of what make diamonds so sought-after,
approximately 250 tons of ore must be mined and processed
in order to produce a single, one-carat, polished, gem-quality
diamond.
MINING AND CUTTING
It was over 4,000 years ago that the first diamonds
were mined in India. Modern mining as we know it today began
in South Africa in the late 19th century. Today, the top seven
diamond-producing countries, accounting for 80 percent of
the world’s rough diamond supply, are Botswana, Russia, South
Africa, Angola, Namibia, Australia and Zaire.
THE POWER OF DIAMONDS
Not only was it believed that diamonds could
bring luck and success, but also that they could counter the
effects of astrological events. There were many that wore
diamonds as charms believing in their ability to heighten
sexual prowess and attract others. Plato even wrote about
diamonds as living beings, embodying celestial spirits.
Through the centuries, rings have perpetuated the talismanic
role of the diamond. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance period,
every ring that was set with a precious stone was considered
not so much a piece of jewelry than an amulet that conveyed
magical powers like fearlessness and invincibility upon the
wearer. This myth laid the groundwork for monarchs to begin
wearing diamonds as symbols of power.
Today, diamonds continue to hold a deep fascination as the
world’s ultimate symbol of love. The diamond’s rarity and
natural beauty have contributed to making it such an extraordinary
and magical gift. Furthermore, the timeless history of each
diamond makes it the most meaningful and powerful way to symbolize
eternal love.
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JOURNEY
OF THE DIAMONDS - FROM THE MINE TO THE SHOP
A Diamond is a mineral made of carbon that is
crystallized. In fact a diamond is more than 99.95% pure carbon.
The remaining 0.05 percent of the elements often influences
the crystal's color and shape. The diamond is also by far
the hardest natural substance known to man. Diamonds form
between 75 and 120 miles below the earth's surface. Only at
these great depths do the necessary temperature and pressure
exist to form this unique gem. Diamonds were delivered to
the surface by volcanic eruptions.These eruptions occurred
over 50 million years ago. Geologists believe that
the first delivery occurred more than 2.5 billion years ago.
After reaching the surface, some diamonds settled back into
their volcanic pipes. Other diamonds were washed hundreds
of miles away by floods and rivers. Some diamonds reached
the oceans and were washed back onto the beach. The first
diamond mines were discovered in India before 500 BC. India
has been the world's major supplier of diamonds for over 2,000
years, producing some of the most famous diamonds. Today,
India accounts for only a tiny percentage of the world's diamond
production. Today's diamond production leaders are currently
Australia, Botswana, Russia, South Africa, Zaire and Canada.
Before being transformed into a beautiful piece of jewelry,
the diamond must undergo several stages.
Stage 1: MINING
| The diamonds that
made it to the surface were forced up volcanically, through
kimberlite pipes. A typical pipe mine consists of a large
vertical shaft with tunnels running from the main pipe.
The deepest mine runs about 3,500 feet down into the earth.
More than 200 tons of rock, gravel and sand need to be
blasted, crushed and processed to yield just one carat
of gem quality diamonds. Finding diamonds and getting
them out of the ground may require the use of jet engines
to thaw the frozen ground or to endure the sweltering
desert heat. Only about 20% of all rough diamonds are
suitable for polishing; the rest are used for industrial
purposes. Once the rough is found the diamond's journey
begins. |
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Stage 2: ROUGH DIAMONDS REACH THE MARKET
| A large proportion
of the world's rough supply finds its way to De Beers'
Central Selling Organization (CSO). The rough the CSO
buys is sorted into more than 5,000 different categories.
Once the rough is sorted and priced, it is sold to manufacturers
at sights. There are ten sights a year, each lasting a
week. The chosen few afforded the chance to purchase at
these sights are called sight holders. The balance of the
world's rough supply is sold to private buyers, and some
through private auctions. |
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Stage 3: MANUFACTURING
| Regardless of
the source, all rough eventually finds its way to the
cutting centers. Today, the major cutting centers are
Antwerp, Israel, Bombay, Johannesburg, and New York. Upon
reaching its destination the rough is carefully examined
to decide how it should be cut to yield the greatest value.
After the stone's shape and size are determined, taking
into consideration the rough's shape, as well as the number
and position of its internal inclusions, the stone is
marked and usually sawed or cleaved. The stone then goes
through a series of cutters who each have their own specialty.
Finally the diamond is polished and ready for sale. |
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Stage 4: THE FINAL JOURNEY
| After a diamond is manufactured
it needs to be sold. For decades diamond manufacturers
have sold their cut diamonds to jewelry manufacturers
and diamond wholesalers who in turn, sell to jewelry wholesalers
and to retail jewelry stores. Today's technology is changing
the diamond pipeline. Diamond manufacturers now have a
direct link to the final customer. By learning the 4C's
and buying only certified
diamonds it is possible
to purchase the same quality diamond for a significantly
lower price, over the internet. |
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SHOPPING
FOR DIAMONDS
When buying loose diamonds for engagement rings
or wedding rings, remember to start off with a budget. There
is a modern convention that the engagement ring should have
a value equal to approximately two month's salary. Once you
have a budget, you can find out more information on the type
of loose diamond that you want.
Popular shapes for a center diamond stone are emerald, heart,
marquise, oval, pear, princess, radiant and round. The most
traditional and popular shape is a round diamond. A round
diamond shows the most brilliance and sparkle while also hiding
imperfections because of its cut and shape. The other diamond
shapes are sometimes more expensive because of the difficulty
of cutting a diamond into various shapes. When picking out
a diamond shape, think of her style and preferences. Does
she like the traditional? Then a round diamond solitaire ring
would be a good style for her. Is she modern and likes the
more trendy style? A princess or emerald diamond shape may
be her favorite. Speak to her friends and do a bit of investigation
work; she may already have an ideal diamond ring in mind.
Study the Four C's, Cut, Clarity, Color and Carats, to be
better informed. The most important C is the cut.
The diamond cut determines the brilliance of the diamonds.
If a diamond is poorly cut, the light is lost through the
sides and bottom of the diamond and there will be no radiance.
When looking for a loose diamond, look for an Ideal to Good
cut. You can find more information regarding diamond cuts
in our Cut section.
The next C is color. Diamonds that are colorless or near colorless
are the most prized. When picking out a loose diamond, look
for stones graded D-H, which are colorless or near colorless.
For more information about color, look in our Color section.
The third C to think about is diamond clarity. Clarity is
the clearness of a diamond. The most valued diamonds are the
clearest. When shopping for a diamond, look for diamonds with
grades from FL to SI2. Stones from VS1 to S2 are the best
value because they are lower in price without too many inclusions.
For more information regarding clarity, look in our Clarity
section.
The last C to look for is carat. The carat determines the
size of the diamond. Dollars per carat increase exponentially.
A one-carat diamond is worth more than several small diamonds
that equal a carat. When deciding on the carat size for diamond
rings, think of the size of the hand. If the hand is small,
large diamond rings may look too big and gaudy, but small
diamond rings may look too small on big hands. Determine the
style and size of person who will be wearing the diamond rings.
They may like the subtle size or a larger size to show off
the diamond rings. For more information about carats, look
in our diamond carats section.
Once you have picked your loose diamonds, you need to find
the right diamond setting. There are several types: bar, bezel,
channel, chevron, invisible, pave and prong. Each style is
different and good for different reasons. Prong settings are
very popular because they display the diamond high and beautifully.
However, the bezel setting is better for those who are more
active because the diamond is more secured and less likely
to come loose. Look in our diamond settings section to find
out more information about the setting that's right for you.
Now that you have the shape, Four C's, and setting in mind,
you can go out and buy the perfect loose diamond for your
loved one. Remember to do some research and to ask questions
about the products when you are browsing. After your hard
work, you will be rewarded with a beautiful diamond ring at
better price and value.
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SPENDING
GUIDELINES
Buying a diamond means investing in a piece
of forever. A true miracle of nature dating from the beginning
of time, each diamond purchase is special.
Every individual buying a diamond seeks out the best they
can afford. Nature’s variety means that you will always find
a diamond to suit your taste, budget and occasion. If you’re
about to buy a diamond engagement ring, you may want to consider
the often-quoted guideline of spending one to two month’s
salary.
You can rest assured that the diamond you buy will be a sound
financial investment. Their rare qualities have been sought
after for thousands of years. Their desirability and value
remain undiminished today and will continue through the years
to come.
But, whatever you spend, your diamond will represent one of
life’s deepest emotional investments. It may eventually be
passed down for generations, cherished not just for what it
is worth, but for what it means.
UNDERSTANDING PRICE
Many people are confused as to how the
4Cs
affect price of diamonds. The best explanation is that asking
for the price of a diamond is like asking for the price of
a house. A real estate agent can’t quote you a price for a
house without knowing its size, condition, location, etc.
This is true for a diamond as well. Specific preferences in
cut, clarity, carat and color will affect a diamond’s price.
When you begin searching for a diamond, it is
helpful if you have an idea of those characteristics that
are most important to you. If you were buying a house you
might specify to your realtor that you wanted a 3-bedroom
house with 1 ½ baths. Or you may opt for a house with a large
living room and a 2-car garage. The cost of the two houses
may be equal but the parameters vary.
The process is the same one used when buying
a diamond. A diamond’s beauty, rarity, and price depend on
the interplay of all the 4Cs – cut, clarity, carat and color.
The more rare the diamond’s characteristics the higher the
price it demands. Remember that buying a diamond is an investment,
since it maintains its qualities and value forever.
The
Diamond Quality Pyramid was created
to help explain the 4Cs
in terms of rarity. For example, a colorless diamond is at
the top of the Diamond Quality Pyramid in the color category…but
if it is small, of lower clarity and cut, it will be of a
lower value.
No one C is more important that another in terms
of beauty and it is important to note that each of the 4cs
will not diminish in value over time unless damaged by an
accident.
Once you have established those 4C characteristics
that are most important to you, a jeweler can then begin to
show you various options with quoted prices.
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CERTIFICATION
Diamond certificates, more accurately known
as diamond grading reports, are commonly provided with the
purchase of a significant piece of diamond jewelry such as
a diamond Engagement Ring or a diamond Three Stone Ring. These
reports are prepared by independent, certified gemologists
from laboratories around the world and can help calculate
the specific characteristics of your diamond (color, cut,
clarity and carat weight, for example).
The diamond is evaluated for its quality, not
its value. Every diamond is unique. The certificate will map
out all the diamond's recognizable and individual characteristics.
Each certificate will include the diamond's color, clarity,
carat weight and cut information (see the 4 C's of quality).
The grading report also includes a hand-drawn map of the diamond's
inclusions. Since no two diamonds are exactly alike you can
always check that the certificate matches the diamond.
There are dozens of gemological laboratories
handing out certificates but only a few are respected by the
diamond trade. Some well-known laboratories include the European
Gemological Laboratories (EGL) and the Gemological Institute
of America known as GIA
What's Included in a Diamond Grading Report?
A diamond grading report will commonly include
a plotted diagram of your diamond and significant characteristics,
including the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity and carat weight).
The report will also describe the diamond’s shape, exact measurements,
proportions and depth percentages as well as grade the polish
and symmetry. It should also comment on the characteristics
like fluorescence, raining, and any imperfections in the diamond.
Please note: a grading report does not include an appraisal
or any kind of statement of monetary worth of the diamond.
Grading reports simply state the scientific facts of your
diamond that can be evaluated by highly standardized criteria.
The best way to understand your diamond grading report is
to schedule an appointment with your jeweler. This way, he
can explain to you each portion of the certificate while visually
examining your diamond with you. Grading a diamond is only
partially scientific; a brief meeting with your jeweler can
help you understand what the certificate really means.
Benefits to Getting a Diamond Grading Report
Diamond grading reports assure you of the authenticity
and quality of your diamond. As most consumers are not diamond
experts, a certificate is an objective comparison. In addition,
some insurance companies may require a grading report if you
are planning to insure the diamond.
Does a Diamond Grading Report Increase the Value of My
Diamond?
Certification of a diamond does not increase
the value of your diamond. Certification is only a safeguard
for the consumer as it is affirmation of your diamond’s authenticity
and specific characteristics. Since each diamond is unique,
a certificate will help you identify the special characteristics
of your diamond.
How Much Does it Cost? How Long Will it Take?
Depending on the laboratory used in the
process for a diamond grading report can vary anywhere from
2 weeks or longer. The fee for a grading report varies depending
on the carat weight if your diamond. Many labs charge approximately
$75 for the first carat. If your diamond is larger than 1
carat, the price increases incrementally in relationship to
carat weight. For exact prices, we suggest you contact specific
labs to get price quotes.
Some well-known organizations that provide grading reports
include the American
Gemological Society
(AGS), Diamond
High Council
(Hoge Raad Voor Diamant; HRD), European
Gemological Laboratory (EGL),
International
Gemological Institute (IGI),
to name a few. Your local jeweler can help aid you in acquiring
a grading report through one of these labs either at the time
of purchase of after.
View
a Grading Report
To better understand your certificate here are
some commonly used terms:
Stone ID: A Unique number representing your
diamond. This number is registered in a global database.
Date: The date the report was issued.
Cut and Shape: Shapes other than the standard
round brilliant are called fancy shapes or fancy cuts. Their
names are based on their shapes. The best known are the heart,
marquise, pear-shaped cut, emerald cut, princess cut, oval,
and radiant.
Dimensions: The dimensions of the diamond are
stated as "largest diameter - smallest diameter X depth"
for round shapes and "length X width X depth" for
other shapes.
Carat Weight: The standard unit of weight used
for gemstones. One carat equals .200 grams (or 200 milligrams).
Usually abbreviated ct.
Graining: Graining and grain lines reflect irregularities
in the crystal structure. Colorless graining usually does
not affect the clarity grade; but white, colored, or reflective
graining does.
Proportions: Proportion refers to the angles
and relative measurements of a polished diamond. More than
any other feature, proportions determine a diamond's optical
properties. Studies have shown that table size, crown angle,
and pavilion depth have a dramatic effect on a diamond's appearance.
Depth%: The depth of the diamond divided by
the average diameter for rounds, or the depth divided by the
width of the diamond for other shapes.
Table%: The average size of the table facet
divided by the average diameter of the diamond for round shapes,
or the width of the diamond for other shapes.
Girdle: The girdle is the outside edge of the
outline of the diamond. The certificate indicates the thickness
of the girdle relative to the size of the diamond, and the
condition either polished or faceted.
Culet: The point at the bottom of the diamond.
If the culet is faceted then the certificate indicates the
size of the facet relative to the size of the diamond.
Finish: Finish grades represent the quality
of the diamond's surface condition (polish), and the size,
shape and placement of the facets, including the evenness
of the outline (symmetry).
Polish: Indicates the care taken by the cutter
in shaping and faceting the rough stone into a finished and
polished diamond.
Symmetry: A diamond's symmetry is the arrangement
of the facets and finished angles, created by the diamond
cutter. Excellent symmetry of a well-cut and well-proportioned
diamond can have a great effect on the diamond's brilliance
and fire. Grading reports will often state the diamond's symmetry
in terms of Excellent, Very good, Good, Fair, or Poor.
Cut: The proportions and finish of the diamond.
With the proper proportions, most of the light that enters
a diamond is returned revealing the diamond's brilliance and
fire. Any deviation of these proportions will compromise the
beauty of the stone.
Clarity: Clarity represents the relative absence
of inclusions and blemishes in the diamond. Clarity is graded
under 10X magnification from Flawless to Included based on
the size, nature, position and quantity of the diamond's inclusions.
Color: Assesses to an obvious yellow (Z) when
compared to Master Color diamonds.
Pavillion Depth: The distance from the bottom
of the girdle to the culet is the pavilion depth. A pavilion
depth that is too shallow or too deep will allow light to
escape from the side of the stone, or leak out of the bottom.
A well-cut diamond will direct more light through the crown.
TolkowskyIdeal Cut: In the 1920's a Russian
Mathematician by the name of Marcel Tolkowsky calculated the
proportions of the facets in a round diamond that would bring
an ideal balance between brilliance and dispersion. Any deviation
from these designs will compromise the beauty of the stone.
Fluorescence: When exposed to ultraviolet light,
a diamond may exhibit a more whitish, yellowish or bluish
tint, which may imply that the diamond has a property called
fluorescence. The untrained eye can rarely see the effects
of fluorescence. Diamond grading reports often state whether
a diamond has fluorescent properties. Fluorescence is not
considered a grading factor, only a characteristic of that
particular diamond.
Crown Height: The crown is the upper portion
or the top of a diamond.
Diagram: A diagram approximates the shape and cutting style
of the diamond. Symbols on the diagram include the type, nature,
position and approximate size of a clarity characteristic.
Key to Symbols: Lists the characteristics and
symbols shown on the diagram, if present. Remember, a diamond
grading certificate from a leading gemological laboratory
will insure you get the quality you paid for.
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CLEANING & PROTECTING
To be sure your diamonds always sparkle, it
is important to clean them periodically. Here are some recommended
methods.
Professional Cleaning
This is the best option. It’s also important
to have your jewelry checked occasionally to make sure prongs
haven’t bent or weakened.
Mild Liquid Detergent
Soak your jewelry in a small bowl of warm, sudsy
water made with any mild liquid detergent. Gently brush the
diamond jewelry with a soft toothbrush while it is in the
suds. Then, rinse each piece under warm running water. Pat
dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Make sure to always stopper
your sink.
Household Ammonia
Place the jewelry in a small bowl containing
a half-and-half solution of ammonia and cold water for thirty
minutes. Lift out and gently tap around the front and back
of the mounting with a small soft brush. Swish in the solution
a second time, rinse and drain on tissue paper.
Jewelry Cleaners
Use any brand name liquid jewelry cleaner and
follow the instruction given on the label.
Vodka on the Rocks
No one is sure how it was actually discovered,
but it is safe to say that at some point someone took the
idea of a "vodka on the rocks" literally and discovered
an imaginative way to clean their precious diamonds. Simply
let the diamond soak in a glass of vodka. Preferably one you
do not intend to imbibe.
Your diamond holds a lifetime of dreams. So of course you’ll
want it to always radiate as brilliantly as the first day
you slip it on. Fortunately, the task of caring for your diamond
is quite simple.
Protecting & Caring for Your Diamond
Now that you have your beautiful diamonds, you
must maintain their beauty through proper care. Loose diamonds
are the Earth's strongest material, but a single hard hit
could cause it to chip. If you keep them away from heavy activity,
the diamonds should last a lifetime.
Even though diamonds are the hardest natural
substance known to man, a diamond will scratch another diamond.
So it is important that jewelry not be stored together since
it can be scratched or tangled. Also, diamond jewelry should
never be worn while doing heavy work. Points are vulnerable
to chipping and even everyday activity can loosen a setting.
This is why it’s important to visit a professional jeweler
every six months to have your diamond’s mountings and settings
checked
Store your diamond jewelry separated with paper
or bags, so your they do not scratch or dull each other. It's
wise to keep the diamonds in their original velvet boxes.
By following these simple rules, you will have beautiful diamonds
that will last for generations.
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STYLES & SHAPES
The diamond’s lasting history symbolizes the
couple’s unending love; the shape of the stone should symbolize
other aspects of your relationship and style. Unless there
is a specific setting that you’ve fallen in love with, it
is probably best to start narrowing down your choices by thinking
about the shape of the diamond you prefer. Generally speaking
there are eight principal diamond shapes: Round, Marquise,
Emerald, Princess, Pear, Oval, Heart, and Radiant.
Round
The Classic Cut: the vast majority of diamonds sold are
rounds. The traditional choice for all occasions and preferred
by many for their personal investment portfolio. The depth
percentage should range between 58 to 63 percent and the
table percentage should range between 55 to 64 percent.
The most desired percentages are the 60 percent, and perfectionists
will look for depth of 59 through 62 percent and table
of 56 through 58 percent. |
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Marquise
The Marquise Cut takes its name from a legend relating
to the Marquise of Pompadour. According to the legend,
the Sun King desired a stone to be polished into the shape
of the mouth of the Marquise. It is generally agreed that
a length-to-width ratio between 1.75:1 to 2:1 is most
pleasing. As with other fancy shapes, the consumer's individual
taste constitutes an element of the evaluation as well.
The typical marquise diamond contains 56 facets. |
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Princess
The Princess Cut Diamond is a brilliant style shape with
sharp, uncut corners. It is typically cut square rather
as a rectangle. Brilliant style refers to vertical direction
crown and pavilion facets instead of step style horizontal
facets. A princess Cut Diamond generally has 76 facets,
giving it more brilliance and fire than the round brilliant.
The Princess Cut diamond is fast becoming one of the most
popular cuts in the United States. |
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Radiant
The Radiant Cut Diamond is a straight-edged rectangular
or square stone with cut corners. The radiant cut diamond
has 62-70 facets. Radiant are principally used for important
center stones primarily for rings but also for pendant.
They are rarely used for earrings or as side stones because
they are hard to calibrate and match. To get matched pairs
you may have to sort through a hundred stones or re cut
to calibrate. |
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Emerald
An emerald cut diamond shape is usually rectangular. The
flat planes of the outside edges allow for a variety of
side stones shapes. Typical pairings would be two or three
side baguettes, two half-moons, and other smaller emeralds,
but not trillions ,as their sparkle makes the center emerald
cut look flat. The length-to-width ratio should be between
1.5:1 to 1.75:1. |
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Pear
The pear shaped brilliant diamond is based upon the traditional
configuration of the round brilliant diamond. More than
other fancy shapes, length-to-width ratio is a matter
of taste when it comes to pear shaped diamonds. Because
pears may be used for engagement rings, suites in necklaces,
dangles in earrings, and integral parts of custom designs,
a wide variety of shapes is considered desirable. The
typical pear shaped diamond will contain 58 facets. |
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Oval
The oval cut diamond is based upon the traditional configuration
of the round brilliant diamond and that's why its technical
name is oval modified brilliant diamond. The oval was
invented by Lazare Kaplan in the early 1960s. A length-to-width
ratio of 1.5:1 is almost universally considered a pleasing
shape for oval diamonds, with any variation beyond 1.4:1
or 1.6:1 beginning to be noticeable and become an aesthetic
issue. However as with all fancies, a certain degree of
individual taste is always factored into the desirability
of a particular diamond's shape. Fifty-six facets are
typical for oval brilliant diamonds. Over the last year
or two ovals have become very popular as center diamonds
for engagement rings. |
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Heart
Romantic perfection for the special occasions. The perfect
stone for the special occasion requirements. The Heart
shaped brilliant is the hit item on Valentines day. Usually
the width will be 10% wider than the head-to-point length. |
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