Selecting Diamonds

Diamonds are graded for certification by laboratories using grading criteria. Four of these criteria are critical to understand when making a diamond purchase or investment. Known as the “Four C’s” these criteria are: color, cut, clarity and carat. 

Color is the result of the composition of a diamond and it does not change. When a jeweler is describing the color of a diamond they are referring to the presence or absence of color in white diamonds. Because a diamond with no color allows maximum light to pass through, colorless diamonds are preferred for their sparkle.

Cut refers to a diamonds reflective quality. Most diamonds are cut with 58 facets. The brilliance of diamonds is heavily dependent on the cut. The different angles and the finish of a diamond determine its ability to reflect light and cause its brilliance and fire. Remember that the cut of a diamond can have an impact on its durability as well as its beauty. Some cutting faults can make a diamond prone to breakage. A diamond that is cut too thin can also cause light to leak out of the back and the diamond will lose some of the sparkle and appear not to shine. So, as you can see the Cut is probably the most important of the Four C’s.  

During the formation process, inner flaws, or inclusions occur in most diamonds. The number and size of these inclusions determine what is referred to as the clarity of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance and therefore are rarer and highly priced. To be considered “flawless”, a diamond must have no surface or internal imperfections visible upon being viewed by a skilled diamond grader using 10 power magnifications.

Carat is the unit of weight by which diamonds are measured. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams. A carat is divided into 100 segments called points. 150 points would equal one and a half carats. 

When you go to the store to make that all important diamond purchase, do not be shy! Ask questions, get the answers needed to make an informed purchase. Shopping for certified diamonds enables you to make an informed selection. Knowing the “four C’s” allows you to comparison shop and purchase the best diamond at a fair price.  But, before making a purchase, shop around and decide what shapes and styles really appeal to you.

Enjoy your diamond for years to come!

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A Primer To Certified Diamonds and Diamond Certification Laboratories

Knowing little about diamond certification is essential for anyone wanting to buy loose diamonds, or almost any part of the diamond jewelry diamond value can be accurately reflected on the certificate. diamond certificate, also called a diamond grading report, prepared expert gemologist and published by the Gemological Laboratory. There are plenty of Gemological laboratories around the world confirm the diamonds, but it is the norm almost all jewelers in the industry has its diamonds certified by the select few internationally renowned Gemological laboratories, which are considered to employ the strictest standards of diamond grading. Known by its initials, and laboratories Gemological Institute of America (GIA), American Gem Society Laboratories (AGS), the European Gemological Laboratories (EGL), International Gemological Institute (IGI), the Hoge Raad voor Diamant (HRD).
Although all of these types of laboratories employ a system that assesses a diamond's value mainly from the Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat, some are held in higher regard than others, because each of these organizations has its own set of standards and advocacies. You can therefore expect a diamond certificate to play an integral part of their cost and resale value. Listed below are some facts point to any laboratory that the buyer may take into consideration when purchasing a certified diamond.
GIAGemological Institute of America is perhaps the most highly respected among the five because it is primarily a non-profit educational institution. Founded in 1931 by Robert Shipley, a pioneering little goldsmith during the 30's, GIA's primary mission is to promote education, research, laboratory services and instrument development in the gem and jewelry industry. It was responsible for making "4 C's": Cut, color, clarity and Carat standard for evaluating diamonds
AGSThe American Gem Society shares the same pedigree as the GIA, after being established in 1934 by the famed Robert Shipley. It consists of a group of over 1200 retail jewelers in North America, he established his own laboratory in 1996 and contributed to progress in modernization and new instruments diamond grading standards as the AGS and AGS 0-10 grading system based on the results of Cut Grading system.
EGLEuropean Gemological Laboratories is an international organization established in Europe for over 30 years. Since then it has split into two independent entities owned by: International EGL and EGL USA. EGL International, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001: 2000 certified organization and advocate of "SI3" designation for diamond clarity
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IGIWith locations in all major cities of the diamond trade worldwide, including New York, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Bangkok, Tokyo, Dubai, Toronto, Los Angeles, Tel Aviv, the International Gemological Institute is the largest independent laboratory in the diamond in the world . This is the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001: 2000 certified in four countries including the United States, Canada, India and the United Arab Emiratima.IGI was founded in 1975 and currently headquartered in Antwerp.
for the development of human resources
"Hoge Raad voor Diamant," or Diamond High Council GIA is considered the European counterpart to the representative of the Belgian Diamond Industry. The organization was conceived and based in Antwerp, a city that was at the head of the diamond industry and home to the world's most talented diamond šikare.Laboratorij HRD Diamond is the first laboratory in the diamond in the world that is NBN EN ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
reputable jeweler should be able and willing enough to explain the details to any customer who wants to know more about the different processes of assessment and standards employed by each laboratory, so that he can make an informed odluke.Dijamant certificate is valid and recognized by jewelers and appraisers in the world certified as a clear preference for non-professional buyer.

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Are Synthetic Diamonds As Good As Natural Diamonds For Engagement Rings?

White diamonds are the most popular gemstone for engagement rings. But these days, there are so many different options, including color fantasy, imitation, and even synthetic diamonds. So, what are your real alternatives? Do synthetic diamonds really a good alternative to natural ones in engagement rings?
Unlike imitation or fake diamonds, which are completely different from natural diamonds, both in terms of their chemical composition and physical appearance, synthetic diamonds are identical to natural diamonds.
while they are in a natural geological processes over millions of years under the severe conditions of high temperatures and pressures, synthetic diamonds are made in the laboratory process developed in the second half of the twentieth century.
as well as natural diamonds, synthetic, or man-made diamonds, consists of pure carbon. The process of formation leads to the production of carbon lattice is identical to natural diamonds. Synthetics, thus having the same atomic composition, physical appearance and chemical properties. They are, therefore, the real diamonds. They are just not natural.
as well as natural diamonds, the quality of plastic varies depending on the success of their production processes. Synthetics can look as good as mined diamonds, not so good, or they can look even better than natural articles!
And because the whole production process can be carefully controlled, synthetics can be made ​​in a wide range of colors, clarities and carat weight too. However, as the natural variety, more synthetic, which are grown in the laboratory, it is likely that defects develop in its structure. This means that a larger carat synthetic materials are harder than lower carat weight, just as they are mined diamonds!
So, do not do a good synthetic diamond engagement rings? Well, it really depends on how you feel about them.
For many people, if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's a duck! While the same argument can certainly be made ​​for synthetic diamonds, and not everyone feels that way. Others argue that the diamonds in the laboratory can only ever be a copy of the original nature.
because they are grown in the laboratory, synthetics are much cheaper than their mined counterparts. This can make them a good alternative to the budget is not quite what you hoped. If you choose one with superb clarity grading, a good cut and color, it will flash with fire and brilliance, as well as a natural diamond would.
While reputable jewelers can easily tell the lab grown diamond is natural, it is unlikely that anyone will be able to say that your engagement ring is set with a diamond laboratory, unless you tell.
synthetic diamonds can make a great engagement rings, if the bride will be one to accept. But do not pretend that it is a natural mined gemstone, if it is not, or you'll quickly realize that synthetic diamonds are also the poorest choice of all the engagement ring!

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Your Complete Guide to Investing in Diamonds and Diamond Price Estimation

Throughout history, diamonds are sought after not only for aesthetics, but also because they can be a very sound investment. To understand the potential of diamond as an asset, it is important to understand why the world of values.

Diamonds have intrinsic value: has many unique features, their primary objective and merit lies in the fact that sunajteže substances on Earth , and last almost forever.

Diamonds are highly portable:. For all its value, diamonds can easily be concealed and carried out, and in time of war or threat, diamonds are always just a precious objects that are fleers been able to keep the

Diamonds carry their value all over the world: Diamonds are the currency and country agnostic, and hold their value anywhere in the world .

Investing in diamonds:

As the price of diamonds ? Unlike gold or other commodities, there is no simple cost-per-gram system to decide diamond prices. However, the diamond industry refers to the international prices will be reflected by the color, cut, clarity, carat weight and other parameters.

Do diamonds appreciate in value? Yes, it does not appreciate, but it is truer than the bigger solitaires tiny stones. Certain types of diamonds are a better bet in terms of value, respect from others. For example, a round brilliant cut is considered the best choice for investors. Fancy shapes such as princess-cut, heart shape and cushion reduces the fashionable choice for jewelry, but do not hold value as well as the ever popular round brilliant-cut diamond.

What is quality?

It is true that a higher grade, higher value diamonds, but the highest grade diamonds are not necessarily the best investment. In fact, diamonds in the upper mid-range (clean and a good color) are the most "current", ie, most bought and sold, which means they are more liquid than the highest grade rocks. For example, it is usually easier to sell H color, SI clarity VVS, or stone, the stone D color flawless purity.

Most importantly, the investor should buy diamonds certified by international assessment agencies such as the GIA, IGI, HRD or AGS. Certificates carry detailed descriptions of rocks, including the unique features that make the "fingerprint" of stone. Exercises also offer the services of a laser inscription, which makes it easy to identify a diamond. In any case, certified diamonds are easier to sell because uncertified diamonds will need a lot of fresh assessment is always the dealer cost.

as a tangible, hardy asset class with high intrinsic value, diamonds are an excellent value holders who make a good investment protection to keep the value of money, especially in the unstable and inflationary times. Although not a conventional choice for those seeking a quick profit, a wise and patient investor can reap a nice profit if he exploits the unique capabilities of diamonds as an investment.

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Swarovski Crystal #5000 6mm Round Beads Black Diamond (10)

Price: $3.75

Product Description

Genuine Swarovski Crystal Beads. The Brilliance Of Austrian Crystal Simply Can't Be Matched. . COLOR & FINISH: Black Diamond STYLE: Round STYLE NUMBER: 5000 SIZE: 6mm OTHER MEASUREMENTS: n/a QUANTITY: 10 .

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #59224 in Art and Craft Supply
• Brand: Swarovski

Features

• Color: Black Diamond
• Materials or Model Number: 5000
• Measurements: 6mm
• Quantity: 10
• Shape or Style: Round

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