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Diamond color is the term used to refer to the hue a stone exhibits in light. Diamonds come in a large variety of colors, but it is the saturation of that color that determines their value. For example, although yellow diamonds are very valuable, a yellow-ish diamond can be nearly worthless.
  The Diamond Color Grade D, E, F Virtually Colorless G, H, I Show Slight Color J Show Color (Not recommended) Completely colorless diamonds are very rare and expensive. Thankfully, slightly colored diamonds (G,H,I) usually appear colorless to the naked eye and can better fit your budget. Keep in mind that lower grade diamonds can be adjusted using settings and cuts that show off the more colorless aspects of the stone. If you're thinking about an emerald cut, be aware that the large table area will show off more color than any other cut. Only D, E, F (and exceptional quality G) diamonds are recommended for emerald cut stones. Diamond Florescence: Florescence in a diamond is similar to a white shirt under a UV light. If your diamond does exhibit this rare phenomenon, blue florescence is the best choice for a colorless diamond. Blue florescence is complementary to diamonds with a yellow tint. The blue makes the diamonds appear whiter and more colorless. Orange or yellow florescence only work well with similar colored diamonds. They are not desirable for colorless diamonds. Too much florescence can also be a bad thing, causing the diamond to look cloudy or oily. Florescence also alters the diamond's brilliance depending on direct and indirect sunlight. Diamond color and different colored diamonds should not be confused with one another. Colored diamonds are referred to as "fancy diamonds" and can come in blue, yellow, pink, champagne, brown and black. The color in these stones is at such high saturation levels that a vibrant and undeniable coloring is apparent. These stones are rare and expensive. Tainted stones below the J color grade are often considered not suitable for use in jewelry and are used in the industrial world. Diamond Certification is important for three things: 1. To assure that you are getting what you've paid for. 2. To assist if reselling the stone becomes a priority. 3. To estimate the replacement value of the stone for the purposes of insurance. With so many players in the diamond selling business, diamond certification is a method of assuring customers that the stones they purchase meet industry standards. Certification also serves to assure the buyer, in writing, the cut, clarity, color, and carat weight of the diamond. If your jeweler tries to tell you that certification is not absolutely necessary, he is probably not trustworthy and you should find a new jeweler. The two major gemological laboratories that issue certifications are the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the European Gemological Lab (EGL). The certification process involves close scrutiny of each stone by a gemologist in order to determine the quality and validity of the diamond. Known also as a diamond grading report, diamond dossier, or diamond quality document, certification provides a trustworthy basis on which to resell or insure stones. Are you looking for something more unique and just a little different from an ordinary engagement ring diamond? A champagne diamond will give you just the impact you're looking for at a good price. Champagne diamonds, sometimes called brown diamonds or chocolate diamonds, are actually tainted white diamonds that feature a hay or cognac coloring. What is the difference between yellow and champagne diamonds? Yellow diamonds have more of a canary coloring and virtually no brownish tint. Champagne diamonds are not usually referred to as yellow diamonds because they often exhibit a warmer, slightly browner, or even orange-ish, coloring. The depth of this color varies from stone to stone; some may look yellow, while others appear more brown. The diamond grade for champagne fancy diamonds go from C1-C7. C1 and C2: light champagne C3 and C4: medium champagne C5 and C6: dark champagne C7 : cognac or brown These stones are valued according to the same guidelines as white diamonds. It is important to consider cut, clarity, color, and carat weight when purchasing a champagne diamond. Because they are technically tainted white diamonds, champagne diamonds are often less expensive than white diamonds. This could help you budget for a much larger stone with a great cut and superb clarity. Although they aren't as expensive as many other diamonds, champagne diamonds are no less stunning. Especially when set next to white diamonds, the rich color offers a less traditional alternative to most engagement rings. Champagne stones tend to radiate a warmer glow on the finger, as opposed to the icy shine of white diamonds. The Argyle mine in Australia is the world's leading producer in champagne diamonds. The term “champagne” comes from the Argyle mine's attempt to identify the brown diamonds in a more exotic way. Pink diamonds have recently seen an increase in popularity and with absolutely good reason. Pink is associated with femininity, grace, beauty, and love. If you want something that will dazzle and win her over, a pink diamond is definitely the way to go. Part of the allure of the pink diamond lies in it's rarity. Because these stones are so rare, they are more expensive than white diamonds and make a striking statement. Pink diamonds are mainly mined in the Argyle mine in Australia. They have not been found in many other mines across the world, a fact which is a contributing factor to the rarity and high cost of these pretty stones. Since they are so hard to find, the girl who has everything probably doesn't have one of these babies. Pink diamonds exhibit a light pink tint that makes them a popular choice for women of every culture, across the world. Pink or reddish tints are the most popular, followed by purple or orange tinted stones. These stones are so popular that even those which are known to have enhanced coloring can sell for more than the same quality white diamonds. Even white diamonds with a secondary pink coloring are valued higher than white diamonds with no secondary color. If you're on a budget but absolutely must have a pink diamond, keep in mind that even artificial pink diamonds are more expensive than the same quality, natural white diamonds. Less expensive options include pink sapphires, or pink rubies, which often exhibit a darker pink color than the pale pink diamond. However, these stones do not have nearly the same amount of shine, sparkle, or durability as a diamond. Engagement rings with a pink diamond are often accented with white diamonds. Even a slight contrast between the colors still makes for an impressive presentation. Pink-champagne diamonds are champagne stones with a secondary, pink coloring. Whether it be a pink or a pink-champagne diamond, the beauty in these stones ensures that she will absolutely love it. Buying an engagement ring is a big step in anyone's life, but it doesn't have to be a difficult one. Here are some considerations to keep you on the right track. 1. Taste and Lifestyle Two of the first things you should consider before buying an engagement ring are taste and lifestyle. Keep an eye out for the kind of jewelry your love likes to wear. Is it flashy or dainty? Is it modern or more vintage? Does she enjoy simple, clean shapes, or does she prefer elaborate and intricate designs? After understanding her taste in jewelry, consider the lifestyle she likes to lead. Does she pull out her jewelry only for special occasions, or does she wear a lot of it often? Is she physically active? A setting such as 'the channel,' will help protect the stones from wear and tear but doesn't allow them to shine as brightly. Settings such as 'the solitaire prong' or 'the three stone' show off more of the diamond but provide it little protection from the elements. Each of these considerations will help you choose a ring that she will love wearing for many years. 2. Deciding on A Price The hardest question you may have to decide is how much should you spend on the engagement ring. First and foremost, don't let your engagement ring purchase become too emotionally driven. Yes, you're in love, but you shouldn't allow yourself to slip into debt for the ring. Have a set amount in your head before you go into the store. Generally, it is acceptable to spend 2 months of your salary on the ring, however, don't ever allow yourself to be pressured into buying something you really can't afford. Remember that you can compromise between the 4 C's to find the perfect ring for any budget. For example, if clarity is the most important aspect of the diamond for you, you can save money by compromising on cut. Don't get discouraged and keep hunting until you find a deal you are comfortable and happy with. 3. Start with Choosing a Diamond A good first step in designing your ring is choosing a diamond. Always consider the 4 C's when looking at diamonds and think about using a family heirloom to save yourself some money. Also, keep in mind that the ring size could help you determine the carat weight. A smaller diamond will ultimately look bigger on a small ring size. 4. Choose Your Setting Settings vary from yellow gold, white gold, and platinum. Platinum is an expensive, but prime, choice for an engagement ring simply because of its durability. An engagement ring is meant to last forever, and will be something you most likely purchase only once in your life. Do it right and get something that has quality and the potential to last as long as your love. Keep in mind that the more intricate a ring setting is, the more likely it is to have areas that naturally collect dirt. 5. Finding A Reputable Jeweler & Getting A Good Deal Buying form a reputable jeweler is the most effective way of making sure that you get a good deal and that you get your money's worth. An engagement ring is supposed to last forever, so make sure that you trust your jeweler. This ensures that if something goes wrong with your ring, such as losing a stone, scratching, need for a cleaning, and resizing, you have a safe and trustworthy place to go to get it fixed. Many reputable jewelers offer warranties on their engagement rings. There you have it. Go forth and propose with confidence!
"Blood diamond, " or "conflict diamond," is the term given to stones which have had a role in funding the brutal wars in Angola and Sierra Leone. Rebel groups, like the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), use slave labor to mine and smuggle diamonds across the Angolan and Sierra Leone borders, into Liberia. These rebel groups kidnap, brainwash, use and murder child soldiers in order to obtain these stones. Once a diamond is removed from its location, there are no markers to tell where it came from. These "blood diamonds" become intermixed with other loose stones on the market, making it very difficult to differentiate conflict diamonds from non-conflict diamonds. Making sure that the diamond you purchase is not a blood, or conflict, diamond, is very tricky. There is usually no way to absolutely guarantee that your diamond is conflict free. That being said, recent sanctions have made it necessary for every diamond going into the international market to carry a 'Certificate of Origin.' Ask for this certificate when you choose a stone. Retailers who abide by this Kimberly Process of Certification Scheme can help you make sure that you purchase a cruelty-free diamond. Another way to help ensure that your diamond is not a blood diamond is to use a retailer who sources diamonds from nations such as Canada or Australia only. These countries have not only established certification, but also micro-engrave their stones to match Certificates of Origin. Trusting your jeweler is an extremely important aspect of purchasing a stone. Don't be afraid to ask questions about where the diamond came from, what policy the company upholds in regards to conflict diamonds, and if your stone comes with a Certification of Origin. Following these steps can help put your mind at ease about purchasing a cruelty-free stone. Diamond cut and diamond shape are two different aspects of the gem. Diamond cut refers to the design guide used when shaping a diamond in the symmetrical facets that give the stone it's brilliance. How a diamond will be cut depends on the natural characteristics of the rough diamond. The shape of a rough diamond is typically an octagon and the more symmetrical the octagon, the easier it is to conserve and fashion into an ideal cut diamond. An ideal cut allows the diamond to reflect nearly all the light that enters it, resulting in a brilliant fire. A diamond cut determines the brilliance, or sparkle, a stone will exhibit. A poorly cut diamond will appear too dull, allowing light to escape through the sides if it has been cut too deep, and will lose light through the bottom if it has been cut too shallow. The ideal is the second most expensive cut available, only after the branded “Hearts on Fire” diamonds, which have inflated price tags largely because of successful marketing. For budgeting options, consider the following. A very good cut will allow almost as much light reflection as the ideal cut, but at a lower price. A good cut will reflect most light and a fair cut may still give you some reflection, although not nearly as much as a good cut. Poor cut diamonds usually do not allow the stone to reflect light in a way that would enhance their brilliance. Look for stones with an ideal, very good, or good cut in order to get the most value for your money. Diamond cut standards vary from country to country. The most popular diamond cut today is the round brilliant, which has been symmetrically perfected through the centuries. Again, the cut is decided based on the inclusions and the characteristics of the natural diamond crystal. There are hundreds of diamond cuts that have been developed over the years. The most popular, modern cuts include the brilliant cut, fancy cut, step cuts, mixed cuts, and rose cuts. Step cuts differ from brilliant cuts in that their facets are broad with flat planes that look similar to stairs. Step cuts are best for the emerald and asscher shapes. Artificial diamonds have become a popular alternative for people who want to absolutely avoid purchasing blood diamonds. Although artificial diamonds do not come from the earth, their name may be misleading. The term "artificial" refers to the process of obtaining the result, rather than the resulting stone itself. Like cultured pearls, artificial diamonds are actually diamonds. Artificial diamonds are not glass or quartz. They are, in fact, actual diamonds, created through one of two methods. One method, involves starting out with a small seed of the stone and adding molten graphite, in layers, to make it larger. Another method, called Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), involves condensing tiny pieces of diamonds to build them up, layer by layer, inside a chamber. These stones can also be easily colored. The resulting stone is an actual diamond, artificially created, but with all the properties and benefits of a natural diamond. So can you tell the difference? Yes. Artificial diamonds are actually too perfect. They usually contain no inclusions and have a very brilliant fire. This characteristic tells them apart from natural diamonds and can often be detected by the naked eye. It is ironic that the characteristic that makes the artificial diamond so beautiful, its fire, is also its downfall. However, natural stones are valued not only because of their beauty but because the earth took thousands, perhaps millions, of years to make them. They aren't perfect, and that's okay. An artificial diamond is mathematically, scientifically, and artificially perfected to be what society holds as a symbol of the infinite complexity of love. A natural diamond represents nature's eternal variation and chance of imperfection. We value natural diamonds because of all the circumstances that had to sync up to have led them to our fingers; the years and pressure it took to form them, the luck it took to find them, and the craftsmanship it took to cut and set them. They are the products of just the right conditions over the right amount of time. Wearing natural diamonds connects many people to the earth and to the royalty that covets and adorns diamonds in their ceremonial lives.
Whether you purchase a natural or artificial diamond may depend on preference or budget. If budget is your concern, keep in mind that natural stones of good quality can still be found if you play around with the 4Cs. Blue diamonds have captured our imaginations and stolen our hearts throughout the centuries. Natural blue diamonds are extremely rare and those of exceptional quality are some of the worlds most famous diamonds. The Regent The Regent diamond is a white to pale blue, cushion cut diamond that weights 140.64 carats. Discovered by a slave in the 1600s in India, the Regent has belonged to such royalty as Phillipe II, Duke of Orleans, Marie Antoinette, Napoleon Bonaparte, Marie-Etienne Nitot, and Louis XVIII. Today, it belongs to the French Royal Treasury at the Louvre and it's estimated value is uknown. The Queen of Holland The Queen of Holland is a D grade white diamond with blue florescence. This magnificent stone started it's famous life at 136.25 carats, while it was in the hands of the Maharaja of Nawanagar. After Cartier bought the stone, it was sold to William Goldberg of New York in 1978 and recut to 135.92 carats. It presently stands as a 135.92 carat, cushion cut diamond and belongs to Robert Mouawad. The Hope The Hope diamond is a deep blue, cushion cut, 45.52 carat diamond that is possibly the most well-known diamond in the whole world. Famous for it's deep grayish-blue color, the Hope diamond has been surrounded by mystery and rumors of a curse for much of it's existence. The origins of the diamond are unknown, although the stone weighed 115.28 carats while it was in the hands of french merchant, Tavernier, in the late 1600s. The stone was later cut, by decree of Louis XIV, down to 67.8 carats. After being stolen during the French Revolution, the French Blue (as it was known then) disappeared from history. Whether the Hope diamond, as we know it today, is a part of the French Blue, no one actually knows. Owned by the Smithsonian Institution, the Hope diamond is currently being displayed on its own, without a setting, for the first time in its history. It's estimated value is between $300-$350 million USD. Titanic's "Heart of the Ocean" The "Heart of the Ocean" was a fictional diamond featured in the motion picture, 'Titanic' in 1997. The stone and its story is actually based on the Hope diamond. Even the thinnest film of grime on your ring can cause it to significantly lose it's splendor. Luckily, getting your ring to sparkle like new can be as easy as 5 easy steps. Step 1 Boil one part water with one part mild, liquid detergent. Ammonia can also be used but will remove the coating from fracture-filled diamonds. Step 2 Use a plastic kitchen sieve, with plastic mesh, to dunk the ring in water and soften the dirt. Step 3 Use an old toothbrush in soft or medium to start brushing out the dirt. A toothpick can also be used but be careful! Step 4 Place the ring in your now slightly boiling soap-water and vigorously shake for a few minutes to remove any loose dirt. Step 5 Rinse with cold water and dry with a lint-free cloth. If you aren't satisfied with the results, you could always take the ring to your jeweler, who will most likely use an industrial steamer and ultra sonic machine to remove any residual dirt. The best way to avoid having your ring become a magnet for dirt is to have your jeweler cast it via pulled wire. Also keep in mind that diamonds are very hard indeed, but their settings, as well as other gemstones that may also be on your jewelry, are often much softer. Contact with household cleaning products and other various chemicals can damage jewelry and should be avoided. Choosing the right diamond is mainly about considering which of the 4 C's are most important to you. Deciding on an importance scale will help you budget for your diamond. Although diamonds are not rare, diamonds that are on the top of the scale for cut, color, clarity, as well as carat weight are extremely rare, and therefore, expensive. For example, if clarity is important to you, you could budget for an extremely clear diamond while compromising on the cut, color, and carat weight. Educating yourself on the 4 C's of diamonds is a vital part of choosing the right diamond for your ring. Even if you do choose one of the 4 C's as most important on your scale, keep in mind that you cannot completely ignore the others. A large, flawlessly cut diamond isn't worth much if it looks tainted in sunlight. Choosing the right diamond could also have a lot to do with choosing the right diamond size. Keep the ring size, or ring finger size, in mind when you are considering carat weight for your diamond. Smaller ring sizes, usually belonging to thinner and longer fingers, will make even a smaller carat diamond look large. The reverse is also true, as a larger ring size, and finger size, usually requires a more hefty diamond. Family heirlooms are a personal and touching addition to your ring and can even save you money. If you've got a ring that has been handed down for generations, but is a bit outdated, consider using its diamond. This can be a great way to preserve your family traditions while updating them. Choosing the right diamond should also mean that you buy from a reputable diamond dealer. Make sure that you are not purchasing a blood diamond by asking for the proper diamond certifications. These include GIA and EGL certified diamonds. Diamond clarity is a term that refers to the lack of flaws within and on the surface of a diamond. Flaws may include the following: Inclusions: which are cracks, clouds, feathers, spots of different colors, bearding, internal graining, knots, cavities, and cleavage within, or on the inside of the diamond. Blemishes: which are scratches, polish lines, grain boundaries, nicks, pits and other defects present on the surface of the diamond. Although most blemishes don't tend to detract from the overall brilliance, diamonds in category 'I' (and below) may include defects that could seriously alter the overall beauty of the stone. It's important to keep in mind that no natural diamonds are completely flawless and the ones that come close will be very expensive. "Museum" or "investment" quality diamonds usually come close to the "FI" category. Grading Scale for Clarity included = inclusions FI: flawless IF: internally flawless VVS1 & VVS2: very, very slightly included VS1 & VS2: very slightly included I1 & I2 & I3: included Flaws in the VS2 category and above are usually invisible to the naked eye. The more inclusions and blemishes a stone has, the less it may sparkle in various settings. Remember that if you see a stone that is nearly flawless, at a great price, it is most likely a fake diamond. If clarity isn't the most important "C" on your list, keep in mind that there are various techniques available to remedy included diamonds. Laser treatments, which are permanent, and fracture filling, which is semi-permanent, can make less expensive stones look clearer. Inclusions can also be hidden by the setting. Clarity is just one of the "4C's" that are most important in a diamond. Others include color, cut, and carat weight. In today's crazy world, just as you may resort to some desperate measures to save money on a diamond for your engagement ring, others may resort to desperate measures such as selling you a fake diamond. Being able to guarantee that the diamond you purchase is real, and of the quality you've agreed upon, is an important aspect of feeling comfortable with your purchase. Here are some very effective and easy ways to tell if your diamond is real. Simple Tests 1. Diamonds don't fog up when you breath on them because of their ability to absorb heat. If it fogs up, it isn't real. 2. Diamonds refract light in so many directions that it's impossible to look through them. Put a loose diamond over text. If you can see the text pretty clearly, it isn't real. 3. If you see bubbles or waves when you look through your diamond, it is probably glass. Buy A Diamond Tester If you're considering a large purchase, it may be worth the effort to buy a Presidium Diamond Mate-C Electronic Diamond Tester ($125 RSVP). If you know that you're going to be making your purchase from a less than reputable source, this little device could really help you stay on top of the deal. Ask For Certification GIA and EGL certified diamonds are two of the major reputable certification boards that premier diamond dealers swear by. If someone tries to pass off another certification as authentic, run for the hills! Certification will also list the clarity, cut, color, and carat weight of your diamond. Check the girdle of the diamond, or the point where table and crown meet. Modern stones will most likely be laser-inscribed with a serial number that correspond with the number on their certifications. Look for Flaws Diamonds are a natural substance that have been formed inside the earth over millions of years; they are going to include flaws. Extremely flawless diamonds are either sitting in museums, very expensive, or actually fake. Guaranteeing that the diamond you purchase for your ring is real could be as simple as visiting a jeweler you really trust. This is one of the reasons that it is always recommended that you build a relationship with your jeweler and make sure that they are a valued business in the community. India was the first diamond producing nation in the world, before exhausting it's supply by the 18th century. Today, diamonds are mined on every continent but Europe, including countries such as Africa, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Russia, Brazil, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Canada, Australia, and the United States.
Although diamond shapes are referred to as 'cuts,' diamond shape and diamond cut should not be confused. Diamond shape refers to the outward appearance, form or outline of a stone, while a diamond cut refers to the different facets that are cut into the stone. Diamond shapes The most popular shape in the world for an engagement ring diamond is the princess cut, which looks similar to an upside-down pyramid with a square or rectangular face. The corners of this cut are never trimmed. Developed in the 1960s, the princess cut has gained popularity and is usually cheaper than the round brilliant cut. The round cut is the next most popular diamond shape in the world and is usually featured with a brilliant cut. The round brilliant is so popular because it is the most brilliant of all the shapes, meaning that it reflects the most light possible and has the most fire. These features also make it a very expensive cut. Christina Aguilera, Pamela Anderson, and Carmen Electra are just a few of the stars who sport a round cut engagement ring.
The cushion cut is a less brilliant, although more romantic and more classic cut, that is a slightly rounded square or rectangle. Sometimes called the "pillow cut," the cushion cut has recently seen a rise in popularity. Keep in mind that this cut is usually featured on larger diamonds. The Hope Diamond is a cushion cut, blue diamond and a great example of the beauty of this shape.
The asscher cut features a stepped square cut that is meant to focus your eye deep into the diamond. Sometimes called the "emerald square," the asscher cut is similar to the emerald cut in that it also features truncated corners. The asscher has recently gained popularity thanks to Carrie's ring on "Sex and the City." This cut is a nice alternative to the cushion cut because it is usually featured on smaller diamonds.
The marquis cut is an oval shape that is tapered at both ends. This cut is traditional and elegant, making it a popular choice for engagement rings.
The emerald cut features a graduated step cut with a large table area. Emerald cuts are often extremely expensive because the large, flat surface means that inclusions are more likely to be seen. Only the highest quality stones are used in the emerald cut. Celebrities with emerald cut engagement rings include Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, and Melania Trump.
Diamond shapes also include heart, pear (or tear drop) and radiant cuts. These are not as popular in engagement rings as those mentioned above, but are often used as accents for the main stone. |
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