No 2 diamonds are the exact same!
Lake Worth diamond buyersDiamonds are usually graded by 3 different experts. The blemishes and inclusions within the diamond are similar; however, the opinions from the experts in the grade of the diamond vary slightly.
The Four Cs
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, regarding the weight of the paper clip. Carat is different from Karat; the initial one is for that weight of a diamond, the other for the purity of gold.
A greater carat means a bigger and rarer size diamond. The costs 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 a great representation of any diamonds size. People usually judge diamond size by the area on the top since this is how you view a diamond after it is in their setting.
Comparing 2 diamonds of equal Carat might have completely different prices based on the other 4 Cs of any Clarity, diamond and Color and Cut.
The measurement Carat came from the carob seeds that were utilized to balance scales.
A diamond below one Carat is described using points. As an example, a diamond weighing .Carats will be described as a fifty pointer. Any diamond weighing over 1 Carat is described using decimals, like one point o five carats for any 1.05 CT diamond.
Deciding on the best Carat weight depends on a variety of factors. An important factor is the dimensions of 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 produce a finished 1 carat diamond.
Two diamonds of the identical carat and shape weight can still appear different in size depending on the cut proportions. A deeply cut diamond has a greater proportion of the total weight hidden within the depth, producing a smaller diameter than a well cut diamond. These differences are usually small, but noticeable. A properly cut diamond may actually have a slightly lower carat weight compared to a deeply cut diamond, yet still use a larger diameter, rendering it appear larger in proportions.
Cutter of rough diamond must balance optimal cut and maximum yield (cutting the diamond to keep just as much carat weight from your rough stone as possible). Many people are willing to pay more for larger diamonds that are fair-cut than smaller well cut diamonds. there are occasionally pressure in the cutter to sacrifice appearance for weight. Cut is important because of this.
Two diamonds of equal carat weight might also appear totally different in dimensions depending on the model of the diamond. For instance, a 1 carat marquise tends to appear greater than a 1 carat round. The chart below illustrates why. For each diamond, the chart shows these:
Approximate size. The diamond images shown are a very close approximation of the actual scale of a 1 carat excellent cut for every shape. Visually, the more shapes (oval, marquise, pear, emerald) tend to appear larger for the eye compared to round and square shapes.
Measurements (Length x Width). The measurements correspond to the form shown above, and therefore are typical for excellent cut diamonds of 1 carat weight.
Crown Area - The entire surface area (mm2). The location gives the true dimensions of the diamond face up (because it would appear when occur a ring). For example, while the oval diamond image appears greater than the round image, the specific area is the same for that two shapes, meaning the real difference in size is just one of perception, not reality. In comparison, the oval not merely appears greater than the princess cut, it actually features a larger surface area (approximately 10% larger within this example), meaning the difference will not be simply an illusion developed by the elongated shape.
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Clarity
Clarity means the amount and size of the flaws (blemishes and inclusions) within a diamond. Clarity is believed to get the least impact on a diamonds appearance through the 4 Cs.
Diamonds with less imperfections have higher grades compared to those with more imperfections.
Diamonds are formed when carbon is exposed to extreme heat and pressure deep within the earth, and because of this process, almost every diamond has flaws. These flaws are referred to as inclusions and blemishes. Inclusion - found in the diamond. Inclusions includebubbles and cracks, and non-diamond minerals. Blemishes-found on the surface of the diamond.
Inclusions
By interfering with the passing light making the stone less brilliant, Inclusions affect the clarity of a diamond. Some inclusions could affect the effectiveness of a diamond and in some cases allow it to be more likely that this diamond will shatter.
Pinpoint Inclusions: Small light or dark crystals that appear in diamonds. They could be discovered by themselves or in clusters along with a large cluster of pinpoint inclusions produce a hazy spot within the diamond referred to as a cloud.
Laser Lines: Laser lines occur when an inclusion is removed from the diamond using a laser. They leave a vapor like trail from the surface of the diamond up to the level where inclusion was inside the diamond. They are an unnatural inclusion.
Feathers: Cracks in the diamond that resembles the shape of any 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 within 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 round the girdle (In which the top/bottom and crown/pavilion of 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 inside a diamond that develops by irregular crystallization.
Blemishes
There are many blemishes that barely possess impact on the diamonds appearance. Blemishes occur each time a diamond is polished and cut, though it may be being worn, or they may be an organic area of the diamond.
Scratch: A fine surface line which can be removed by polishing.
Abrasion: Takes place when diamonds rub against each other from peoples mishandling of jewelry. Several nicks in the edges of 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 is to a diamond. The diamond plot is exactly what jewelers use to see the number of blemishes, and inclusions a diamond has. The less marks over a diamond plot the higher 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 the inclusions and blemishes that you simply may or may not have the capacity to see using the human eye alone is shown on the diamond plot. When comparing the markings in the diamond plot towards the diamond, a few of the markings is going to be impossible to find out unless seen through the side angle.
Diamond Clarity Chart
FL -Flawless: No inclusions or blemishes. Rare.
IF - Internally Flawless: No inclusions, only blemishes. Rare.
VVS1, VVS2 - Very, Very Slightly Included: Inclusions can not be seen with all the naked eye and they are challenging to see even with 10x magnification.
VVS1 - Inclusions are usually seen through the pavilion (bottom) of the diamond.
VVS2 - Inclusions are usually seen from the crown (top) from the diamond.
VS1, VS2 -Very Slightly Included: Inclusions and Blemishes are visible with 10x magnification but almost impossible to detect with the human eye.
SI1, SI2 - Slightly Included: Inclusions and blemishes are visible with 10x magnification and might be observed with all the human eye.
SI1- lowest diamond grade with inclusions which are tough to see with all the naked eye
If a person knows what they are looking for, SI2- Inclusions can be seen with the naked eye.
I1- Included: Inclusions are visible towards the human eye
I2, I3 - Included: These diamonds contain inclusions which can be so pronounced, many diamond dealers usually do not carry them.
Color
Colour of the diamond will not change as time passes. The scale to grade a diamonds 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 in the range are definitely more valuable. The yellowish tint is formed from the actual existence of nitrogen.
Chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond is transparent without any 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 number of colors, according to 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. Rare.
E,F -colorless. Traces of color can be detected. F has 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 mixture of all the white light reflections from the surface as well as the within a polished diamond), fire (the dispersion of light to the colours of the visible spectrum, considered 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.
Just how a diamond is cut determines its cut grade. The cut is exactly what enables the highest level of light to get returned out of the the surface of the diamond. A properly cut diamond will appear larger due to the light that is certainly being reflected from its top. When a diamond is poorly cut, its weight could be based at the bottom making the diamond seem smaller than exactly what the Carat weight suggests.
Diamond Shapes
Round: Most favored of all shapes. Its created to make the most sparkle. It will be the most analyzed and researched cut. This is a timeless cut. About 75% of diamonds sold are round. Most round diamonds are brilliant cut, meaning they have 58 facets. Are more expensive per carat than fancy shapes for 2 reasons: demand is high and features a minimal yield. Most of the rough stone is lost when cutting it. A typical round diamond (for example; a 1.00 carat, F-color, VS2-clarity, Ex cut) may cost 25-35% over a similar fancy shape. In 1919, Marcel Tolkowskys thesis Diamond Design: Research from 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 increase brilliance, (light return) and dispersion (fire). His specifications were 53% table, 59.3% depth, 34.5 crown angle, visible cutlet.
Princess Cut: Has excellent sparkle and brilliance. It really is a more modern cut, created within the 1960s. They normally cost less because they permit a greater yield from your rough cut. They have a tendency to look smaller when viewed from your top when compared with other shapes with the exact same carat. Created in 1980 by Betzalel Ambar and Israel Itzkowitz. Away from all fancy cuts, its most popular, specifically for engagement rings. Good option for flexibility in dealing with just about any ring style, such as the round cut. Slightly lower price per carat than round cuts. Because of the four sided shape, similar to a pyramid, from the princess cut, is similar to half of the octahedron rough stone. Allows two diamonds to become 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, discounted price. Length to width ratio of 1.05 or less can look square to human eye alone. 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 be set with prongs so the four corners are protected. Probably to chip in the corners. Once close to the outer edge of the rough stone flaws are more likely to be by the corners because they were. Once the stone is set, the corners is going to be covered by the prongs, making the flaws nearly invisible. Avoid stones using a table % greater than depth %.
Oval: It absolutely was developed in the 1960s. It is an elliptical version from the round cut. When viewed through the top, it is likely to look larger than other cuts. Created 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 slimmer and long. Classic oval cut is 1.35-1.5 length to width ratio. Slightly thinner cut may look more appealing when diamond is with side stones. Tend to have much more of a bowtie.
Marquise: Similar to the oval shape, but the ends are pointed. When viewed from your top, it will look bigger than just about all other cuts. Football shaped. Modified brilliant cut. produced from the Marquise of Pompadour, to whom King Louis XIV of France allegedly experienced a stone fashioned to resemble what he considered her perfectly shaped mouth. Largest crown surface area. Maximizes the perceived dimensions of a diamond. The elongated shape helps make the wearers 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 with each other, and the right and left sides should mirror the other person. Slight misalignment may cause an off kilter look in the setting. Excellent or very good symmetry is strongly recommended. It should be set with all the prongs protecting both points. Such as the princess cut, the points were once nearest to the outer side of the rough stone, so flaws will probably be located there. The prongs which cover the points can make the flaws invisible. Points will also be more prone to chipping.
Pear Shaped: It is pointed at one round and end at the other. Because of its resemblance to a teardrop, it is also known as a teardrop cut. This sort of cut is generally utilized 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. Must have excellent or very good symmetry. Pont should align with apex of rounded end. wings and Shoulder, the lower and upper curves for both sides in the diamond, should form uniform, symmetrical curves, with no straight edges. Rounded top should consider looking such as a semi circle. It should not be narrow or squat. Sometimes, in an effort to add weight, cutters may give diamond added girth near the point or top. It affords 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 impacted by the long run setting. A narrow stone is ideal for dangling earings, along with a wider shaped stone is way better to get a solitaire ring. Has a degree of bowtie. Should be set with prong at the point., the purpose used to be nearest to the outer side of the rough stone, so flaws are more inclined to be located there. The prongs that cover the points can make the flaws invisible. Point can also be very likely to chipping.
Cushion Cut: also referred to as the pillow cut. It is incorporated in the model of a square or rectangle. It is additionally referred to as old mine cut. Its a square cut with rounded corners. Has been around for about 200 years. It was the de facto diamond shape up until the early twentieth century. It is actually prized by antique diamond dealers due to the return or light within a chunkier pattern than todays modern cuts. In addition, it has an enlarged culet. In the 1920s 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 greater than other shapes and private taste will mainly become the deciding factor where stone to select. Have more fire, even though less brilliant that round cuts. They have three pavilion facet patterns. GIA, as a modified cushion cut, though ones with extra row fo facets on the pavilion are considered. There is a crushed ice or needle like facet pattern. Classic cut is really a length to width ration of 1.00. most popular is 1.1-1.2 length to width ratio.
Emerald Cut: It features a recagular shape with the edges cut to possess steps, which behave like mirrors. The mirrors are employed to show the clarity in the diamond. Produced by the step cuts of pavilion as well as its large, open table. Create a hall of mirrors effect, rather than the sparkle of a brilliant, with interplay of light and dark planes. Long lines and dramatic flashes give this cut a stylish appeal, the cut was originally for cutting emeralds. Inclusions are simpler to see in this cut. If prefer square emerald, consider the asscher cut, classic cut has length to width ratio of 1.5.. Its considered a square cut emerald by GIA.
Asscher Cut: it is similar to the emerald cut, but it is more octagonal. Its steps and corners are larger and deeper. First produced in 1902 by Asscer Brothers of Holland. They cut the worlds largest rough stone, during the time, the Cullinan at 3106 carats. Peaked in popularity in 1920s but created a comeback around 2002, because of the modifications that increased brilliance. Comparable to 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 show up to get concentric squares while you look over the table. Has cropped corners, but because the cut is square, the cropped corners make it look somewhat octagonal. When mounted within 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 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 pavilion and crown. It creates a remarkable, lively square diamond. Popular in 1980s. 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 more rectangle, cuts, a bow tie effect is very likely to appear. A ratio of 1.-1.05 can look square to human eye. Want the brilliance of a round stone, though rectangular cut is ideal for those who like emerald cut. It has cropped corners, though looks very similar to princess cut. Once set, they search nearly identical because of prongs covering the corners.
Heart Shaped: the same shape as a heart. Modified brilliant cut. unmistakable and Unique symbol of affection. Popular in solitaire pendants and rings. Symmetry is vital. Its critical that two halves of heart are identical. Cleft, which is in between the two lobes, should be distinct and sharp. The wings, because they curve to the stage, should possess a slight rounded shape. Ones under .50 carats may not be a great choice, becuas its more challenging to perceive in smaller diamonds, especially after it is placed in the prongs. for smaller hearts, a bezel or three pong setting will preserve the outline of the shape after its set. The prongs ought to be placed one on each lobe, and one on 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 should be more narrow, 1.05-1.15 length to width ratio. Ones in solitaire rings should me more wide, .85-1.00.
Depth %: refers to distance between culet and table when diamond is viewed through the side. expressed in millimeters. its calculated by dividing the depth from the width in the diamond. the reduced the depth %, the larger a diamond of any certain carat will show up.
table %: calculated by dividing with of table facet by width of diamond.
diamond girdle: outer fringe of diamond where crown meets pavillion. Could be faceted- combination of tiny polished sides taht go round the diamond, bruted- single continuous unpolished surface that goes round the diamond, this sort of girdle is currently uncommon, or polished- a bruted girdle which has been polished making it smooth. How the girdle is will not affect the price or appearance of the diamond. it is described by width. the width varies at different points of the diamond. and is also described as a range, from thinnest to the thickest point. can impact diamond in three ways: The thickness from the girdle affects the relative position of the surrounding facets, and so 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 diamonds overall cut grade.
A thicker girdle will add weight to some diamond, thereby increasing its cost. Since a thick girdle adds depth to your diamond although not width, a thick girdled diamond will never appear any larger when viewed from your top (e.g. when placed in some jewelry), regardless of the additional carat weight. Real, even though the effect on carat price and weight is minimal.
An Incredibly Thin girdle is a lot more vunerable to chipping, and so ought to be avoided for diamonds that have to be occur a ring. Earrings or pendants are less in contact with rough contact and tend to be less prone to chipping round the girdle. Avoid both Extremely Thin and extremely Thin girdles in princess cut diamonds, because 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 in the bottom from the pavilliion. it may be pointed or a tiny facet that sits parallel towards the table. Any diamond culet dimensions of Medium or smaller will be invisible for the human eye, and possess no negative impact on a diamonds 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 diamonds brilliance. This may also make the culet appear as an inclusion. Alternatively, create a dead area on the diamond where the light is escaping through the bottom.
polish: amount of smoothness of each component of a diamond; When a diamond is polished and cut, microscopic surface defects could be produced by the polishing wheel as it drags tiny dislodged crystals over the diamonds 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 many 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 them back at the wrong angles, which reduces the brilliance. Often, a diamond cutter will purposefully allow a minor reduction in symmetry as a method of preventing a defect contained in the rough stone from being retained included in the finished diamond. its crucial in diamonds of vvs2 clarity and higher. the subtle defects would compromise the flawless appearance. includes a significant impact 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 consumers perceived price of excellent grades, compared to actual influence on a diamonds 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 its shape.
When light strikes a diamond, approximately 20% immediately reflects off the surface (as glare). In the 80% that enters, a part will escape through the foot of the diamond (where the observer cannot appreciate it). A well proportioned diamond could have each facet properly placed and angled in order to maximize the quantity of light that reflects back out of the crown (top) of the diamond, towards the eye of the observer. This reflected light is regarded as brilliance, scintillation and fire.
Look out for: Inclusion is visible for the human eye; extremely thick girdle; fair or poor symmetry; strong fluorescence; diamonds with no GIA certification
Comparison between Carat weight and Surface Area
When reviewing any diamond, it is essential to understand that an increase in diameter could have a more substantial increase in the crown area which leads to a perceived rise in overall size.
Two diamonds with the same shape and carat size could be regarded as having different sizes because of the cut dimensions. A diamond using a deep cut has much more of its weight hidden in the depth, which leads to a smaller diameter than a well cut diamond.
A properly cut diamond that includes a slightly lower carat weight compared to a deeply cut diamond, yet features a larger diameter can look larger in proportions.
A diamonds cut and carat figure out how big the stone will appear. A properly cut diamond that is certainly lighter than a poorly cut diamond will seem to be bigger diamond that is more beautiful compared to the heavier one.
A carat is dependant on weight. It does not reflect that actual scale of a diamond. It should be considered with all the diameter in millimeters and its cut grade.
The load of a poorly cut diamond may be hidden in the bottom of the diamond. That will make the diamond appear smaller in dimensions.
Irradiated/Fancy Diamonds
Colored diamonds are incredibly expensive and rare. To provide the general public using the popular colored diamonds, jewelers put the diamond through a process of high radiation treatments. The diamond then gets its color after both radiation treatments are complete and also the heating process.
When repairing diamonds, the jeweler has to re-expose the diamond to intense heat. This can result in the shade of the diamond to change since the process to add color to some 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 maximize sparkle, the diamond is cut in whichever way will emphasize colour
Every colored diamond has become irradiated because it really has been subjected to natural radiation.
Red-
Blue- color due to presence of boron
Yellow- color brought on by presence of nitrogen
Green- color brought on by natural radiation
Diamond Terms
Table/Face - The flat top of a cut stone
Girdle - In which the top/crown and bottom/pavilion of any diamond meet. The region which is usually grasped by prongs when choosing up a diamond.
Crown - The very best portion of the diamond which is higher than the girdle
Pavilion - The base portion of the diamond which is beneath the girdle.
Inclusions - Flaws found inside 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 most difficult natural substance in the world is actually a diamond
Diamonds are colorless when in their pure state
The most common colors of the diamond is brown and yellow
The rarest colors of the diamond are red and blue
1 Carat - .2 grams or .007 ounces
India is when 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 word diamond is derived from the Greek word adamas meaning unbreakable
The Greeks and Romans believed diamonds were the tears of the gods and splinters of fallen stars
Diamonds could only be scratched by other diamonds
250 tons of ore must be mined and processed to generate a single one carat diamond
Diamonds are the best known, natural, thermal/heat conductor