Diamond Buying Guide
Diamond Buying Guide(Diamond FAQ):
Where all of the answers to your diamond buying questions are found.
Table of Contents
1. Is it safe to buy a diamond online?
2. What are the 4c’s of a diamond?
3. Which one of the 4c’s has the greatest effect on the price of a diamond?
4. What is a diamond?
5. How do you read a diamond grading report?
6. What does the term “finish” mean on a diamond grading report?
7. What are diamond inclusions?
8. What are diamond blemishes?
9. How does diamond color affect a diamond’s value?
10. How does carat weight affect a diamond’s value?
11. Does diamond fluorescence have an effect on diamond value?
12. How do clarity grades affect the value of a diamond?
13. Are old European and old-mine cut diamonds valuable?
14. Where do Diamonds come from?
15. What does the term “diamond cut” mean?
16. What is a round brilliant cut diamond?
17. What is an Ideal Cut Diamond?
18. Are round brilliant cut diamonds that fall outside of the ideal cut parameters still good looking diamonds and should I consider them when shopping for a diamond?
19. Is there an ideal cut fancy shape diamond?
20. What is a GIA certified diamond?
21. What is the Princess Cut Diamond?
22. What is the Pear Shape Diamond?
23. What is an asscher cut diamond?
24. What is an emerald cut diamond?
25. What is the Trillion or Trillian Cut Diamond?
26. What is the bow tie effect?
27. When was the first diamond engagement ring given?
28. What is the diamond girdle and what is its significance?
29. What is an Old European Cut diamond?
30. What is an Old-Mine Cut diamond?
31. What is diamond clarity enhancement?
32. What is the difference between carat and karat?
33. What is the oval shape diamond?
34. What is a heart shape diamond?
35. What is the Marquise Shape Diamond?
36. What is the Radiant Cut Diamond?
37. What is a baguette cut diamond or a diamond baguette?
38. What is the cushion cut diamond?
39. What does the term “spread” mean when referring to diamond weight?
40. What is a diamond’s depth percentage?
41. What is a diamond’s table percentage?
42. What is the culet and its significance to a diamond?
43. What are some treatments used today to improve a diamonds color?
44. How do I know if a diamond certificate has been altered or counterfeited?
45. How can I tell if the gem is really a diamond?
46. What is the American Gem Society(AGS)?
47. What is the Hearts and Arrows effect or a Hearts and Arrows Diamond?
48. How do I take care of my diamonds and diamond jewelry?
49. What is the truth about conflict diamonds or blood diamonds?
1. Is it safe to buy a diamond online?
It seems a little risky but buying a diamond online is certainly safe when you’re armed with a little diamond education. Buying a diamond online can be a very pleasant experience. Instead of being coerced by a salesman at a local jewelry store during such an important purchase, use the internet to your advantage and arm yourself with diamond knowledge before you buy a loose diamond. After you’ve done a little research and learned about diamonds, all you will need to see and understand is actually provided on the diamond grading certificate that comes along with a diamond. You can get a copy of the GIA, EGL, or AGS certificate before you buy the loose diamond, this is essential because the certificate will provide all of the pertinent information you need in making an informed choice as a consumer. There is no way a consumer(with no diamond grading or gemology experience) can look at a diamond or diamonds in person and make a rational, informed buying choice. As long as the internet jeweler has a 30-day return policy like ours than there is nothing to worry about. Most diamond purchases done online are paid for with a credit card, therefore the safety of the chargeback is always there for the consumer. On the other hand, if you were to buy a diamond or diamond jewelry at your local jewelry store with a personal check, cash, or money order but decide not to go through with it…you may have to go through a lengthy legal process to try and get your money back. In addition, diamonds sold online are hands-down much cheaper than diamonds sold at local brick-and-mortar jewelry stores therefore saving the consumer from ridiculous retail markups. Moreover, when you buy a loose diamond online, you can also save quite a bit of money since there are no state taxes on the purchase.
2. What are the 4c’s of a diamond?
The 4c’s are the four determining factors for a diamonds value; carat weight, color, clarity and cut.
3. Which one of the 4c’s has the greatest effect on the price of a diamond?
Out of the 4c’s, color has the greatest effect on the price of a diamond. If you were to put them in descending order, as far as price goes, clarity would come next, and then clarity and carat weight.
4. What is a diamond?
A diamond is the hardest natural known mineral and it’s known today as the symbol of love and engagement. Scientifically speaking, a diamond is crystallized carbon, the same mineral used in lead pencils but it has a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. A diamond has a refractive index of 2.417, and a specific gravity of 3.52. Rough Diamonds are mined in countries such as Africa, Brazil, Australia, Russia and Canada. Believe it or not, most diamonds are actually used for industrial purposes but the diamond(especially a flawless diamond) is the most precious stone on earth. Colorless (transparent white) diamonds are by far the most popular diamonds today. Diamonds can also come in different colors which are called fancy colored diamonds. A fancy colored diamond can be yellow, brown, orange, red(the most valuable), blue, or green. Generally speaking, fancy colored diamonds sell for much more than colorless diamonds, however, there are some yellow and brown diamonds that are not considered fancy colors because their colors may be too pale. A diamonds determining value is broken down into the “4c’s”. The 4c’s are a diamonds cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
5. How do you read a diamond grading report?
The most important thing to look for is whether or not it’s from a reputable independent laboratory. There are a handful of respected labs in the United States: the top three used in the U.S. are:
Gemological Institute of America(GIA)
European Gemological Laboratory(EGL)
American Gem Society(AGS)
The diamond grading report should inform you of the identity of the stone, therefore stating it’s truly a diamond, not a diamond synthetic or stimulant. When reading a diamond grading report you should be able to answer all of the simple questions below, therefore helping you make an informed purchase:
- What is the Date issued?
- What is the Certificate #?
- What is the Shape and Cutting Style?
- What are the Measurements?
- What is its Weight?
- What is its Depth percentage?
- What is its Table percentage?
- What is the Girdle grade?
- Is there a Culet?
- What is its grade for Polish?
- What is its grade for Symmetry?
- What is its Clarity Grade?
- What is its Color Grade?
- Is there Flourescence?
- Are there any Comments at the bottom of the report?
- Is there a Diamond plot with the actual locations of inclusions and blemishes?
6. What does the term “finish” mean on a diamond grading report?
The “finish” is referring to the evaluation of the symmetry and polish of the diamond. The symmetry of a diamond is a grade on how well the facets are aligned with one another from side to side and crown to pavilion. The grades for symmetry and polish are written as excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor. If the symmetry of a diamond is graded as fair then there is something usually off and the diamond will have significantly less value than another diamond graded “very good” or “excellent”. The polish grade cannot be forgotten when buying a loose diamond. A diamond with a polish grade of fair will have a dull luster and a diamond with a polish grade of excellent will have a bright beautiful luster therefore the value will be higher as well. We recommend buying a loose diamond with a “finish” (polish and symmetry) grade of good or better.
7. What are diamond inclusions?
A diamond inclusion is a tiny characteristic(e.g. microscropic crystal) enclosed in a diamond or going into it from its surface. All diamonds have inclusions or clarity characteristics that were formed during natural growth. A diamond’s inclusions are its identifying characteristic, it’s what makes each individual diamond unique-no two diamonds are the same. Moreover, diamond inclusions also help in identifying a specific diamond. Diamond inclusions have a big impact on the diamond clarity grade. Getting familiar with the different diamond inclusions will allow you to differentiate between a diamond that has a significant inclusion or a diamond that has an inclusion that won’t be so significant in affecting its clarity and value. Please take a look at the different diamond inclusions and their definitions below.
- Crystal- a mineral trapped in a diamond.
- Cloud – many microscopic crystals grouped tightly together and this provides a hazy cloud-like appearance when viewing under a 10x loupe.
- Needle- is a tiny, long crystal within a diamond.
- Pinpoint-when viewed under a 10x loupe, this looks like just like a dot, but this is a crystal.
- Feather-a small break inside of diamond that looks like a feather, when viewed under 10x magnification.
- Knot-a crystal within a diamond that actually extends to the surface of the stone.
- Indented Naturals- a small part of the original rough that dips below a polished diamonds surface. Naturals are usually left on the diamond because this saves diamond weight. These naturals are usually found on the diamond girdle and don’t take away from a diamonds beauty or clarity grade for that matter.
- Bearded Girdle-tiny feathers that extend from the surface of the girdle to the interior of the diamond.
- Chip-an opening in the diamond that is caused by impact, a chip on a diamond will usually be found on a girdle, culet or facet edges.
- Cavity- an tiny opening in a diamond after a crystal that reaches the surface gets polished out.
- Internal Graining-is caused by irregular crystal growth in a diamond. If seen under 10x magnification, internal graining is characterized by lines, curving lines or angular lines.
- Twinning Wisp- when viewed under 10x magnification, a twining wisp looks like a flat, reflective, flowing ribbon, they can be white or colorful and usually are located around the diamonds center.
- Cleavage- a break in the diamond located along a weak atomic plane.
A diamond blemish is a clarity imperfection that’s on the surface of a diamond. Diamond blemishes don’t usually have a big impact on the diamond clarity grade like diamond inclusions do because they are usually polished away during the cutting process. Blemishes can be formed as the diamond was naturally being formed under ground. Getting familiar with the different diamond blemishes will allow you to differentiate between a diamond with a significant blemish or a diamond that has a blemish that won’t be so significant in the diamonds light reflection and refraction. Please take a look at the different diamond blemishes and their definitions below.
- Naturals- are small parts of a rough diamond's surface left on the diamond during the diamond cutting process. Naturals are usually left on the diamond because this saves diamond weight. These naturals are usually found on the diamond girdle and don’t take away from a diamonds beauty or clarity grade for that matter.
- Abrasions- nicks caused by wear, they’re found along facet edges and usually have a whitish, fuzzy appearance.
- Scratches- are thin, white lines, shallow in depth. Diamond scratches can certainly lower a diamond's grade, on the other hand, scratches can usually be polished away.
- Nicks- nicks occur when there has usually been a significant careless impact which actually will break a piece of the diamond off. Diamond nicks are usually confined to the girdle. Nicks can be polished out but the diamond could lose some weight.
- Polishing Lines- Polishing lines are formed during the cutting process, they look like lines or scratches on a diamond surface. A diamonds polishing lines usually form in parallel lines on a diamonds facets. They could affect the value of a diamond if they are seen on the crown however, if they are found on the pavilion, this usually has no significant effect on the diamond value.
- Trigons- Trigons can be created during the natural formation of a diamond or during the diamond cutting process. A trigons triangular shape is the result of the octahedral crystalline structure that actually form a diamond.
- Pits- Pits are tiny holes, they usually look like white dots, appearing on the surface of the diamond. The location of a pit certainly has an effect on the clarity grade of the diamond. If a pit is on the diamond’s table, it could lower the reflection and refraction of light therefore affecting the clarity grade. Some small pits can be polished out of the diamond without losing diamond weight and large pits can be polished out as well but usually lowering the diamond carat weight.
- Rough Girdle- is a pitted, granular or irregular girdle surface.
- Extra Facet- a facet on a diamond that isn’t required by a certain diamond shape or cutting style, the extra facet is usually found at the diamond girdle.
- Surface Graining- is caused by irregular crystal growth on a diamond surface. If seen under 10x magnification, surface graining is characterized by lines, curving lines or angular lines.
- Etch Channels- are inclusions that look like saw cuts, they extend from the surface going into the diamond.
- Polish Marks- Under 10x magnification, they look like hazy spots on a diamond, resulting from extreme heat or uneven polishing on a diamonds surface.
- Lizard Skin- a tiny bumpy area on a diamond’s surface that resembles lizard skin when viewed under 10x magnification.
9. How does diamond color affect a diamond’s value?
Diamonds come in an array of colors and these different diamond colors are extremely relevant to the diamonds value. Most loose diamonds purchased today are in what is called the normal color range. This range includes diamonds ranging from colorless to light yellow and light brown. Colorless diamonds are the rarest which in turn mean they are the most valuable of diamonds. The recognized color scale in the diamond industry starts at the letter ‘D’(colorless) and goes down to the letter ‘Z’(light yellow or brown). Fancy colored diamonds are a whole other apple, please contact us if you have questions regarding fancy colored diamonds. Please refer to the GIA diamond grading scale below, this is the most recognized scale in the industry. 
10. How does carat weight affect a diamond’s value?
Carat weight is the overrated value determining factor for a diamond. A diamonds weight is represented in the ‘carat’ unit measurement. One carat is equal to 0.2grams. The abbreviation for carat is ‘ct’. The basic concept is a diamond of a heavier carat weight, considering all other factors equal, is certainly more valuable than a diamond of a lesser diamond carat weight. Larger diamonds are rarer than smaller diamonds which also brings us to inform you that a 1ct diamond is certainly more expensive than purchasing four 0.25ct diamonds, considering all things equal. Prices increase as the carat weight increases, for example, a high quality diamond that weighs 1.00ct will command a higher price than the same quality round brilliant cut diamond weighing 0.75ct. In addition, let’s say we have a high quality round brilliant cut diamond that weighs 1.00ct and another high quality round brilliant cut diamond that weighs just under 1.00ct, and its weight is 0.98ct. The 0.98ct round brilliant cut diamond will cost significantly less than the 1.00ct round brilliant cut diamond. Also note, that diamond prices don’t gradually increase, there are big jumps in prices considering a diamonds weight. For example, a 2.00ct round brilliant cut diamond could cost 4 times the price of another 1.00ct round brilliant cut diamond of the same quality, another example is a 3.00ct round brilliant cut diamond costing 5 times more than the same quality round brilliant cut diamond weighing 2.00ct.
11. Does diamond fluorescence have an effect on value?
Yes, diamond fluorescence does affect the value of a diamond. If a diamond exhibits a strong blue fluorescence than that diamond should be 15%-20% less than a comparable diamond without fluorescence. Flourescence will make a diamond look murky, cloudy or oily when it’s in the daylight or under fluorescent light. GIA, EGL, and AGS diamond certifications will state whether or not a diamond has fluorescence.
12. How do clarity grades affect the value of a diamond?
Very few people can see differences in diamonds unless the diamond falls within the imperfect grades(I1, I2, & I3), even then it is hard to see the inclusions. Based on the GIA clarity grading system, the top clarity grade is “Flawless” or “FL” meaning the diamond in question is free from all blemishes and inclusions. A flawless diamond is extremely rare and most jewelers will never see this in their lifetimes. Colorless, “flawless” diamonds with well-proportioned cuts will certainly command a premium price well above any other diamond. The clarity grade just lower than “flawless” is called “Internally Flawless” meaning the diamond is free from inclusions but could have a blemish on the surface. Internally flawless diamonds command a premium price, a lot more expensive than the diamonds categorized below it. The clarity grade below “IF” is called VVS1 and VVS2, meaning the diamonds that fall into this clarity grade are very, very slightly included. The minute inclusions in a VVS1 and VVS2 diamond are extremely difficult to see, even for the experienced diamond professional using magnification. VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds command a premium price as well compared to the lower grade diamonds. Below VVS1 and VVS2 clarity grades, there is VS1 and VS2 grades. VS1 and VS2 graded diamonds have minor inclusions that are difficult for a diamond professional to see without magnification. Well proportioned, colorless diamonds of the VS1 and VS2 clarity grade are more available therefore these are excellent stones to buy. Diamonds with a clarity grade of SI1 and SI2 are stones that are “slightly included” meaning the inclusions within it can be easily seen under magnification by a qualified diamond professional. Colorless, well cut, diamonds with an SI1 and SI2 clarity grade are even more readily available then the VS1 and VS2 graded diamonds. SI1 and SI2 graded diamonds are less costly and sometimes have inclusions that can be seen without magnification by a qualified diamond professional. The lowest clarity grade for a diamond is “imperfect” or the I1, I2, I3 grades. Imperfect diamonds are significantly less expensive compared to the higher clarity graded diamonds and can sometimes have inclusions that jeopardize the stability of the diamond.
13. Are old European and old-mine cut diamonds valuable?
Old European and old-mine cut diamonds are just as valuable as if they were a modern cut diamond. There is an ever increasing demand for old cut diamonds, just like all things in fashion come back into style. If there is demand like there is today, then the price will only continue to rise as they have over the last decade, keeping older cuts in the same price range as modern cut diamonds.
Diamond deposits are found in rivers, streams, ocean coasts, and underground. Diamonds were first found in India during the 9th century-B.C.E. For centuries India was the only source for the world’s diamonds. During the 1700’s diamond deposits were discovered in Brazil and in the late 1800’s South Africa became known for its extraordinary deposits. During the 1900’s significant diamond deposits were also found in Canada, Russia, and Australia(known for fancy pink diamonds)-significantly contributing to the world’s diamond markets today. Africa is the leader in diamond production, specifically South Africa where DeBeers is headquartered. DeBeers controls a lot of the diamond industry however the landscape is changing due to the boom of diamond production in other countries like Canada, Brazil, Venezuela, Russia, and Australia.
15. What does the term “diamond cut” mean?
A diamonds cut is the most significant factor in grading the beauty and personality of a diamond, the word “make’ can be used interchangeably here. Some people confuse the diamond cut with the diamond shape(round, princess, asscher, etc.), they’re not the same. When examining a diamond’s cut we are referring to a diamond’s proportions, symmetry and finish. A diamond that is cut well will be a lively, fiery, brilliant stone, while the poorly cut diamond will certainly be dull, therefore a well cut diamond will command a premium price. Moreover, if there are two diamonds with the same color, clarity and weight, but the cut grades are different, then their value can dramatically differ. Furthermore, the durability of a diamond can also be affected by how good the stone was cut or proportioned.
16. What is a round brilliant cut diamond?
A round brilliant cut diamond is a faceted round diamond with 57 or 58 facets. Round brilliant cut diamonds are by far the most popular and most classic of diamonds sold today. They are the most expensive diamond shape as well. There are 33 facets on the crown and 25 on the pavilion, the round brilliant cut diamond is designed to provide the most brilliance and liveliness of all the diamond shapes.
17. What is an Ideal Cut Diamond?
An ideal cut diamond is a round brilliant cut diamond that’s cut to such precise proportions that the light entering through all sides of the diamond is sent back out of the diamond through the table with maximum reflection and refraction. If a diamond is cut too deep, the light will leave the diamond through the sides and if a diamond is cut too shallow then the light will also leave through the sides and bottom of the stone. An ideal cut diamond is not possible all of the time, in many cases, the rough diamond’s natural inclusions make it impossible for diamond cutters to apply ideal proportions during the cutting process. There are a few different versions of the ideal cut diamond, please take a look at the parameters and ideal cut diamond chart below, any round brilliant cut diamond that falls within the measurements below is an “ideal cut diamond”.
- Table Size: 53% to 57.5% of the diameter
- Total Depth: 57.7% to 63% of diameter
- Crown Angle: 33.7 to 35.8 degrees
- Pavillion Depth: 42.2% to 43.8%
- Girdle Thickness: medium to slightly thick
- Culet: pointed, very small to small
18. Are round brilliant cut diamonds that fall outside of the ideal cut parameters still good looking diamonds and should I consider them when shopping for a diamond?
Absolutely, most of these diamonds are still stunning, brilliant and fiery stones. This is where a person shopping for a diamond can really get the best bang for the buck. Please take a look at our recommendations below, it can be agreed upon by many in the diamond industry that any round brilliant cut diamond within these ranges will certainly be a stunning, brilliant and attractive stone.
- Our recommendation for table percentage is anywhere from 52.4% to 66%
- Our recommendation for total depth percentage is 56% to 65%
- Our recommendation for crown angle is 30 to 37 degrees
- Our recommendation for pavilion depth percentage is 42 to 44%
- Our recommendation for girdle thickness is a grade of Thin to Slightly Thick
- Our recommendation for culet is a grade of none, very small, small, or medium
No, there is not a scientific formula for the fancy shape diamonds like there is for the round brilliant cut diamond with its ideal cut parameters. However, there are industry wide recommended length-to-width ratios for fancy shapes that will produce the fire, brilliance and scintillation we associate with diamonds. Please look at the proportion guidelines below if you are shopping for a fancy shape diamond.
Fancy Shape Diamond Recommended Length-to-Width Ratio
Princess | 1.00 through 1.10 to 1 ratio |
Emerald | 1.30 through 1.75 to 1 ratio |
Oval | 1.30 through 1.66 to 1 ratio |
Radiant | 1.20 through 1.50 to 1 ratio |
Asscher | 1.00 through 1.10 to 1 ratio |
Heart | 1.00 through 1.00 to 1 ratio |
Cushion | 1.00 through 1.30 to 1 ratio |
Marquise | 1.75 through 2.25 to 1 ratio |
Pear | 1.40 through 1.75 to 1 ratio |
20. What is a GIA certified diamond?
A GIA certified diamond is a diamond that was graded and documented by GIA diamond experts, A GIA certificate will include such pertinent information like the diamond’s exact measurements, inclusions, color, clarity, carat weight and cut grade. Furthermore, GIA will not grade clarity enhanced diamonds so if your diamond comes along with a GIA certificate then you know it hasn’t been clarity enhanced. GIA is the world’s foremost authority on diamond grading, you can rest assure knowing your diamond is certified by GIA.
21. What is the Princess Cut Diamond?
The princess cut diamond is a brilliant cut that’s square or slightly rectangular in shape. It was created by Israel Itzkowitz and Betzalel Ambar around 1980. It can have anywhere from 49 to 78 facets and it’s cut to display brilliance and an amazing scintillation. The princess cut diamond is usually cut deep to produce the greatest amount of fire. A princess cut diamond is significantly less expensive than a round brilliant cut diamond of the same quality. A good looking princess cut diamond will have a length-to-width ratio of 1.00 through 1.10 to 1.
22. What is the Pear Shape Diamond?
The pear shape diamond is a faceted diamond with the girdle outline in the shape of a pear or tear drop. A pear shape diamond will usually have 58 facets. It displays great scintillation because of its many facets and it’s very popular for use for pendants and earring drops. A good looking pear shape diamond will have a length-to-width ratio anywhere from 1.50 through 1.75 to 1. Just like the oval and marquise shape diamond, the pear shape diamond(when set in an engagement ring) will also make the finger appear slender or longer.23. What is an asscher cut diamond?
The Asscher shaped diamond is named after Joseph Asscher, owner of the Amsterdam based Asscher Diamond Company. An asscher cut diamond has 57 facets. The Asscher cut was first cut in 1902, this was the Art Deco period where diamond jewelry was created in straight lined geometric form.
The asscher diamond has large step-cut facets which bring out an attractive luster. Its facets are usually larger than an emerald cuts and its shape is square with beveled corners. The asscher cut diamond has a deep pavilion, faceted culet, high crown and small table, it was created to bring out their inner fire. The best cut asscher cut diamond will have a length-to-width ratio of 1 to 1.
24. What is an emerald cut diamond?
An emerald cut diamond is a shape of diamond characterized by a rectangular shape and cut corners. An emerald cuts facets are rectangular and trapezoid . The emerald cut diamond is a step cut diamond meaning it was faceted with step like facets. The emerald cut diamond is known for its mirror-like effect to the eye as opposed to the fire and brilliance that is associated with round brilliant cut diamonds.
25. What is the Trillion or Trillian Cut Diamond?
The trillian cut diamond is a triangular faceted diamond first cut in Amsterdam by Leon Finker, 1978. The trillian has 25 facets on the crown and 19 facets on the pavilion. It’s known for its display of fire and recently with the futuristic looking fashion trends going today, the trillian cut diamond is starting to take center stage on engagement rings. The trillian cut diamond is certainly less expensive than a round brilliant cut diamond of the same quality and a good looking trillian cut diamond should have a 1 to 1 length-to-width ratio.
26. What is the bow tie effect?
The bow tie effect is a dark area stretching across the widest part of a fancy shape diamond(marquise, pear shape heart, etc). Most fancy shape diamonds cut today will display a slight bow tie effect, however some, more than others. The less evident the bow tie effect, the better cut the diamond is. The more evident the bow tie effect, the worse the cut or proportioning of the diamond is.
27. When was the first diamond engagement ring given?
The diamond was valued as early as the 15th century. The first diamond engagement ring was given by Archduke Maximilian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. The wedding ceremony was held 24 hours later. Back then, diamonds were uncut, so they were valued as a symbol of strength and protection, not beauty.
28. What is the diamond girdle and what is its significance?
The girdle is the part of a diamond that separates the crown from the pavilion, it’s the outer edge of the diamond. The diamond girdle usually has a frosted appearance and many diamonds are finished with a fully polished or even a faceted girdle. The aforementioned characteristic is usually a diamond cutters preference and it does not effect the value of the stone. The diamond girdle is graded in terms of thickness. These terms are Extremely Thin, Very Thin, Thin, Medium, Slightly Thick, Thick, Very Thick, or Extremely Thick. When shopping for a diamond, we suggest buying one with a girdle that is neither Extremely Thin nor Extremely Thick. Moreover, a diamond with an extremely thin girdle can chip and an extremely thick girdle can make a diamond look smaller from the face up position.
29. What is an Old European Cut diamond?
An old European cut diamond is an antique diamond cut first started in the 1800’s, long before today’s modern technology produced precise and geometrically perfect diamond shapes. A descendent of the old mine cut diamond, European cut diamonds have fifty eight facets, a very small table and a bulky crown. This type of diamond is usually very deep, and the culet is usually larger than in contemporary cut diamonds. The overall shape of an old European Cut diamond is round, though some old European cuts may be slightly oval due to the lack of technology used to cut diamonds generations ago. Old European cut diamonds have enjoyed a new surge in demand over the last decade as they have become increasingly popular among those wanting to buy antique style engagement rings.
30. What is an Old-Mine Cut diamond?
An old-mine cut diamond is the earliest form of the round brilliant cut diamond. The old-mine cut diamond is square with rounded corners and "brilliant" style facets. The diamond’s crown is usually tall and the culet is usually large enough to be seen through the table. Old-mine cut diamonds usually lack the brilliance of the modern cut stones but still display awesome fire. Old-mine cut diamonds have enjoyed a new surge in demand over the last decade as they have become increasingly popular among those wanting to buy antique style engagement rings.
31. What is diamond clarity enhancement?
Clarity enhancement is any method used to improve a diamond’s clarity grade. The two most popular today are lasering and fracture filling. Lasering is a technique using a laser to make black inclusions disappear from a diamond, basically the laser beam vaporizes the inclusions. An experienced jeweler or diamond professional will be able to tell if a diamond has been treated with a laser or not. If the diamond comes along with a certificate from a reputable lab then that certificate should state whether or not the diamond has been clarity enhanced in any way. A diamond that has been lasered will certainly cost much less than a diamond that has not been lasered, considering all other things equal amongst the two. Fracture filling is another clarity enhancement process whereby a glasslike substance will be injected into the breaks in a diamond. Fracture filling is not a permanent treatment, the glasslike substance can actually seep out of the diamond or change colors leading to an unattractive diamond. GIA will not grade a fracture filled diamond, therefore you know your getting a good stone that hasn’t been altered if it comes along with a GIA certificate.
32. What is the difference between carat and karat?
A carat is a unit of measurement for diamonds and other gemstones. One carat is equal to 0.2grams. The abbreviation for carat is ‘ct’. Each carat is divided into 100 parts called 'points,' therefore, a 1-carat diamond has 100 points, a ¾ carat has 75 points, etc. A karat on the other hand is a unit of measurement for gold purity.
33. What is the oval shape diamond?
The oval shape diamond is a diamond that’s been cut into an oval or elliptical shape, it’s very similar to a round brilliant cut diamond except for it being elongated. It was first produced by Lazare Kaplan in the 1960’s and usually has 56 to 58 facets. A good looking oval shape diamond will have a length-to-width ratio anywhere from 1.33 through 1.66 to 1. On the other hand, a poorly cut oval shape diamond will most likely display the bow-tie-effect. Just like the marquise shape diamond, an oval shape diamond that’s set in an engagement ring can make a finger look longer and slender. Oval shape diamonds can also be 25% less expensive than a round brilliant cut diamond of the same quality.
34. What is a heart shape diamond?
The heart shaped diamond is the most symbolic shape for romance. The origin of the heart shape diamond can be found with the pear shape diamond. The heart shape diamond often begins as a pear shape that has to be turned into a heart shape because of an inclusion located in it. The very skilled diamond cutter will eliminate the inclusion from the rounded end of the pear shape, dividing this into two equal lobes, thus leaving a heart shape diamond. The best length to width ratio is 1.0 to 1.0. The heart shape diamond is perfect for pendants and is very popular around Valentines Day.
35. What is the Marquise Shape Diamond?
A marquise shape diamond is a diamond that’s cut in an elliptical shape with two pointed ends. Its shape helps it maximize carat weight providing a much larger looking diamond. Elegant, traditional and very popular, the marquise shape diamond is traditionally used as a center stone to a diamond engagement ring and is usually set parallel to the finger. A well cut marquise shape diamond looks awe-inspiring when it has small accent stones along either side in an engagement ring setting. A good looking marquise shape diamond will have a length to width ratio of 1.75 through 2.25 to 1. Full of fire because of its 56 facets, the marquise shape diamond can make a finger look longer and slender. Just like other fancy shape diamonds, the marquise shape diamond can suffer from the “Bow-Tie-Effect”. The bow-tie-effect is the dark area in the middle of some brilliant cut diamonds that literally looks like a bow-tie. The bow-tie-effect usually happens to pear, marquise, heart and oval shape diamonds that are cut too shallow or too deep.
36. What is the Radiant Cut Diamond?
The radiant cut diamond is a square or rectangular shape diamond with the four corners cut off. A radiant cut diamond usually has a deep pavilion so a great amount of light can enter it and reflect back up through its large table, maximizing the brilliance! The radiant cut diamond usually has 70 facets. A good looking radiant cut diamond will have a length-to-width ratio of 1.20 through 1.50 to 1, anything outside of this ratio range and the diamond is usually too short or too long. A radiant cut diamond can be up to 30% less expensive than a round brilliant cut diamond of the same quality.
37. What is a baguette cut diamond or a diamond baguette?
A baguette cut diamond is rectangular in shape and usually small in size, less than 1.00ct in weight. The baguette was first created in the 1920s and 1930s when the Art Deco and Art Nouveau movements were in full swing. The baguette cut diamond is a step cut diamond that is similar to other square to rectangular shape diamonds, like the emerald cut, however, the baguette is mostly used as a side stone in diamond engagement rings. A well cut baguette cut diamond should have a length to width ratio of 1.5 to 1 and 14 facets, this is less than the number of facets in the emerald cut diamond. The baguette cut diamond is usually used as side stones for other cuts of diamonds, they make the shoulders and diamond engagement rings gorgeous. Using diamond baguettes as accent stones in engagement rings will also hide the girdle of the center diamond which some people prefer, as opposed to solitaire engagement rings which have no side stones. The baguette cut diamond is awesome for use in channel and pave settings. These accent diamonds in a channel setting display beautiful light play. The diamond baguette has an awesome luster and slight fire!
38. What is the cushion cut diamond?
39. What does the term “spread” mean when referring to diamond weight?
The “spread” is a term that unfortunately a handful of jewelers actually still use today, the spread of a diamond is basically stating that a certain diamond looks the size of a 1.00ct diamond however, it’s actual carat weight is something more like 0.97ct. Always make sure when you are shopping for a diamond to get the exact carat weight of the stone, this will eliminate any salesman trying to sell you a 0.97ct diamond but saying it spreads 1.00ct.
40. What is a diamond’s depth percentage?
The ratio of the total depth of the diamond (from table to culet) as compared with the average girdle diameter. So, if the average girdle diameter of a round diamond is 6.50 mm and the total depth is 4.00 mm, then the depth percentage is 61.5%. Please note, girdle thickness can affect depth percentage. If a girdle is very thick or thick then the depth percentage will be high, this will produce a dull diamond. If the depth percentage is too low than the diamond will also be dull. When buying a round brilliant cut diamond our recommendation for total depth percentage is anywhere from 56% to 65%...stay in this range and you’ll find a gorgeous, dazzling loose diamond.
41. What is a diamond’s table percentage?
The ratio of the width of the table compared with the average girdle diameter. So, if the average girdle diameter of a round diamond is 6.50mm and the table width measurement is 4.00mm, then the table percentage is 61.5%. Our recommended range when buying a loose round brilliant cut diamond is 52.4% to 66%....stay in this range and you’ll find a fabulous loose diamond.
42. What is the culet and its significance to a diamond?
The culet is the bottom point of a diamond. A round brilliant cut diamond should have no culet at all. If there is a culet, it should be graded small or very small. If a round brilliant cut diamond has a large culet then this can take away from the beauty of the stone therefore reducing the value as well. What happens is the center of the diamond ends of looking dark if it has a large culet. Antique cut diamonds like European cut and old mine cut diamonds all have large culets and this is actually part of the look, feel and appreciation of an old world cut diamond.
43. What are some treatments used today to improve a diamonds color?
High-pressure/high-temperature annealing(HPHT) is the most popular treatment used to change light yellow(grades Q-Z) diamonds to colorless(D-F) stones. This diamond treatment can also be used to create fancy color diamonds. Only major grading laboratories can detect this treatment, therefore make sure your diamond comes with a grading certificate from GIA, EGL or AGS.
Radiation is another form of diamond color enhancement that can turn light yellow diamonds into fancy colors such as greens and blues. Some other lame treatments that are used are: touching the culet with ink in turn making the diamond appear whiter or more colorless, painting or sputtering a diamond with a special substance, and last but not least, coating a diamond with certain chemicals while it bakes in a lab oven. As long as a diamond grading report from a reputable lab such as GIA, EGL, or AGS comes along with the diamond, you will have no problem knowing if the diamond has been treated in anyway.
44. How do I know if a diamond certificate has been altered or counterfeited?
There are some instances where diamond certificates have been altered, but the diamond industry has done a great job to prevent this. To make sure your diamond certificate has not been altered in any way, just call the diamond grading laboratory and provide them with the certificate number and date issued. They will be able to confirm everything on the diamond certificate. There are many fancy misleading certificates that are out there today. Don’t be fooled by a fancy lab name, there are many jewelers that grade their own diamonds and print up a great looking lab report….they print up a report that looks something similar to the major reputable grading labs, even the lab name on the report will sound similar(i.e. Gemology American Institute), therefore misleading the customer into thinking that the diamond was graded by an independent reputable diamond grading laboratory. Make sure you purchase a diamond that is accompanied by a diamond grading certificate from the Gemological Institute of America(GIA), American Gem Society (AGS), or the Europoean Gemological Laboratory (EGL).
45. How can I tell if it’s the gem is really a diamond?
The following answers can only be applied to round brilliant cut diamonds. Unless you are an expert with many years of experience in the diamond industry, it’s pretty hard to tell whether or not a diamond is truly a diamond. There are a few things that will prove that a diamond is a diamond or not. If you have a round brilliant cut diamond in your hands and place it face down over a newspaper article and you can see the letters clearly through the diamond, this diamond is worth questioning. If you buy a piece of jewelry with a gem that is stated as a diamond but it’s glued into the piece, chances are it’s a rhinestone and not a diamond. A lot of antique jewelry hold glued in gems that look like diamonds, so certainly be aware of this. Another thing to look out for is whether or not the ring setting has an open back. You should be able to see the pavilion of the diamond because the setting should have an open back, this allows the light to play in the diamond. Only antique pieces have close back settings which hide the pavilion, in this case it’s usually a rhinestone in the setting. The closed back is usually silver foil attached to the bottom of the stone, which acts like a mirror, this creates brilliance in an otherwise not so lively rhinestone. Cheap imitations often have significantly less facets on the crown of the stone, a real round brilliant cut diamond will have thirty-three facets. A diamond is very valuable therefore the diamond cutters make sure to carefully and skillfully polish each individual facet in it’s strategic place, a fake is usually sloppily cut showing misaligned facets and facets that don’t have perfect sharp edges that all come to points. The only diamonds that should show facets that are significantly misaligned and somewhat sloppy are the old world cuts such as the old European cut or old mine cut diamond. Another factor to consider is whether or not the stone in question has facet edges that are worn out, chipped or scratched, a diamond is the hardest natural mineral therefore it does not ware down like it’s imitations. Also, if the stone in question is a CZ(cubic zirconia), this will be 75% heavier than a diamond of the same size. Synthetic moissanite is also being sold today and this will weigh lighter than a diamond of the same size. The wisest thing to do is make sure your diamond comes with a GIA, EGL, or AGS certificate.
46. What is the American Gem Society(AGS)?
AGS is an independent grading laboratory just like GIA or EGL. The same founder of GIA is the founder of AGS. AGS is one of the first labs to grade the cut of diamonds. AGS uses a scale of “0-10”. When a diamond is graded “0” or “Triple 0”, then the diamond holds the highest standard of excellence in Polish, Symmetry and proportions.
The hearts and arrows effect occurs when a round brilliant cut diamond is cut to the highest standard considering its polish, symmetry, and proportions. All of its facets are identical and placed at perfect strategic angles. It’s the ideal of ideal cut round brilliant cut diamonds. The hearts and arrows effect is seen under a scope which usually comes with a purchased hearts and arrows round brilliant cut diamond.
48. How do I take care of my diamonds and diamond jewelry?
Diamonds and diamond jewelry require regular care and cleaning at home in order to maintain there beauty. Please refer to the diamond care tips below:
- Clean your diamond or diamond jewelry on a regular basis by letting it soak for a little while in warm water and a non-abrasive household cleaner (i.e. window cleaner or baking soda). After the diamond is done soaking, remove it from the liquid and use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub it nice and softly. Then the diamond needs to be rinsed with water and wiped with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Try to not touch your diamond with your fingers because fingers provide enough have oil that rubs off onto the diamond slightly altering the way your diamond looks.
- Don’t let your diamond or diamond jewelry come in contact with hand lotion, hairspray, bleach and other similar products as well as wearing the diamond jewelry in water. If a person wears a diamond engagement ring into the pool, ocean or while washing dishes, the fingers will contract making the diamond engagement ring loose on the finger and susceptible to falling off. Hand lotion can get under the engagement ring prongs then you risk a chance of the diamond being loosened in the setting. Bleach and other similar products can actually corrode the ring setting.
- When you are not wearing your diamond engagement ring or diamond jewelry, leave it in a cloth lined jewelry box with different compartments or dividers.
- Don’t wear your diamond engagement ring while doing yard work or rough work.
49. What is the truth about conflict diamonds or blood diamonds?
Conflict diamonds or blood diamonds are diamonds that are secretly sold by warlords in Liberia, Angola, Sierra Leone, and Congo all to fund civil wars that tear these countries apart. Government and non-governmental agencies alike have instituted the international Kimberley Process to combat these diamonds from reaching the marketplace. Diamonds early in the pipeline are now provided diamond origin certificates and participating countries must state they will not use proceeds from a diamond to fund conflict. The Kimberley Process has been very successful therefore the chance of a customer actually receiving a conflict diamond is slim to none. We take this issue very seriously and consider it with the utmost respect and attention. We make sure every diamond we sell is purchased from a reputable dealer and has gone through the Kimberley Process.
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