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Diamonds

No 2 diamonds are the exact same!

Diamonds are usually graded by 3 different experts. The blemishes and inclusions in the diamond are the same; however, the opinions in the experts on the grade of the diamond vary slightly.

The Four C’s

Gold Buyer WellingtonDiamond and diamond jewelry buyers

Carat Weight

A unit of weight (CT) used to measure diamonds. Carat equals .2 grams or 200 miligrams, about the weight of a paper clip. Carat differs from Karat; one is for the weight of a diamond, one other to the purity of gold.

A greater carat means a bigger and rarer size diamond. The expense of diamonds vary by size; the greater the carat the greater the cost per Carat will likely be. The costs of diamonds greatly increase in the full and half Carat weight. Carat weight is not really a good representation of a diamond’s size. People usually judge diamond size from the area at the top as this is how you view a diamond after it is in their setting.

Comparing 2 diamonds of equal Carat can have completely different prices based on the other 4 C’s of a diamond, Color and Clarity and Cut.

The measurement Carat came from the carob seeds which were utilized to balance scales.

A diamond below one Carat is described using “points.” For instance, a diamond weighing .Carats will likely be described as a “fifty pointer.” Any diamond weighing over 1 Carat is described using decimals, including one point o’ five carats for any 1.05 CT diamond.

Deciding on the best Carat weight depends upon many different factors. A key factor is how big “her” hand. Smaller “her” finger is, the larger the diamond looks.

You will typically not only pay more in total, but price per carat as well, because larger diamonds are rarer. Under one out of one million rough stones mined are large enough to make a finished 1 carat diamond.

Two diamonds of the same carat and shape weight can still appear different in size based on the cut proportions. A deeply cut diamond includes a greater proportion of their total weight “hidden” inside the depth, producing a smaller diameter compared to a well cut diamond. These differences are usually small, but noticeable. A properly cut diamond may even have a slightly lower carat weight compared to a deeply cut diamond, yet still have a larger diameter, rendering it appear larger in size.

Cutter of rough diamond must balance optimal cut and maximum yield (cutting the diamond to keep up the maximum amount of carat weight from your rough stone as you can). Lots of people are willing to pay more for larger diamonds that are fair-cut than smaller well cut diamonds. you can find sometimes pressure around the cutter to sacrifice appearance for weight. Cut is very important for this reason.

Two diamonds of equal carat weight may also appear completely different in size depending on the form of the diamond. For example, a 1 carat marquise has a tendency to appear larger than a 1 carat round. The chart below illustrates why. For each diamond, the chart shows the subsequent:

Approximate size. The diamond images shown certainly are a very close approximation from the actual scale of a 1 carat excellent cut for every shape. Visually, the more time shapes (oval, marquise, pear, emerald) tend to appear larger towards the eye compared to round and square shapes.

Measurements (Length x Width). The measurements correspond to the shape shown above, and are typical for excellent cut diamonds of 1 carat weight.

Crown Area - The entire surface area (mm2). The area gives the true scale of the diamond face up (since it would appear when set in a ring). For example, whilst the oval diamond image appears larger than the round image, the actual area is the same for your two shapes, meaning the difference in proportions is one of perception, not reality. On the other hand, the oval not merely appears greater than the princess cut, it genuinely has a larger surface area (approximately 10% larger in this example), meaning the real difference is not simply an illusion created by the elongated shape.

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Clarity

Clarity refers back to the amount and size from the flaws (inclusions and blemishes) within a diamond. Clarity is thought to get the least impact on a diamond’s appearance through the 4 C’s.

Diamonds with less imperfections have higher grades as opposed to those with more imperfections.

And because of this process, almost every diamond has flaws, diamonds are formed when carbon is exposed to extreme heat and pressure deep within the earth. These flaws are known as “blemishes and “inclusions”.” Inclusion - found inside the diamond. Inclusions includebubbles and cracks, and non-diamond minerals. Blemishes-found on the surface of the diamond.

Inclusions

Inclusions affect the clarity of a diamond by interfering with the passing light making the stone less brilliant. Some inclusions can impact the potency of a diamond and perhaps ensure it is more likely that the diamond will shatter.

Pinpoint Inclusions: Small light or dark crystals that can be found in diamonds. They could be found by themselves or even in clusters and a large cluster of pinpoint inclusions create a hazy spot in the diamond referred to as a cloud.

Laser Lines: Laser lines occur when an inclusion is taken away from the diamond using a laser. They leave a vapor like trail through the surface of the diamond up to the stage where the inclusion was inside the diamond. They may be an unnatural inclusion.

Feathers: Cracks in the diamond that resembles the form of a feather. The diamond is more prone to cracking due to the top of the diamond receiving more accidental blows if a feather crack touches the surface of a diamond.

Cleavage: A straight crack in the diamond with no feathering. If it is hit from the correct angle, a cleavage crack can split the diamond apart.

Girdle Fringes/Bearding: Hair like lines that appear around the girdle (Where the top/crown and bottom/pavilion in the stone meet). It can be polished away or removed by re-cutting the diamond if there are too many girdle fringes/bearding.

Grain Lines/Growth Lines: Lines within a diamond that develops by irregular crystallization.

Blemishes

There are many blemishes that barely have effect on the diamond’s appearance. Blemishes occur whenever a diamond is polished and cut, though it may be being worn, or they are an all natural portion of the diamond.

Scratch: An excellent surface line that can be removed by polishing.

Abrasion: Occurs when diamonds rub against the other person from people’s mishandling of jewelry. Several nicks on the edges in the facet. Causes the facet to show up fuzzy.

Pit: Occur when a pinpoint inclusion

Diamond Plot

What fingerprints are to each and every unique person, a diamond plot is always to a diamond. The diamond plot is what jewelers use to see the number of blemishes, and inclusions a diamond has. The less marks on the diamond plot the higher quality the diamond is. If you were hovering over the top face, a top-down view, the diamond plot gives you a picture of the diamond as. Each of the blemishes and inclusions that you might or might not be able to see using the human eye alone is shown around the diamond plot. When comparing the markings in the diamond plot towards the diamond, some of the markings will likely be impossible to view unless seen through the side angle.

Diamond Clarity Chart

FL -Flawless: No inclusions or blemishes. Very rare.

IF - Internally Flawless: No inclusions, only blemishes. Unusual.

VVS1, VVS2 - Very, Very Slightly Included: Inclusions can not be seen with all the human eye alone and therefore are hard to see despite having 10x magnification.

VVS1 - Inclusions are usually seen through the pavilion (bottom) from the diamond.

VVS2 - Inclusions are generally seen from your crown (top) of the diamond.

VS1, VS2 -Very Slightly Included: Blemishes and Inclusions are visible with 10x magnification but just about impossible to detect with the human eye.

SI1, SI2 - Slightly Included: Inclusions and blemishes are visible with 10x magnification and may be seen with all the naked eye.

SI1- lowest diamond grade with inclusions that are tough to see with all the human eye alone

SI2- Inclusions can be seen with the naked eye if a person knows what they are looking for.

I1- Included: Inclusions are visible to the human eye

I2, I3 - Included: These diamonds contain inclusions which can be so pronounced, many diamond dealers tend not to carry them.

Color

The colour of any diamond does NOT change over time. The scale to grade a diamond’s insufficient color goes from D-Z with D being the clearest. The further along the scale you choose to go, the better yellowish tint the diamond has. Diamonds higher inside the range are more valuable. The yellowish tint is formed from the presence of nitrogen.

Chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond is transparent without hue or color

Very little diamond is perfect

Chemical impurities affect color

The intensity and hue either can take away or add value

Comes in selection of colors, based on structural defects, which cause coloration

Diamonds that are intenseyellow and browns Alternatively, any other color are considered fancy color diamonds

GIA color grading

D- colorless. Very rare.

E,F -colorless. Traces of color may be detected. F has a very faint yellowish tint into it that can only be seen once the diamond is viewed facedown.

G,H,I- near colorless. One can see the difference if compared with a higher quality diamond.

N,O,P,Q,R very light yellow

S,T,U,V,W,X,Y,Z are light yellow

Cut

diamond cut has three primary effects on appearance: brilliance (the brightness developed by a combination of all of the white light reflections through the surface as well as the inside of a polished diamond), fire (the dispersion of light in to the colours from the visible spectrum, seen as flashes of colour), and scintillation (the flashes of light and dark, or sparkle, each time a diamond or light source is moved). If it has the perfect colour and clarity, in other words, a diamond with a poor cut will appear dull, even.

The way in which a diamond is cut determines its cut grade. The cut is the thing that enables the utmost level of light to get returned out of the top of the diamond. A highly cut diamond can look larger because of the light that is being reflected out of its top. When a diamond is poorly cut, the weight could be based towards the bottom making the diamond seem smaller compared to what the Carat weight suggests.

Diamond Shapes

Round: Most favored of all the shapes. It’s designed to produce the most sparkle. This is the most analyzed and researched cut. It is a timeless cut. About 75% of all diamonds sold are round. Most round diamonds are brilliant cut, which means they have got 58 facets. Will cost more per carat than fancy shapes for 2 reasons: demand is high and features a low yield. Most of the rough stone is lost when cutting it. “A typical round diamond (for instance; a 1.00 carat, F-color, VS2-clarity, Ex cut) might cost 25-35% greater than a similar fancy shape.” In 1919, Marcel Tolkowsky’s thesis “Diamond Design: A report of the reflecton and refraction of light in diamond” was launched. It caused the round diamond torise in popularity. The thesis described ideal proportions of round cut diamonds to maximize brilliance, (light return) and dispersion (fire). His specifications were 53% table, 59.3% depth, 34.5 crown angle, visible cutlet.

Princess Cut: Has excellent brilliance and sparkle. It really is a more modern cut, created within the 1960s. They normally are less expensive simply because they enable a better yield from your rough cut. They have a tendency to appear smaller when viewed from the top when compared with other shapes with the same carat. Created in 1980 by Betzalel Ambar and Israel Itzkowitz. Out of all fancy cuts, it’s most favored, particularly for engagement rings. Good option for flexibility in dealing with nearly every ring style, like the round cut. Slightly lower price per carat than round cuts. As a result of four sided shape, much like a pyramid, from the princess cut, is comparable to half of the octahedron rough stone. Allows two diamonds to become formed from the same rough stone with little from the rough stone being wasted. Crown surface area is 10% less than same weight round diamonds, but because corner to corner measurement is 15% greater, it creates illusion of greater size. Traditionally square, but some are rectangular. More rectangular, lower price. Length to width ratio of 1.05 or less will appear square to human eye. Length to width of 1.05-1.08 will look square because side diamonds make illusion of greater width of center stone if set with other diamonds. Should always be set with prongs therefore the four corners are protected. Probably to chip around the corners. Flaws are more likely to be by the corners because they were once close to the outer edge of the rough stone. Once the stone is defined, the corners is going to be included in the prongs, making the flaws nearly invisible. Avoid stones using a table % in excess of depth %.

Oval: It had been developed in the 1960s. It is really an elliptical version of the round cut. When viewed through the top, it has a tendency to look bigger than other cuts. Produced by Lazare Kaplan. Modified brilliant cut. Round and oval contains similar fire and brilliance. Elongated shape creates an illusion of any larger diamond. Slender shape makes finger appear long and slimmer. Classic oval cut is 1.35-1.5 length to width ratio. Slightly thinner cut may look more appealing when diamond is by using side stones. Tend to have even more of a bowtie.

Marquise: Similar to the oval shape, but the ends are pointed. When viewed through the top, it can look greater than just about all other cuts. Football shaped. Modified brilliant cut. derived from the Marquise of Pompadour, to whom King Louis XIV of France allegedly had a stone fashioned to resemble what he considered her perfectly shaped mouth. Largest crown surface area. Maximizes the perceived scale of a diamond. The elongated shape helps make the wearer’s finger appear longer and slimmer. Classic marquise cut length to width ratio is 1.75-2.15. Symmetry is vital. Two end points must align together, and also the left and right sides should mirror each other. Slight misalignment could cause an off kilter look in the setting. Excellent or excellent symmetry is strongly recommended. It ought to be set with the prongs protecting the 2 points. Like the princess cut, the points were once nearest to the outer side of the rough stone, so flaws are more inclined to be located there. The prongs that cover the points is likely to make the flaws invisible. Points will also be more prone to chipping.

Pear Shaped: It is actually pointed at one end and round on the other. It is also known as a teardrop cut, because of its resemblance to a teardrop. This kind of cut is generally used in pendants and earrings. Modified brilliant cut. Combination of round and marquise shape. Always worn with narrow end pointing toward hand of wearer. Makes fingers appear longer and slimmer. Should have excellent or very good symmetry. Pont should line up with apex of rounded end. Shoulder and wings, the upper and lower curves on sides of the diamond, should form uniform, symmetrical curves, with no straight edges. Rounded top need to look such as a semi circle. It should not be narrow or squat. Sometimes, in order to add weight, cutters can provide diamond added girth nearby the point or top. It affords the diamond a squared off or squatty look. It needs to be avoided. Classic length to width ratio is 1.4-1.7. It should also be impacted by the future setting. A narrow stone is great for dangling earings, and a wider shaped stone is way better for any solitaire ring. Has a amount of bowtie. Needs to be set with prong on the point., the purpose was once nearest to the outer fringe of the rough stone, so flaws will probably be located there. The prongs that cover the points will make the flaws invisible. Point is additionally very likely to chipping.

Cushion Cut: also known as the pillow cut. It is incorporated in the shape of a square or rectangle. Additionally it is referred to as old mine cut. It’s a square cut with rounded corners. Has been in existence for around 200 years. It was the de facto diamond shape till the early twentieth century. It is actually prized by antique diamond dealers due to the return or light in a chunkier pattern than today’s modern cuts. In addition, it posseses an enlarged culet. Within the 1920’s Marcel Tolkowsky researched different cuts to refine the cushion cut. There has been a resurgence of popularity of this particular cut, because of him. Standards with this cut vary a lot more than other shapes and personal taste will mainly function as the deciding factor on which stone to select. Have more fire, even though less brilliant that round cuts. They may have three pavilion facet patterns. GIA, as a “modified” cushion cut, though ones with extra row fo facets on the pavilion are considered. These people have a crushed ice or needle like facet pattern. Classic cut is actually a length to width ration of 1.00. most favored is 1.1-1.2 length to width ratio.

Emerald Cut: It features a recagular shape with all the edges cut to have steps, which behave like mirrors. The mirrors are utilized to show the clarity of the diamond. Produced by the step cuts of pavilion as well as its large, open table. Create a hall of mirrors effect, as opposed to the sparkle of a brilliant, with interplay of light and dark planes. Long lines and dramatic flashes give this cut an elegant appeal, the cut was originally for cutting emeralds. Inclusions are easier to see within this cut. Classic cut has length to width ratio of 1.5. if prefer square emerald, consider the asscher cut. It’s considered a square cut emerald by GIA.

Asscher Cut: it is similar to the emerald cut, but it is more octagonal. It’s corners and steps are larger and deeper. First produced in 1902 by Asscer Brothers of Holland. They cut the world’s largest rough stone, at the time, the Cullinan at 3106 carats. Peaked in popularity in 1920’s but produced a comeback around 2002, because of the modifications that increased brilliance. Much like square emerald cut. Usually has larger step facets, a greater crown, and a smaller table. Produces more brilliance than emerald cut. Well cut asscher will show up to get concentric squares when you look over the table. Has cropped corners, but because the cut is square, the cropped corners make it look somewhat octagonal. When mounted inside a four prong setting, it maintains its unique shape inside a square silhouette. Classic cut has length to width ratio of 1.00. a ratio of 1.05 or less will seem square towards the naked eye.

Radiant Cut: Corners are angled and rectangular. Not as square, even though similar to princess cut. First, developed In the 1970s. first square cut to have complete brilliant cut facet pattern applied ot crown and pavilion. It creates a remarkable, lively square diamond. Popular in 1980’s. cropped corners fo square is nice middle ground between cushion and princess cut. Looks good when set with round or square cornered diamonds. In longer, or even more rectangle, cuts, a bow tie effect is more likely to appear. A ratio of 1.-1.05 will appear square to human eye alone. Want the brilliance of a round stone, though rectangular cut is ideal for those who like emerald cut. Looks very similar to princess cut, but it has cropped corners. Once set, they look nearly identical as a result of prongs within the corners.

Heart Shaped: the same shape as a heart. Modified brilliant cut. Unique and unmistakable symbol of love. Popular in solitaire pendants and rings. Symmetry is very important. It’s critical that two halves of heart are identical. Cleft, which can be between the two lobes, should be distinct and sharp. The wings, because they curve to the point, should possess a slight rounded shape. Ones under .50 carats might not be a great choice, becuas it’s harder to perceive in smaller diamonds, especially after it is actually set in the prongs. for smaller hearts, a bezel or three pong setting will preserve the outline in the shape after it’s set. The prongs should be placed one on each lobe, and one in the point. It should be chosen based off of personal preference, even though come in variety of silhouets, from fat to narrow. Classic length to width ratio is 1.00. Ones for pendants needs to be more narrow, 1.05-1.15 length to width ratio. Ones in solitaire rings should me more wide, .85-1.00.

Depth %: describes distance between culet and table when diamond is viewed from your side. expressed in millimeters. it’s calculated by dividing the depth through the width of the diamond. the reduced the depth %, the bigger a diamond of a certain carat will show up.

table %: calculated by dividing with of table facet by width of diamond.

diamond girdle: outer side of diamond where crown meets pavillion. Could be faceted- series of tiny polished sides taht go round the diamond, bruted- single continuous unpolished surface that goes around the diamond, this kind of girdle is now uncommon, or polished- a bruted girdle which has been polished making it smooth. Just how the girdle is does not affect the price or appearance of the diamond. it is actually described by width. the width varies at different points in the diamond. and is identified as a range, from thinnest for the thickest point. can impact diamond in 3 ways: The thickness of the girdle affects the relative position from the surrounding facets, therefore can impact cut. A diamond graded as well cut will produce superior brilliance, fire, and scintillation, even if the girdle itself is not in the ideal Thin-Slightly Thick range of width, because girdle width is already factored into the diamond’s overall cut grade.

A thicker girdle will add weight to your diamond, thereby increasing its price. Since a thick girdle adds depth to your diamond although not width, a thick girdled diamond will not appear any larger when viewed through the top (e.g. when occur a piece of jewelry), inspite of the additional carat weight. Real, even though the effect on carat weight and price is minimal.

An Exceptionally Thin girdle is much more vunerable to chipping, and for that reason should be avoided for diamonds that are to be occur a ring. Earrings or pendants are less exposed to rough contact and are therefore less vunerable to chipping around the girdle. Avoid both Extremely Thin and extremely Thin girdles in princess cut diamonds, as this shape already has sharp corners prone to chipping. Consider setting it in a style that covers and protects the corners if you do purchase a princess cut diamond with a Very Thin girdle.

Diamond culet: small area in the bottom of the pavilliion. it may be pointed or a tiny facet that sits parallel for the table. Any diamond culet dimensions of Medium or smaller will be invisible to the human eye, and have no negative influence on a diamond’s appearance. However, if a culet is Slightly Large or larger, it may allow light entering from the crown to pass straight through the culet facet, reducing the diamond’s brilliance. This may also make the culet appear as an inclusion, or create a dead area on the diamond where the light is escaping through the bottom.

polish: amount of smoothness of every facet of a diamond; When a diamond is cut and polished, microscopic surface defects could be produced by the polishing wheel since it drags tiny dislodged crystals over the diamond’s surface. Depending on the severity, these defects may disrupt light patterns as the light rays enter and exit the diamond. polish grade of excellent to good, any polishing defects are not visible to naked eye and have no impact on overall appearance. if diamonds have clarity grade of i1 or lower, polish grade of fair is acceptable. therese diamons have internal inclusions that are visible to naked eye so the polish becomes less relevant. diamonds less than .75 carats, a plish grade of fair or better will not affect appearance to an untrained observer. Poor grade should be avoided for those diamonds.

Diamond symmetry: how precisely the facets intersect and align. can include extra or misshapen facets, off center culets and tables, and wavy girdles. poor symmetry may misdirect light sending it away at the wrong angles, which cuts down on the brilliance. Often, a diamond cutter will purposefully allow a small reduction in symmetry as a means of preventing a defect found in the rough stone from being retained included in the finished diamond. it’s crucial in diamonds of vvs2 clarity and higher. the subtle defects would compromise the flawless appearance. features a significant influence on price; a diamond with Excellent Symmetry and polish may be priced 10%-15% greater than a diamond with Good Symmetry and Polish. This premium has more concerning consumer’s perceived value of “excellent” grades, compared to the actual influence on a diamond’s appearance. These diamonds should be avoided in all case, because diamonds with Poor symmetry have defects visible to the naked eyes

Cut refers to diamondssymmetry and proportions, and polish, not it’s shape.

When light strikes a diamond, approximately 20% immediately reflects off the surface (as glare). From the 80% that enters, a percentage will escape through the bottom of the diamond (where the observer cannot appreciate it). A highly proportioned diamond will have each facet properly placed and angled to be able to maximize the amount of light that reflects back out of the crown (top) from the diamond, to the eye from the observer. This reflected light is perceived as scintillation, brilliance and fire.

Look out for: Inclusion is seen for the naked eye; extremely thick girdle; fair or poor symmetry; strong fluorescence; diamonds with no GIA certification

Comparison between Carat Surface and weight Area

When reviewing any diamond, it is essential to keep in mind that a rise in diameter will have a bigger increase in the crown surface which leads to a perceived boost in overall size.

Two diamonds with the same carat and shape size could be regarded as having various sizes due to the cut dimensions. A diamond using a deep cut has much more of it’s weight “hidden” in the depth, which leads to a reduced diameter when compared to a well cut diamond.

A properly cut diamond that includes a slightly lower carat weight than a deeply cut diamond, yet has a larger diameter can look larger in dimensions.

A diamonds cut and carat figure out how big the stone will appear. A properly cut diamond that is lighter than a poorly cut diamond will look like bigger diamond which is more beautiful compared to the heavier one.

A carat is based on weight. It does not reflect that actual size of a diamond. It needs to be considered with all the diameter in millimeters and its cut grade.

The load of any poorly cut diamond may be hidden in the base of the diamond. That can make the diamond appear smaller in size.

Irradiated/Fancy Diamonds

Colored diamonds are very rare and expensive. To supply the public using the popular colored diamonds, jewelers place the diamond via a procedure for high radiation treatments. The diamond then gets its color after the radiation remedies are complete and the heating process.

When repairing diamonds, the jeweler needs to re-expose the diamond to intense heat. This may result in the shade of the diamond to change since the process to add color to a diamond is not really full proof.

When evaluating fancy diamonds, the clarity section is less important because the inclusions tend to be masked by the color of the diamond.

When cutting an expensive diamond, as opposed to cutting the diamond to increase sparkle, the diamond is cut in whichever way will emphasize colour

Every colored diamond continues to be irradiated because it really has been subjected to natural radiation.

Red-

Blue- color brought on by presence of boron

Yellow- color due to presence of nitrogen

Green- color caused by natural radiation

Diamond Terms

Table/Face - The flat top of a cut stone

Girdle - Where the top/bottom and crown/pavilion of a diamond meet. The region which is usually grasped by prongs when picking up a diamond.

Crown - The very best part of the diamond that is above the girdle

Pavilion - The base portion of the diamond that is underneath the girdle.

Inclusions - Flaws found in a diamond.

Blemishes - Flaws found on the surface of a diamond.

Diamond Fun Facts:

The birthstone from the month of April is a diamond

The hardest natural substance in the world is actually a diamond

Diamonds are colorless if in their pure state

The most frequent colors of a diamond is brown and yellow

The rarest colors of a diamond are red and blue

1 Carat - .2 grams or .007 ounces

India is the place where diamonds were first discovered

A diamonds melting point is 3820K or 6420F / 3547C

A diamonds boiling point is 5100K or 8720F / 4827C

And invincibilit, in ancient times diamonds were worn because they were believed to bring aboutstrength and couragey

The phrase diamond hails from the Greek word “adamas” which means unbreakable

The Greeks and Romans believed diamonds were the tears of the splinters and gods of fallen stars

Diamonds are only able to be scratched by other diamonds

250 a lot of ore should be mined and processed to generate a single one carat diamond

Diamonds are the best known, naturally sourced, thermal/heat conductor

Royal Palm Beach diamond buyers