UND-Pilsa Blog

The material that is similar in look to the diamond is known as diamond simulant. At present it plays an important role in the diamond simulant industry.

The diamond simulant has the same characteristics of a real diamond. With the diamond simulant or the manufactured diamond, the simulant can be made of artificial material. It can be a natural or it can be combination with both. The diamond simulant is different from the synthetic diamond and the major difference is the material properties. In the case of a synthetic diamond, the properties are same as the natural diamond. The diamond simulant has dispersion and hardness properties like natural diamonds and their properties help in imitation. The differences in a diamond simulant and in synthetic diamond can be found by diamond professionals only.

The common simulants that are used in the manufacturing of a diamond are the leaded glass and the cubic zirconia. Leaded glass is also known as Rhinestones. The other materials that are used rarely in manufacturing diamond simulant are strontium titanate and the synthetic retile. But today, the moissanite plays an important role in manufacturing of a diamond stimulant even though it is costly when compared to leaded glass and the cubic zirconia.

The following properties must be possessed by the diamond simulant to have a great look and fine craftsmanship.

• The diamond simulant should look like a natural diamond.

• The diamond simulant properties should be similar to a diamond.

• The diamond simulant should cater for non-destructive testing otherwise the fine finishing will not be achieved.

• It should match the durability and the density test as per the standard laid down process.

• There should not be any scratches on the diamond simulant, other wise it will be distinct from the natural diamond.

• The diamond simulant should be hard in nature comparing to other gems.

• The manufactured diamond should have crisp and sharp edges to provide a sparkling look.

• They should be flawless and should cater for fine polishing.

• The diamond simulant should pass the window panel test.

• The specific gravity of the manufactured diamond should be around 3.5, so that it resembles the natural diamond.

• The diamond simulant should be of same weight with that of real diamond.

• The diamond simulant should match the optics and color properties with that of the natural diamond.

Artificial simulants

Nowadays the simulants of the diamonds are carried in large masses to cater the needs of the diamond simulant industry. Due the improvements in various technologies it has become very easy to manufacture diamond simulants and these simulants look more original than the natural diamonds.

At present there are two distinct methods to manufacture the diamond simulant. One of the method is the high pressure and high temperature and commonly known as HPHT method. In this method, two presses are used to maintain the constant temperature and pressure. The two presses are the belt press and the cubic press. This is one of the cheapest methods to manufacture a diamond simulant.

The second method that is used is the chemical vapor deposition, which is also called as CVD method. In this the energy used to create plasma in which the gases are broken down to form the diamond on the top and the diamond simulant is provided with fine shapes and is cut into required sizes.

Comments Off

The best advice I can give anyone starting a jewelry business is to use quality products. To start beading, the basic materials that you will need are: needle nose pliers, scotch tape, beading wire, crimp beads, wire cutters, a clasp of some sort and the actual beads you will be creating with.

The needle nose pliers can be purchased at any hardware store. I use needle nosed pliers to crimp the crimping beads. Many people market and sell a crimping tool.

I have found in my experience that the crimp that the crimping tool makes does not hold as well as when you use a set of pliers to smash the crimp bead.

A crimp bead is a round metal bead (best if you use sterling silver or gold) that hold the wire in place after you have attached the clasp.

You can start to make your own designs with a minimal investment. The beading wire, crimp beads, wire cutters, clasps and the beads themselves can be purchased from local beading stores or online resources.

Some places to check out are:

http://www.firemountaingems.com
http://www.ebeadshop.com
http://www.riogrande.com

These vendors will send you a catalog upon request. They DO NOT REQUIRE that you have a business license.

Other great sources of affordable beads are traveling gem fares and bead shows that come to a city near you.

If you happen to be traveling through California, there are many more gem shows to choose from. A good website to check out if you live in the West is:

http://www.Lapidaryjournal.com

Even if you don not live in the West, you will probably find a show that is near your area.

Jill Tabatabaei is the founder of thecoloredstone.com where fine jewelry is sold. She received this jewelry advice from Morgan Gardiner, an outstanding jewelry-maker who makes all of the beautiful and colorful jewelry for thecoloredstone.com

To see Morgan’s amazing jewelry pieces,
visit:

http://www.thecoloredstone.com/jewelry.html

Comments Off

The most special moment in your life is about to arrive. Needless to say, you wish to look your stunning best. Your wedding dress, your bag, your shoes and your wedding jewelryyou must be choose each of these with immaculate care. Elegant, sophisticated and stylish, every bride wishes her bridal jewelry to fulfill these three requirements. Of course, you would wish to follow the latest fashion trends, too. Bracelets, earrings, necklaces and wedding bands assume different looks every season in keeping with the hot fashion trends. So keeping abreast with the changing trends if wearing what is “in” is of major concern to you while buying your bridal jewelry.

You may also have visualized the way you wish to look on your wedding day and would like to get your pieces custom made to match with your dress and bag and don’t forget, your hairstyle!

Don’t be disappointed if you are expected to wear family heirlooms on your wedding day. You are misinformed if you believe that your grandmother’s necklace will make you look like an antique piece walking down the aisle. Old is in, and in a big way.

Thick bracelets of gold and silver set with precious and semi-precious gemstones are making a big splash. Chandelier earrings of diamonds, pearls or glass look enchanting on the elegant necklines. You will be grateful to your aunt for parting with the dramatic diamond pendant for you to wear for your wedding. Top it with a tiara or some sparkling clips in your elegant coiffeur and you are all set. So, when you walk down the aisle with those beautiful gems accentuating your already radiant beauty, you will also bring in a sense of nostalgia and a flood of emotions for your family members.

Jewelry provides detailed information about jewelry, fashion jewelry, fine jewelry, religious jewelry and more. Jewelry is the sister site of Titanium Rings Web.

Comments Off

Are you jaded of the usual junk or gold or silver? Wish to append that exquisite flicker to your jewelry box? Nothing serves you better than moissanite diamonds. Moissanite diamonds will be the crown of glory on your fabulous jewel collection. For the admirers of splendor, looking to flaunt their luxury, these artificial diamonds are perfect.

Moissanite diamonds are simulated diamonds that are artificially created in the lab. Crafted with unmatchable expertise and almost unattainable proficiency, these gems truly reflect your class. They are intricately shaped and cut to perfection.

In spite of the fact that moissanite stones are simulated diamonds they do not give the feel of being counterfeit unlike most other diamond alternatives that can easily be distinguished. Their conspicuous fire lends moissanite jewels that exclusively fine look.

No Less Than A Real Diamond

Duly known as the substitute to diamonds, though simulated, it is extremely difficult to tell moissanite from a real diamond. Moissanite diamonds appear to be as real as a natural diamond. They come along with a bonus benefit of being cheaper. But however, this piece of cosmic gem is no less in the comparison of the glam element - even more than a diamond!

Originally found in Arizona about more than 50,000 years ago, moissanite was showered upon the earth by a meteorite. Looked upon as an absolute diamond look-alike with an added profit of being shinier, moissanite caught the fancy of all jewel lovers. With its crystal clear form and radiant blaze moissanite stands out among the rest of the semiprecious stones present today.

For that distinct silver lining all over you, that is sure to get you noticed, moissanite diamonds would make a smart decision you can rely on even with your eyes closed.

These simulated diamonds make a pleasing gift irrespective of the occasion. You could present it to a friend, a relative or could simply savor the beauty of this simulated diamond yourself!

Moissanite jewelry is the most contemporary mode of chic styling to enhance your personality. Moissanite jewelry carries an enthralling magic that will surely overwhelm your senses…

Get yourself some moissanite diamonds - pamper yourself today!

Find out more about Imitation Diamonds as well as Moissanite Engagement Rings and other types of Moissanite rings at Peter’s website, The Magic of Moissanite.

Comments Off

A diamond wedding ring represents one of the most important purchases you will make in your life. The right ring can make just the right impression with your bride, while also serving as the perfect expression of your love. But how can you make such an expensive purchase with confidence? By having a firm understanding of the 4 C’s of course, and we’re not talking bread crumbs. The 4 C’s of a diamond determine its overall value and eye appeal. In this article, we’ll break down these important details while giving you the tips for buying an expensive diamond wedding ring

If you are unfamiliar with the 4 C’s, they simply stand for a diamond’s cut, color, clarity, and carat. These four characteristics are the benchmarks by which all diamonds are measured, and having a solid understanding of them will make buying an expensive diamond wedding ring a lot easier. Before we get started though, it is recommended that you only buy from a reputable jeweler. This will work to your advantage in a couple of ways. 1) The jeweler will be able to further discuss the 4 C’s with you in a knowledgeable fashion and 2) you will be sure that you are receiving the highest quality diamond. So, let’s take a look at the first C - cut.

The cut of the diamond refers to just that - the manner in which the diamond was originally shaped. The cut of the diamond is arguably the most important factor to consider when choosing a ring. The reason for this is because a well cut diamond will perpetually reflect light and create a visually stunning effect. If a diamond is poorly cut, the diamond may not reach its full potential, and you will most likely be wasting your money. Always be sure your expensive diamond wedding ring is cut to perfection, regardless of its actual shape (round, oval, pear, square, etc).

The second C is color. You may assume that a diamond is white, and this is true to some extent. However, diamonds have different shades of white, and these shades are graded using a letter system from D to Z. Naturally, diamonds with colors graded in the first few letters (D-G) tend to be very rare and therefore very expensive. But that’s not to say that diamonds graded with higher numbers aren’t just as stunning. Remember, the four factors taken as a whole will make the ultimate determination.

The third C is clarity, and this refers to the often undistinguishable “imperfections” of a diamond. As you probably know, diamonds are formed in nature, so they most times have some sort of inconsistency. What you are looking for (and what a reputable jeweler can help you find) is a diamond that has the least amount of these marks. These diamonds will have high clarity grades, and these are the diamonds that will be most worth your money.

The fourth and final C is carat. The diamond’s carat refers to its weight and size. It is important for you to know that jewelers will refer to carats as points in the business. For example, even though a carat actually weighs .2 grams, a jeweler will refer to a carat as 100 points. This tip will keep you from getting confused when looking at diamond specifications.

You now possess the necessary tips for buying an expensive diamond wedding ring. In addition to choosing a high quality jeweler, your new found knowledge of the 4 C’s will ensure that you make a wise and beautiful wedding ring purchase.

Comments Off

The Hope Diamond’s Legendary Power

Evalyn Walsh MacLean was the last private owner of the Hope Diamond. She died in 1947 at the age of 60, and she left behind one of the most beautiful and well-known pieces of jewelry known to man. This diamond had a tragic history that appealed to the public and made headlines for many years. It was a massive diamond of incredible beauty and unimaginable value, but today is like any other old lady, leading a rather uneventful existence.

Ms. MacLean’s staff were unsure about how to deal with the Hope Diamond after she died, since the diamond had such a remarkable history and a superb value. They turned to a friend of Ms. MacLean’s, Frank Murphy, who they thought would give them the best advice. This Mr. Murphy, in addition to being a long-time friend of the MacLeans, was an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Judge Murphy very quickly secured the jewels in the MacLean collection as soon as he came to Ms. MacClean’s house the night she died. He immediately left by cab, but since he couldn’t think of a safe place to put the the diamond at twelve o’clock at night, he decided to ride around in the cab until the banks opened in the morning.

Murphy approached a bank officer at the Riggs National Bank that morning and requested that the entire collection be deposited. When he gave bank officer the inventory of what was in the sack, he didn’t believe the Hope Diamond was one of the items. So he asked for proof that it was the Hope Diamond and when he saw for himself, he realized it had to be. In addition, the fact that a judge of the United States Supreme Court was the courier of this parcel, that he had just picked it up at midnight from the MacClean mansion, he became convinced that it most certainly must be the famous Hope Diamond.

Finally accepting the responsibility of securing such a gem, the bankers agreed to store the diamond, which was soon procured by Murphy, himself, in a sealed bid to purchase it, since no-one else wanted to take it into their possession. There it sat for several years, until he decided to donate it to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. How did he transport it to its new home? By placing it in a regular mailing package with a number of other gems which were of low quality and sending it by way of the U.S. Postal Service.

The beautiful Hope Diamond rests in its case of velvet at the Smithsonian to this day. Any tourist who strolls into the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. can have a glimpse of the most beautiful diamond in the world, which seems an ignoble ending for a gem whose history is steeped in greed, corruption, tragedy and insanity. Even Ms. MacClean died an untimely death at only 60 years of age. The mail carrier who was responsible for its delivery was in two separate car accidents, both resulting in serious injury. The stone had its final revenge.

Comments Off

At some point of time, you may be interested in buying diamonds. Before you throw your life savings into the stone, please do your homework and know a little bit about the basic 4 c’s of diamond before getting that cheque book out.

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.

* Cut - 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.

The price per carat does not increase smoothly with increasing size. Instead, there are sharp jumps around milestone carat weights, as demand is much higher for diamonds weighing just more than a milestone than for those weighing just less. As an example, a 0.95 carat diamond may have a significantly lower price per carat than a comparable 1.05 carat diamond, because of differences in demand. All else being equal, the value of a diamond increases exponentially in relation to carat weight, since larger diamonds are both rarer and more desirable for use as gemstones.

Therefore if you are to invest in a diamond try and get one at 1/2 carat or even better 1 carat.
With a GIA certificate that won’t be wrong.

Now go ahead and get that stone!

Ally Too is the owner of
http://diamond4me.blogspot.com/
Feel free to check for more information and resources about diamonds.

Comments Off

There are three main types of cultured saltwater pearls: akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea. Pearls can be cultured in fresh water as well. Each type has distinct characteristics, and each is very beautiful in its own way. Like with most things, individual tastes determine pearl preferences. Or you may have a taste for every pearl variety! The following is a look at the main types of cultured pearls.

Akoya Cultured Pearls
Timeless and popular, the akoya cultured pearl probably comes to mind when you think of pearls. (Because akoyas are easier to match than other pearls, they are a popular choice for bracelets and necklaces.) These saltwater beauties are typically small (they range between 2mm and 11mm; average is 6mm-7mm), and are most commonly white or cream-colored.

Akoyas are produced in the akoya oyster, or P. fucata, the smallest of the saltwater pearl oysters. The main animals used for saltwater pearl culturing in Japan, these small oysters typically reach only 8cm to 13cm in diameter, but they can accept multiple nucleationsup to five at a time. (If a larger pearl is desired, however, only one bead is inserted.)
Akoya pearls were the first round cultured pearlscalled “spherical” in the jewelry tradethat were produced. Approximately 70%-80% of a given akoya crop is spherical. Typically white or cream with rosé or green overtones, akoyas typically grow from eight months to two years before they’re harvested. A jewelry staple, the simple and classic white akoya strand is a popular choice for brides.

Tahitian Cultured Pearls
If you think of black pearls, you probably picture a peacock-blue-sheened Tahitian. This is a desirable hue for a Tahitian cultured pearl, but they can also be black, gray or brown with hues of blue, green, and purple and overtones of rosé, green or blue. Marketed just since the 1970s, Tahitians are revered for their exotic colors and large sizes, and, as you may have noticed, their large price tag reflects their relative rarity.

Tahitian pearls are produced mainly in French Polynesia in the so-called “black-lipped” oyster, P. margaritifera, a large saltwater mollusk that can grow up to 12 inches in diameter, weigh up to 11 lbs. and live up to 30 years. These oysters produce pearls that reach 8mm-14mm in size in a growth period that takes about two years.

Tahitian cultured pearls typically show fair to excellent luster, and achieve this by natural means, unlike akoyas and freshwater cultured pearls, which require treatmentusually bleachingto bring out their sheen. When Tahitians are harvested, farmers wash them in fresh water, dry them and lightly buff them, usually by tumbling the gems with ground salt and bamboo chips.

P margaritifera can be nucleated, or implanted, several times over its lifetime, but in general, the first harvest produces the finest quality pearl. Unlike its smaller cousin, the akoya, Tahitian cultured pearls are spherical less than half the time. For this reason, it may take years to find just the right pearls to match for a necklace. This is one of the reasons why a matched strand of Tahitian cultured pearls is so costly. Because they can often come in unique shapes, however, Tahitians are used by many jewelry designers in pieces that feature a single pearl. These pieces are uniquely beautiful and can be as breathtaking as a costly Tahitian strand.

South Sea Cultured Pearls
P. maxima, one of the world’s largest mollusks, produces the magnificent South Sea cultured pearl, generally the largest cultured pearl on the market. As its name implies, the South Sea cultured pearl is produced in Australia, Indonesia and the Phillipines. (The cultured pearl is the national gem of the Phillipines.) Most South Sea pearls are silver, white, or a gorgeous and coveted golden color. Farmers do not treat these pearls after harvest, although some wholesale buyers do so after export.

Unlike a freshwater pearl mollusk, P. maxima can accept only one nucleation at a time; however the oyster can be nucleated up to three times in its lifetime. After nucleation, the South Sea cultured pearl requires 20-24 months to grow, and typically produces a pearl around 13mm, although some reach 15mm or larger. Between 10%-30% of any given crop contains spherical pearls. Australia produces about 60 percent of the supply of South Sea cultured pearls, although Indonesian farmers produce more of the golden variety than Australian farmers do.

Freshwater Cultured Pearls
Unlike their saltwater cousins, freshwater pearls are produced in mollusks rather than oysters, and, like their name implies, are grown in ponds, lakes and rivers rather than in the ocean. Most of today’s freshwater cultured pearls are produced in China, and, thanks to improvements in culturing techniques, the round, high-luster gems of today are a vast improvement over the inexpensive, squishy rice-krispie-shaped gems typical of the freshwater crop of yesteryear. Indeed many experts maintain that today’s freshwater cultured pearls rival the beauty of saltwater cultured pearlsa far cry from the freshwater pearl’s humble reputation from the not-so-distant past.

Freshwater cultured pearls are produced in mussels belonging to the family Unionidae. Most are grown in China, yet the United Sates produces its fair share. In fact, the mother-of-pearl beads used to induce the pearl growing process worldwide are made from ground American mussel shells.

Many freshwater pearls are nucleated, or implanted, with mantle tissue only, which is taken from a donor mussel. Because they do not contain a starter “bead,” tissue-nucleated freshwater pearls are 100% nacre. This gives them a beautiful luster and a durable surface that won’t flake or peel to reveal the inner bead. By contrast, pearls that are bead-nucleated and prematurely harvested often have only a thin coating of nacre that is prone to flaking and chipping. Unfortunately, pearls cannot be polished back to perfection once they’re destroyed.

Freshwater pearl-producing mussels can accept up to 50 implants at a time. They typically require 2-6 years to grow, and the finished pearl typically ranges in size from 4mm to 11mm. Larger freshwater pearls do exist, although their bigger size will likely be reflected in a bigger price tag. Approximately 60% of a typical freshwater pearl crop is made up of button pearls (flat on one side) or oval pearls. Only about 2% of the harvest is round, according to the latest information from the Gemological Institute of America. Baroque (no symmetry) and semi-baroque pearls typically make up the remainder of the crop. As with Tahitians and other pearl types, in a skilled designer’s hands, these unique pearls can be turned into extremely beautiful jewelry.

When it comes to color, the freshwater cultured pearl offers a wonderful variety. Pastels like cream, white, yellow, orange, and pink are common; as well, universally flattering lavender pearls are enjoying a surge in popularity today. When deciding which color freshwater pearls to buy, keep in mind that the wearer’s skin tone should be the most important consideration. Choose a color that will flatter and not detract. Overall, freshwater pearls are more plentiful than other pearl types, thus they are usually more affordable. Your budget may allow you to choose a few different colors!

Conclusion
Whatever your taste or budget, there is sure to be cultured pearl jewelry that will thrill you. Choose carefully, treat them with care, and your pearls will give you a lifetime of pleasure, no matter which variety you choose.

A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for Moon River Pearls, www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your questions. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com.

Comments Off

If you are in the market for a men’s wedding ring either for yourself or for your husband-to-be, you have many choices available to you. But, first a little bit of recent history. The men’s wedding ring has only been around for a little over half a century. During World War II men wanted to have a reminder of their loved ones back home, so they started wearing wedding rings. Men’s wedding ring use has continued to enjoy increasing popularity and today most married men wear them.

Most men today are comfortable wearing jewelry, but there are some men who do not typically wear jewelry, and wearing a men’s wedding ring might seem uncomfortable or inconvenient to them. Men who work with their hands or possibly big machinery may worry that a ring will get in the way, and this is a valid concern. However, if it is just a question of comfort, the jewelry industry has really strived to make the men’s wedding ring as comfortable as possible. One great feature is the “comfort band” with a slightly rounded edge to keep the ring from digging into the skin.

The first thing you may want to do is select the metal for the ring. For years, most men’s wedding ring choices were made with yellow gold. This is still a popular choice. But, in addition to yellow gold, you can also choose from the silver colored metals like white gold, platinum, and the newest fashion, titanium. Platinum and titanium are much more durable and strong than gold and they do not tarnish like silver. But, they are also slightly more expensive than a men’s gold wedding ring.

Next, you should choose the style. You can choose from the simple band or one of many other choices. Or, you can have etching on the band, a special pattern engraved on the edge or middle of the band, and even jewels put in a channel, or a single large stone in the center. Many couples choose the men’s wedding band to complement the bride’s band.

You can shop online for your wedding ring to get a good idea of the wide range of rings available and then you can either buy the ring online or go to a jewelry store. Find out if you can get a discount for buying both the bride’s and grooms bands at the same store.

Choose carefully and you will get returns forever.

Eriani Doyel writes articles about Jewelry and Merchandise. If you would like to know more about a men’s wedding ring visit flring.com

Comments Off

A diamond grading certificate is a report given by an independent and professional gemological laboratory. 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

To better understand your certificates 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.

Tolkowsky Ideal 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.

To learn more about Diamonds & Diamond Jewelry, visit the leading diamond jewelry store - http://www.DiamondSafe.com

Dana Halpert
dana@compucall.co.il
Compucall-Web Marketing

Comments Off