Babara171

Diamonds

No 2 diamonds are the exact same!

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

The 4 C’s

Gold Buyer WellingtonDiamond and diamond jewelry buyers

Carat Weight

A unit of weight (CT) employed to measure diamonds. Carat equals .2 grams or 200 miligrams, concerning the weight of a paper clip. Carat is different from Karat; the initial one is for that weight of a diamond, one other towards the purity of gold.

An increased carat means a rarer and bigger size diamond. The expense of diamonds vary by size; the larger the carat the higher the cost per Carat is going to be. The values of diamonds greatly increase at the full and half Carat weight. Carat weight is not really a great representation of a diamond’s size. People usually judge diamond size through the surface area on top as this is how you view a diamond after it is in the setting.

Comparing 2 diamonds of equal Carat may have completely different prices dependant upon the other 4 C’s of any diamond, Clarity and Color and Cut.

The measurement Carat came from the carob seeds that were employed to balance scales.

A diamond below one Carat is described using “points.” For example, a diamond weighing .Carats is going to be described as a “fifty pointer.” Any diamond weighing over 1 Carat is described using decimals, like one point o’ five carats for a 1.05 CT diamond.

Deciding on the best Carat weight depends on a number of factors. A key point is how big “her” hand. The 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 a million rough stones mined are big enough to produce a finished 1 carat diamond.

Two diamonds of the same shape and carat weight may still appear different in proportions based on the cut proportions. A deeply cut diamond has a greater proportion of its total weight “hidden” in the depth, causing a smaller diameter when compared to a well cut diamond. These differences are usually small, but noticeable. A well cut diamond may also have a slightly lower carat weight than a deeply cut diamond, but still have a larger diameter, making it appear larger in size.

Cutter of rough diamond needs to balance optimal cut and maximum yield (cutting the diamond to maintain just as much carat weight from your rough stone as is possible). Lots of people are willing to pay more for larger diamonds which are fair-cut than smaller well cut diamonds. you can find sometimes pressure in the cutter to sacrifice appearance for weight. Cut is very important because of this.

Two diamonds of equal carat weight could also appear very different in dimensions in accordance with the shape of the diamond. For example, a 1 carat marquise tends to appear larger than a 1 carat round. The chart below illustrates why. For every diamond, the chart shows the subsequent:

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

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

Crown Area - The entire area (mm2). The region affords the true size of the diamond face up (since it would appear when placed in a ring). For example, as the oval diamond image appears bigger than the round image, the specific surface is identical for that two shapes, meaning the difference in proportions is just one of perception, not reality. In comparison, the oval not merely appears bigger than the princess cut, it genuinely features a larger surface (approximately 10% larger in this particular example), meaning the main difference is not simply an illusion created by the elongated shape.

kingofpawns5

Clarity

Clarity refers to the size and amount from the flaws (inclusions and blemishes) within a diamond. Clarity is assumed 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.

Diamonds are formed when carbon is exposed to extreme pressure and heat deep within the earth, and because of this process, almost every diamond has flaws. These flaws are referred to as “blemishes and “inclusions”.” Inclusion - found inside the diamond. Inclusions includecracks and bubbles, and non-diamond minerals. Blemishes-found on the top of the diamond.

Inclusions

Inclusions affect the clarity of a diamond by interfering with the passing light making the stone less brilliant. Some inclusions could affect the strength of a diamond and perhaps make it much more likely that the diamond will shatter.

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

Laser Lines: Laser lines occur when an inclusion is removed from the diamond using a laser. They leave a vapor like trail from your top of the diamond up to the level where inclusion was within the diamond. They are an unnatural inclusion.

Feathers: Cracks within the diamond that resembles the design of the feather. If a feather crack touches the surface of a diamond, the diamond is more prone to cracking due to the top of the diamond receiving more accidental blows.

Cleavage: A straight crack inside the diamond without any feathering. A cleavage crack can split the diamond apart if it is hit from the correct angle.

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

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

Blemishes

There are many blemishes that barely possess impact on the diamond’s appearance. Blemishes occur each time a diamond is polished and cut, while it is being worn, or they are a natural part of the diamond.

Scratch: A great surface line that can be removed by polishing.

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

Pit: Occur when a pinpoint inclusion

Diamond Plot

What fingerprints will be to each and every unique person, a diamond plot would be to a diamond. The diamond plot is what jewelers use to view the amount of blemishes, and inclusions a diamond has. The less marks over a diamond plot the greater quality the diamond is. The diamond plot gives you a picture of the diamond as if you were hovering over the top face, a top-down view. All of the inclusions and blemishes that you may or may not have the capacity to see with the human eye is shown on the diamond plot. When comparing the markings in the diamond plot towards the diamond, a number of the markings will likely be impossible to find out 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 cannot be seen using the human eye alone and therefore are hard to see despite 10x magnification.

VVS1 - Inclusions are generally seen from your pavilion (bottom) of the diamond.

VVS2 - Inclusions are often seen from your crown (top) in the diamond.

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

SI1, SI2 - Slightly Included: Inclusions and blemishes are visible with 10x magnification and could be observed with all the human eye alone.

SI1- lowest diamond grade with inclusions which are difficult to see with all the naked eye

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

I1- Included: Inclusions are visible for the human eye

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

Color

The colour of a diamond does NOT change over time. The scale to grade a diamond’s lack of color goes from D-Z with D being the clearest. The further down the scale you decide to go, the greater yellowish tint the diamond has. Diamonds higher in the range are definitely more valuable. The yellowish tint is actually created from the existence of nitrogen.

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

Almost no diamond is ideal

Chemical impurities affect color

The hue and intensity can either take away or add value

Can come in selection of colors, depending on structural defects, which cause coloration

Diamonds that are intensebrown and yellow, or any other color are considered fancy color diamonds

GIA color grading

D- colorless. Very rare.

E,F -colorless. Traces of color could be detected. F features a very faint yellowish tint to it that will only be seen when the diamond is viewed facedown.

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

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 produced by the combination of all the white light reflections from your surface as well as the within a polished diamond), fire (the dispersion of light to the colours of the visible spectrum, seen as flashes of colour), and scintillation (the flashes of light and dark, or sparkle, when 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 a diamond is cut determines its cut grade. The cut is exactly what provides for the utmost quantity of light to get returned out of the top of the diamond. A properly cut diamond can look larger because of the light which is being reflected from its top. When a diamond is poorly cut, the weight could be based at the bottom making the diamond seem smaller than what the Carat weight suggests.

Diamond Shapes

Round: Most favored of shapes. It’s made to make the most sparkle. It is the most researched and analyzed cut. It is a timeless cut. About 75% of all diamonds sold are round. Most round diamonds are brilliant cut, which means they have 58 facets. Will cost more per carat than fancy shapes for 2 reasons: demand is high and contains a minimal yield. The majority of the rough stone is lost when cutting it. “A typical round diamond (as an example; a 1.00 carat, F-color, VS2-clarity, Ex cut) might cost 25-35% over a similar fancy shape.” In 1919, Marcel Tolkowsky’s thesis “Diamond Design: A study in the reflecton and refraction of light in diamond” was introduced. 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 inside the 1960s. They normally are less expensive simply because they allow for a larger yield through the rough cut. They tend to appear smaller when viewed from the top compared to other shapes with the same carat. Created in 1980 by Betzalel Ambar and Israel Itzkowitz. Away from all fancy cuts, it’s most favored, especially for engagement rings. Good option for flexibility in dealing with just about any ring style, like the round cut. Slightly discounted price per carat than round cuts. Due to the four sided shape, similar to a pyramid, of the princess cut, is similar to half of the octahedron rough stone. Allows two diamonds to be formed through the same rough stone with little of the rough stone being wasted. Because corner to corner measurement is 15% greater, it creates illusion of greater size, though crown surface area is 10% less than same weight round diamonds. Traditionally square, but some are rectangular. More rectangular, lower price. Length to width ratio of 1.05 or less will appear square to naked 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. Ought to always be set with prongs so the four corners are protected. More than likely to chip on the corners. Flaws are more likely to be by the corners because they were once close to the outer edge of the rough stone. After the stone is placed, the corners is going to be protected by the prongs, making the flaws nearly invisible. Avoid stones with a table % more than depth %.

Oval: It had been created in the 1960s. It is an elliptical version from the round cut. When viewed from the top, it is likely to look bigger than other cuts. Created by Lazare Kaplan. Modified brilliant cut. Round and oval contains similar brilliance and fire. Elongated shape creates an illusion of the 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 attractive when diamond is by using side stones. Generally have even more of a bowtie.

Marquise: The ends are pointed, although similar to the oval shape. When viewed from the top, it can look greater than almost all other cuts. Football shaped. Modified brilliant cut. derived from the Marquise of Pompadour, for 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 essential. Two end points have to align with one another, as well as the left and right sides should mirror one another. Slight misalignment may cause an off kilter try looking in the setting. Excellent or excellent symmetry is strongly recommended. It needs to be set with the prongs protecting the 2 points. Like the princess cut, the points were once closest to the outer fringe of the rough stone, so flaws are more likely to be located there. The prongs that cover the points will make the flaws invisible. Points will also be more prone to chipping.

Pear Shaped: It really is pointed at one end and round on the other. Because of its resemblance to a teardrop, it is also known as a teardrop cut. This type of cut is generally found 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. Needs to have excellent or excellent symmetry. Pont should align with apex of rounded end. wings and Shoulder, the upper and lower curves for both sides from the diamond, should form uniform, symmetrical curves, without any straight edges. Rounded top should look such as a semi circle. It must not be narrow or squat. Sometimes, in an effort to add weight, cutters can provide diamond added girth near the point or top. It gives the diamond a squared off or squatty look. It should be avoided. Classic length to width ratio is 1.4-1.7. It ought to be affected by the near future setting. A narrow stone is perfect for dangling earings, and a wider shaped stone is way better for any solitaire ring. Has a level of bowtie. Ought to be set with prong on the point., the point was once nearest the outer edge of the rough stone, so flaws will probably be located there. The prongs which cover the points will make the flaws invisible. Point can also be more prone to chipping.

Cushion Cut: also referred to as the pillow cut. It is within the shape of a square or rectangle. Additionally it is known as the old mine cut. It’s a square cut with rounded corners. Has been in existence for approximately 200 years. It had been the de facto diamond shape till the early 20th century. It is actually prized by antique diamond dealers as a result of return or light inside a chunkier pattern than today’s modern cuts. Additionally, it has an enlarged culet. Inside the 1920’s Marcel Tolkowsky researched different cuts to refine the cushion cut. Because of him, there has been a resurgence of popularity of this particular cut. Standards for this particular cut vary more than other shapes and private taste will mainly function as the deciding factor on which stone to pick. Less brilliant that round cuts, but have more fire. 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. They have a crushed ice or needle like facet pattern. Classic cut is actually a length to width ration of 1.00. most widely used is 1.1-1.2 length to width ratio.

Emerald Cut: It has a recagular shape with all the edges cut to have steps, which behave like mirrors. The mirrors are used to show the clarity from the diamond. Produced by the step cuts of pavilion and its large, open table. Generate a hall of mirrors effect, rather than the sparkle of the 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 simpler to see in this cut. Classic cut has length to width ratio of 1.5. if prefer square emerald, consider the asscher cut. It’s defined as a square cut emerald by GIA.

Asscher Cut: It is more octagonal, though it is similar to the emerald cut. It’s steps and corners are deeper and larger. First, produced in 1902 by Asscer Brothers of Holland. They cut the world’s largest rough stone, at that time, the Cullinan at 3106 carats. Peaked in popularity in 1920’s but made a comeback around 2002, because of the modifications that increased brilliance. Much like square emerald cut. Usually has larger step facets, a greater crown, along with a smaller table. Produces more brilliance than emerald cut. Well cut asscher will appear to get concentric squares when you look through the table. Because the cut is square, the cropped corners make it look somewhat octagonal, even though has cropped corners. When mounted in 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 to the human 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 produces a vibrant, lively square diamond. Popular in 1980’s. cropped corners fo square is nice middle ground between princess and cushion cut. Looks good when set with round or square cornered diamonds. In longer, or maybe more rectangle, cuts, a bow tie effect is more likely to appear. A ratio of 1.-1.05 can look square to human eye. Rectangular cut is ideal for those who like emerald cut, but want the brilliance of a round stone. Looks very similar to princess cut, but it has cropped corners. Once set, they search nearly identical because of prongs covering the corners.

Heart Shaped: in the shape of a heart. Modified brilliant cut. unmistakable and Unique 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 is between the two lobes, should be sharp and distinct. The wings, since they curve to the stage, should have got a slight rounded shape. Ones lower than .50 carats will 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 from the shape after it’s set. The prongs ought to be placed one on each lobe, and something in the point. Come in variety of silhouets, from fat to narrow, but it should be chosen based off of personal preference. 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 through the side. expressed in millimeters. it’s calculated by dividing the depth from the width in the diamond. the reduced the depth %, the bigger a diamond of the certain carat can look.

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

diamond girdle: outer fringe of diamond where crown meets pavillion. Might be faceted- series of tiny polished sides taht go across the diamond, bruted- single continuous unpolished surface that goes across the diamond, this type of girdle is currently uncommon, or polished- a bruted girdle which has been polished to make it smooth. Just how the girdle is will not change the price or appearance in the diamond. it is explained by width. the width varies at different points from the diamond. and it is referred to as a range, from thinnest towards the thickest point. can impact diamond in 3 ways: The thickness from the girdle affects the relative position of the surrounding facets, and thus can impact cut. Because girdle width is already factored into the diamond’s overall cut grade, 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.

A thicker girdle will add weight to your diamond, thereby increasing its cost. Since a thick girdle adds depth to a diamond however, not width, a thick girdled diamond is not going to appear any larger when viewed from your top (e.g. when placed in some jewelry), despite the additional carat weight. The effect on carat weight and price is minimal, but real.

An Incredibly Thin girdle is much more susceptible 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 across the girdle. Avoid both Extremely Thin and Very Thin girdles in princess cut diamonds, since this shape already has sharp corners very likely 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 towards the bottom of the pavilliion. it can be pointed or a tiny facet that sits parallel towards the table. Any diamond culet size of Medium or smaller will be invisible towards the human eye, and possess no negative effect on a diamond’s appearance. It may allow light entering from the crown to pass straight through the culet facet, reducing the diamond’s brilliance, if a culet is Slightly Large or larger. 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: level of smoothness of each facet of a diamond; When a diamond is polished and cut, microscopic surface defects may be produced by the polishing wheel because it drags tiny dislodged crystals across the diamond’s surface. 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, 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.. Poor grade needs to be avoided for all diamonds.

Diamond symmetry: how precisely the facets intersect and align. may include extra or misshapen facets, off center culets and tables, and wavy girdles. poor symmetry may misdirect light sending them back in the wrong angles, which reduces the brilliance. Often, a diamond cutter will purposefully allow a minor decrease in symmetry as a method of preventing a defect found in the rough stone from being retained as part of the finished diamond. it’s essential in diamonds of vvs2 clarity and higher. the subtle defects would compromise the flawless appearance. has a significant effect 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 to do with consumer’s perceived worth of “excellent” grades, compared to actual influence on a diamond’s appearance. Because diamonds with Poor symmetry have defects visible to the naked eye, these diamonds should be avoided in all cases

Cut describes diamondsproportions and symmetry, and polish, not it’s shape.

When light strikes a diamond, approximately 20% immediately reflects from the surface (as glare). In the 80% that enters, a part will escape through the foot of the diamond (in which the observer cannot appreciate it). A highly proportioned diamond may have each facet properly placed and angled so as to maximize the quantity of light that reflects back from the crown (top) in the diamond, to the eye from the observer. This reflected light is perceived as scintillation, fire and brilliance.

Look out for: Inclusion is seen to the human eye; extremely thick girdle; fair or poor symmetry; strong fluorescence; diamonds without having a GIA certification

Comparison between Carat Surface and weight Area

When reviewing any diamond, you should remember that an increase in diameter will have a more substantial rise in the crown surface which leads to a perceived boost in overall size.

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

A well cut diamond that has a slightly lower carat weight than a deeply cut diamond, yet features a larger diameter will appear larger in size.

A diamonds cut and carat see how big the stone can look. A well cut diamond that is lighter when compared to a poorly cut diamond will appear to be bigger diamond that is more beautiful compared to heavier one.

A carat is based on weight. It can not reflect that actual scale of a diamond. It ought to be considered using the diameter in millimeters and its cut grade.

The load of the poorly cut diamond could be hidden within the bottom of the diamond. That can make the diamond appear smaller in proportions.

Irradiated/Fancy Diamonds

Colored diamonds are extremely expensive and rare. To provide the general public using the sought after colored diamonds, jewelers put the diamond via a procedure of high radiation treatments. The diamond then gets its color after the radiation treatments are complete and also the heating process.

When repairing diamonds, the jeweler must re-expose the diamond to intense heat. This could make the colour of the diamond to modify since the process to add color to a diamond will not be full proof.

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

When cutting an expensive diamond, rather than cutting the diamond to increase sparkle, the diamond is cut in whichever way will emphasize the color

Every colored diamond has been irradiated because this has been in contact with natural radiation.

Red-

Blue- color brought on by presence of boron

Yellow- color caused by presence of nitrogen

Green- color brought on by natural radiation

Diamond Terms

Table/Face - The flat surface of a cut stone

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

Crown - The best area of the diamond that is higher than the girdle

Pavilion - The bottom area of the diamond which is underneath the girdle.

Inclusions - Flaws found within a diamond.

Blemishes - Flaws located on the surface of any diamond.

Diamond Fun Facts:

The birthstone in the month of April is actually a diamond

The hardest natural substance in the world is really a diamond

Diamonds are colorless if in their pure state

The most frequent colors of a diamond is yellow and brown

The rarest colors of any diamond are red and blue

1 Carat - .2 grams or .007 ounces

India is 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 Romans and Greeks believed diamonds were the tears from 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 make a single one carat diamond

Diamonds are the most useful known, naturally occurring, thermal/heat conductor

Lake Worth diamond buyers