My Pink Diamonds

DiamondDiamond is a crystalline form of carbon.Its rarity makes it extremely valuable and precious. The combination of the 4Cs, namely Cut, Clarity, Carat and Colour, determines the value of a particular diamond. Cut

While nature determines a diamond’s clarity, carat weight and colour, the hand of a master craftsman is necessary to release its fire, sparkle and beauty. When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light will reflect from one mirror-

like facet to another and disperse through the top of the stone, resulting in a display of brilliance and fire.

Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow lose light that spills through the side or bottom. As a result, poorly cut stones will be less brilliant and beautiful and certainly less valuable. A well cut or faceted diamond, regardless of

its shape, scintillates with fire and light, offering the greatest brilliance.

Ideal Cut Diamond

Every angle, proportion, and facet in a cut diamond contributes to its light reflection, so variations in any or all of them have a definite effect on the beauty of the diamond. An Ideal Cut round brilliant diamond is one which is cut to

an exact mathematical proportions and angles, to create a diamond of irresistible beauty.

Super Ideal Cut Diamond

Masterly craftsmen continuously strive to obtain the most ideal cut to release the maximum brilliance and fire from a diamond. The Super Ideal Cut, with the following three qualities surpasses the Ideal Cut in creating a diamond of

unequalled magnificence.

Super Ideal Cut Diamond

Perfect Cut Proportion

Super ideal cut proportion is similar to the ideal cut proportion, except in the extra 1% on the table length and the depth.

Perfect Symmetry

Perfect Symmetry refers to the identical and exact size and angle placement of each facet. Only with this quality, can the diamond release an even radiance. Without perfect symmetry, the facets cannot reflect the same level of

brightness, which reduces the diamond’s brilliance.

Perfect Polish

Polish refers to the finishing of a diamond. The surface of a perfectly polished diamond is flat and smooth, allowing light to reflect evenly through every facet.

Super Ideal Cut Diamond

When a diamond meets all of the above three criteria, 8 perfect arrows and 8 perfect hearts can be observed with a special scope. These are significant proofs of a super ideal cut diamond.

Clarity

The greater a diamond’s clarity, the more brilliant, valuable and rare it is. Virtually all diamonds contain identifying characteristics, yet many are invisible to the naked eye. Under the scrutiny of a jeweller’s 10X magnifier, natural

phenomena called inclusions may be seen. These are nature’s birthmarks.

The number, colour, type, size and position of the birthmarks affect a diamond’s value. Major inclusions can interfere with the path of light that travels through a diamond, diminishing its brilliance and sparkle and therefore its value.

Carat

Carat is the measurement of a diamond’s weight.

One carat is equal to 0.2 gram or 100 points. Because large diamonds are found relatively infrequently in nature, diamonds’ worth go up almost exponentially with their weight.

Colour

Diamonds can be classified into “colourless diamonds” and “fancy coloured diamonds”. Colourless diamonds are graded by colour, starting at D and continuing through the alphabet. Truly colourless stones, graded D, are treasured

for their rarity and value, and are highest in quality. Fancy coloured diamonds in well defined colours that include red, pink, blue, green and canary yellow are particularly rare and very highly priced.

Shape

Diamonds are cut in many fancy shapes. As the shape and distribution of inclusions vary with each raw stone, diamonds are cut into different shapes in order to avoid flaws and to minimize the wastage. People often choose

different shapes according to their own preferences. The following are the most popular shapes in the market:

Round Brilliant

The round brilliant cut diamond is by far the most popular shape, and accounts for about 3 out of 4 diamonds purchased today. It is designed to produce the greatest brilliance and reflection of light.

Princess

Princess cut is the second most popular shape on the market. Its table appears as a square-like rectangular shape. The pavilion of princess shape is cut according to that of the round brilliant, which increases the brilliance of the

diamond but also increases the use of materials.

Oval

The Oval shape is an extension of round brilliant, it looks larger than its actual size because of the elongated shape. Rings set with oval diamonds are suitable for ladies with small hands or shorter fingers.

Heart

Heart shape is a symbol of romance. It bears some similarity to the pear shape. To avoid significant inclusions, the cutter often prefers cutting the heart shape to the pear shape. This shape is seen frequently in pendants, but is suitable

for most any purpose.

Emerald

The Emerald cut is not a brilliant cut, but is called a step cut. Step cuts are comprised of larger facets, which act like mirrors. Because of the angle, size and shape of the facets, the emerald cut shows less brilliance and fire than the

brilliant cut diamonds. However, the emerald cut stone reveals a classic and aristocratic elegance and beauty not seen in other cuts. Because of the open and large nature of the facets, it is highly recommended that you consider

staying at higher colour and clarity grades.

Marquise

An elongated shape with 2 pointed ends just like the eye of a horse. This special shape is especially suitable for people with unique style.

Pear

Pear shape combines the best of oval and marquise but the appearance is much softer. Pear shaped diamond ring can accentuate long and slender fingers. It is also beautiful for setting pendants and earrings.

Diamonds have been used in rings since the middle ages, and the first reference to a diamond engagement ring or wedding ring was in 1477. Because of the supernatural powers accredited to diamonds, they became more popular, and Italians said that a diamond maintained harmony between husband and wife.

Diamonds also have a reputation for supernatural powers, such as protecting from enemies, and negating magnets, which goes back thousands of years. Diamonds also play an important role in Hinduism and Buddhism, in fact the oldest dated book, the Diamond Sutra from 868, also mentions diamonds.

Despite having a reputation as very expensive, diamonds are affordable and can be a worthwhile investment. Whether choosing a diamond solitaire ring, diamond earrings or loose certified diamonds, there are several things to be considered to ensure that you purchase the right diamonds for your needs.

Here are 8 tips to help you choose the perfect diamond.

1. Diamonds are sold by weight, so the weight is also the size of the diamond. A carat is divided up into 100 points. A diamond weighing 50 points is half a carat. As well as the weight, cut, colour and clarity are all very important when choosing a solitaire ring, diamond earrings or other diamond jewellery.

The term carat is used to measure the weight of a diamond, and is the equivalent of 0.2g. The term carat came to English from French and means the fruit of the carob. Carob seeds were traditionally used as a measure of weight because the seeds are all very similar in size. Other countries had their own carat, which was approximately the same size as a carob seed, and it wasn’t until 1914 that the carat was standardised to 0.2g in the United Kingdom

2. The cut of the diamond is the only aspect that can be changed by a human. The weight, colour and clarity are all down to nature. A well cut diamond will have many facets which reflect the light. When a diamond is cut, the light reflects from one side to another, to make it sparkle. A diamond that is cut too deep or too shallow will lose light and so won’t sparkle as much.

3. A diamond seen in a jewellers shop, in earrings or on a solitaire ring, is often transparent, or slightly yellow. The whiter the diamond, the more valuable it is. Diamonds with a strong blue or pink colour to them are called fancies, and are very rare. However, diamonds are available in almost any colour.

4. The clarity of a diamond is determined by the number of inclusions which are caused by multiple growth stages in formation. The value of the diamond depends on the number and severity of these inclusions. The clarity scale ranges from diamonds with no inclusions visible to the naked eye, or with magnification, to diamonds with inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye.

5. Diamonds can be cut differently for different applications. A diamond earring might have a different cut to a solitaire ring. The most popular cuts are brilliant, emerald, pear shape, marquise, princess, oval and heart shape. Brilliant cut diamonds are shaped so that they reflect the light upwards and make the diamond appear white when viewed from the top. Sometimes brilliant cut diamonds appear darker at the centre, which can indicate that the cut is too deep or too shallow and the light isn’t reflecting upwards.

6. Loose diamonds can be purchased and then turned into your perfect piece of jewellery, such as diamond earrings or solitaire ring. The type of jewellery that the certified diamonds are for will help to determine the size, shape and cut of the diamond. A ring is likely to require a bigger diamond than a pendant or earrings. These certified diamonds should be approved by an independent gemological laboratory, which acts as a guarantee that the diamonds are genuine, and not manufactured.

7. Purchasing online will allow you to choose the right diamond jewellery for your needs without going into a jewellers shop. As well as being able to choose from a wider range, whether you are looking for a diamond bracelet or necklace, substantial savings can be made as the overheads are much lower.

8. Despite diamond being the hardest natural substance, it is still important to take care of your diamonds. Diamonds can be chipped by a heavy blow, and can scratch other items, including other diamonds, so it is advisable not to wear a diamond ring when doing rough or manual work. Diamonds should also be cleaned regularly using jewellery cleaner.

Now that you know what to look for, and how to purchase your diamond engagement ring or earrings, you can buy your diamonds in safety online from a reputable diamond jeweller and still save money. Surprise the love of your life with diamonds today, and they can be enjoyed for years to come.

Diamonds have been used in rings since the middle ages, and the first reference to a diamond engagement ring or wedding ring was in 1477. Because of the supernatural powers accredited to diamonds, they became more popular, and Italians said that a diamond maintained harmony between husband and wife.

Diamonds also have a reputation for supernatural powers, such as protecting from enemies, and negating magnets, which goes back thousands of years. Diamonds also play an important role in Hinduism and Buddhism, in fact the oldest dated book, the Diamond Sutra from 868, also mentions diamonds.

Despite having a reputation as very expensive, diamonds are affordable and can be a worthwhile investment. Whether choosing a diamond solitaire ring, diamond earrings or loose certified diamonds, there are several things to be considered to ensure that you purchase the right diamonds for your needs.

Here are 8 tips to help you choose the perfect diamond.

1. Diamonds are sold by weight, so the weight is also the size of the diamond. A carat is divided up into 100 points. A diamond weighing 50 points is half a carat. As well as the weight, cut, colour and clarity are all very important when choosing a solitaire ring, diamond earrings or other diamond jewellery.

The term carat is used to measure the weight of a diamond, and is the equivalent of 0.2g. The term carat came to English from French and means the fruit of the carob. Carob seeds were traditionally used as a measure of weight because the seeds are all very similar in size. Other countries had their own carat, which was approximately the same size as a carob seed, and it wasn’t until 1914 that the carat was standardised to 0.2g in the United Kingdom

2. The cut of the diamond is the only aspect that can be changed by a human. The weight, colour and clarity are all down to nature. A well cut diamond will have many facets which reflect the light. When a diamond is cut, the light reflects from one side to another, to make it sparkle. A diamond that is cut too deep or too shallow will lose light and so won’t sparkle as much.

3. A diamond seen in a jewellers shop, in earrings or on a solitaire ring, is often transparent, or slightly yellow. The whiter the diamond, the more valuable it is. Diamonds with a strong blue or pink colour to them are called fancies, and are very rare. However, diamonds are available in almost any colour.

4. The clarity of a diamond is determined by the number of inclusions which are caused by multiple growth stages in formation. The value of the diamond depends on the number and severity of these inclusions. The clarity scale ranges from diamonds with no inclusions visible to the naked eye, or with magnification, to diamonds with inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye.

5. Diamonds can be cut differently for different applications. A diamond earring might have a different cut to a solitaire ring. The most popular cuts are brilliant, emerald, pear shape, marquise, princess, oval and heart shape. Brilliant cut diamonds are shaped so that they reflect the light upwards and make the diamond appear white when viewed from the top. Sometimes brilliant cut diamonds appear darker at the centre, which can indicate that the cut is too deep or too shallow and the light isn’t reflecting upwards.

6. Loose diamonds can be purchased and then turned into your perfect piece of jewellery, such as diamond earrings or solitaire ring. The type of jewellery that the certified diamonds are for will help to determine the size, shape and cut of the diamond. A ring is likely to require a bigger diamond than a pendant or earrings. These certified diamonds should be approved by an independent gemological laboratory, which acts as a guarantee that the diamonds are genuine, and not manufactured.

7. Purchasing online will allow you to choose the right diamond jewellery for your needs without going into a jewellers shop. As well as being able to choose from a wider range, whether you are looking for a diamond bracelet or necklace, substantial savings can be made as the overheads are much lower.

8. Despite diamond being the hardest natural substance, it is still important to take care of your diamonds. Diamonds can be chipped by a heavy blow, and can scratch other items, including other diamonds, so it is advisable not to wear a diamond ring when doing rough or manual work. Diamonds should also be cleaned regularly using jewellery cleaner.

Now that you know what to look for, and how to purchase your diamond engagement ring or earrings, you can buy your diamonds in safety online from a reputable diamond jeweller and still save money. Surprise the love of your life with diamonds today, and they can be enjoyed for years to come.

Diamond and its origin

The word diamond has been derived from the ancient Greek word for invincible since it is famous for its hardness. In fact, it is the hardest and most durable naturally forming material on the planet. The only object able to scratch a diamond is another diamond. The Greek name justifies its hardness.

Diamonds or loose diamonds are naturally occuring substances, so they contain marks and irregularities. A truly flawless diamond is a very rare find. Diamonds are also found in a variety of colors, even though the most common is white. When chemicals are present in the atmosphere during diamond formation it can result in shades such as pink, blue, orange, green and yellow, which is the most common. The more intense the color, the more valuable the diamond will be. Diamonds are valued for its brilliance. Diamond is a glittering gemstone

Diamond is an ultimate luminous and sparkling gemstone. One should buy a diamond by seeing its shape, color, the grading characteristics and price but in reality there are many more things which need to be looked. Like, a diamond’s brilliance is only given by its good cut and the ideal cut for a particular diamond is one that maximizes its brilliance. Simultaneously, this hardest stone should also have a smooth, flat face facet because it allows light to enter a diamond and reflect off its surface at different angles that creates the wonderful play of color and light. Thus, buy a diamond – whether loose diamond or a wholesale diamond – that has a unique quality within, and you know that it is this soul of a diamond that speaks to a person on a deeply personal level.Loose Diamonds are apt for everybody

Loose diamonds are perfect for everybody whether you’re a gentleman looking for the perfect diamond for your special someone or a lady browsing for stylish and elegant piece. Loose diamonds are gaining popularity because of the different colors, sizes, and shapes it is abundantly found in. People these days go for diamonds in an online jewelry store and choose a variety of them which are effectively low in prices.

In order to attract potential customers, different styles are applied to the loose diamonds. The most important advantage of buying these pieces wholesale is that they are directly brought from the manufacturers and owners. You can save nearly 30 percent of your money thereby cutting down your cost. But, also keep in mind while buying diamonds; check out the 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat. You should be well aware of these things.Buy loose diamonds from online Jewelry Stores

You can buy various kinds of loose diamonds from online jewelry stores. Many jewelry websites offer glittering loose diamonds, diamond engagement rings, diamond wedding rings, diamond anniversary rings, diamond studded rings, earrings and necklace at unbelievable prices under one roof. While purchasing, you should opt for only certified loose diamonds. You can use these loose diamonds to make your favorite engagement ring. Always remember, clarity of a loose diamond offers much in the way of value and brilliance. But to find a loose diamond without any flaws heightens the value of the stone. Carefully buy loose diamonds as diamonds are meant forever.

So, if you have someone special in your life, buy her a diamond engagement ring made from loose diamonds. Engagement rings make women glitter with joy.

There are many sayings that go along with diamonds. ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend’ and ‘diamonds are forever’ are some of them. There is no doubt that diamonds are popular, with people all over the world flocking to buy these precious stones. But what is it about diamonds that give them such huge commercial appeal? Here is a list of some of the most famous diamonds in the world, and some of the lucky (or unlucky) people who have worn them.

The Cullinan Diamond:

The Cullinan Diamond is, at 3,106.75 carats, the largest diamond ever found. This diamond was found in the Gauteng region of South Africa, and is now kept with the other Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. This spectacular gem was discovered in 1905 at the Premier mine in South Africa by Frederick Wells, a mine superintendent. While walking through the mine one day he noticed something gleaming on the side of the wall. What he originally thought was a massive piece of glass was actually a huge diamond.

Wells received $10,000 for his discovery. The diamond was named Cullinan after the owner of the mine, Sir Thomas Cullinan. The stone was cut by Joseph Asscher, who examined it for 6 months before determining how to divide it. He eventually cut it into 9 major and 96 smaller brilliant cut stones. The Great Star of Africa, or the Cullinan 1, is the largest cut diamond of the Cullinan, and the largest cut diamond in the world. It boasts 530.20 carats and is housed in the Tower of London.

The Blue Hope Diamond:

The Hope Diamond is one of the most spectacular diamonds in the world. But with its beauty comes a long history of legends and myths, one of them being that the diamond itself is cursed. According to legend, bad luck and death will befall anyone who touches the diamond. But whether you believe in the curse or not, the Hope Diamond has for centuries intrigued people by its unique beauty.

The diamond has had a rich history, starting with being owned by King Louis XIV, stolen during the French Revolution, sold for gambling money, and eventually donated to the Smithsonian Institution, where it still resides today.

The Regent:

Boasting 140.50 carats, the Regent has a reputation for being the most beautiful diamond in the world. It was discovered in India in 1698 and was acquired by Thomas Pitt, the Governor of Madras, who sent it to England to be cut. In 1717 the Regent purchased it from Pitt for the French Crown.

It adorned many of the rich and famous, including the band of Louis XV’s silver gilt crown, Louis XVI’s crown, the hilt of the First Consul’s sword, and on the crown at the coronation of Charles X, as well as during the Second Empire on the ‘Grecian diadem’ of the Empress Eugenie. Today it can be seen at the Louvre in Paris.

Darya-ye Noor:

The Darya-ye Noor, Persian for ‘Sea of Light’, is one of the largest and most beautiful diamonds in the world. It weighs a whopping 182 carats and is a rare pale pink colour, one of the rarest to be found on diamonds. At present, it forms part of the Iranian Crown Jewels, and is considered one of the oldest diamonds in the world.

The diamond was mined at the Golconda mines in Andhra Pradesh in India, where it became the possession of the mughal emperors. In 1739 Persia invaded India and sacked Delhi and came into possession of the Darya-ye Noor. The treasure he garnered was carried to Persia by Nader Shah, where the Darya-ye Noor has remained ever since.

The Tiffany Yellow Diamond:

The Tiffany Yellow Diamond is one of the largest fancy yellow diamonds in the world. When it was discovered in 1878 in Kimberley, South Africa, it weighed 287.42 carats. It was cut into a cushion shape of 128.54 carats with 90 facets to maximize its brilliance.

After its discovery it was purchased by famous New York jeweler Charles Tiffany. The gem was studied for a year before it was cut, reducing it from 287 carats to its current size. The gem was on loan from Tiffany and Co. to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C and was on display up until 23 September 2007. This beautiful and unique diamond was worn by only 2 women in its life, one of them being famous Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn.

The Dresden Diamond:

This classic diamond weighs 41 carats and probably came from India. Its exact history is unclear. The Dresden is a pear shaped diamond with a beautiful emerald-green colour.

The Sancy:

The Sancy is a beautiful 55 carat and is cut in a pear shape. This stone has been cut over five hundred years ago. According to legend, it was worn by Charles the Brave in the 1470’s. It was bought on the open market in 1570 by Signeur de Sancy, after who the diamond is named. The stone has belonged to the Astor family of London since 1906.

The Koh-i-noor:

This diamond has a long and controversial history. Legend has it that it was first acquired in 1304 from an Indian family who owned the stone for generations. It is also said that the stone’s history begins in 1526, while other conflicting reports state that the stone was mined near the Krishna River and given to an emperor in 1656. More factual evidence states that the diamond was first mined in India but then stolen in Delhi in 1739 and taken to Iran.

From Iran it was acquired by Afghans, who then lost it to Indian rulers. These Indian rulers can under British rule in 1849 and placed the diamond among the crown jewels. The Koh-i-noor’s first cut was a 191 carat irregular shaped gem with little fire, contrary to its name which means ‘mountain of light’. It was later recut to enhance brilliance and fire, reducing it to a 109 carat, shallow, oval brilliant cut.

The Shah Diamond:

This diamond originally stems from India and weighs 88.70 carats. It has the names of three monarchs engraved on it, including the Shah of Persia, after which it was named. Today it can be found in Kremlin in Moscow, where it has been since 1829 when it was given as a gift to Tsar Nicholas. It is partly polished along its cleavage planes.

The Nassak Diamond:

The Nassak Diamond first weighed over 90 carats. The diamond is named after the Temple of Shiva near Nassak. In 1818 the English looted the temple and in 1927 the stone was recut in New York. This diamond has been in private possession in the USA ever since. The stone has a rounded corner triangle shape.

HPHT Treated Diamond

History of HPHT

The history of HPHT treatments dates back to 1955, when the General Electric Company first discovered the process for creating diamonds in the laboratory. This led to the creation of HPHT process, whereby GE first created a press where the required pressure and temperature could be maintained for the process. One thing led to another and HPHT treatment evolved through various presses like the tetrahedral, BARS and finally the cubic press. What began as an experiment for diamond color modification in synthetic diamonds has today evolved into usage for natural diamonds also.

Usage of HPHT Diamond Enhancements

HPHT treatments basically serve two purposes

Creating synthetic diamonds: To obtain synthetic diamonds, carbon is put inside a grapite capsule. A seed is then inserted into this capsule and a catalyst is added. The diamond grows on the seed while the catalyst enables the crystallization to take place.

Color modification: Different type of diamonds react differently when exposed to HPHT treatments and a range of colors are obtained. For example, diamonds containing aggragated nitrogen, when exposed to HPHT can cause it to become single substitution nitrogen. In such cases, diamonds having green, orange and yellow hues can be created. In diamonds where nitrogen is negligible, the process is often used to produce colorless diamonds. Thus brownish diamonds when HPHT processed can obtain a colorless hue. A light pink color may also be obtained in some cases. In case of diamonds with negligible nitrogen and presence of boron, HPHT can alter the color. Thus brownish diamonds will lose the brown tone and boron will make the stone bluish in color.

Popular presses used for treatment

Belt presses: This was the initial form of press used for treatment. Here pressure is created by the usage of two high strength pistons that provide equal pressure in opposing directions on a sample. A series of rings surround the sample in order to contain the pressure.

Torid press: In this method, the two pistons apply pressure in a single vertical direction.

Cubic press: This uses many pistons that provide pressure from different directions. It is also known as a tetrahedral press.

Procedure of HPHT

If a customer intends to give diamonds for this treatment, the following procedure is used,

Pricing of treatments: Cost for these treatments varies with the size of the diamond. Also the total number of stones given and additional services like repolishing are charged extra. While these treatments are expensive,

Organizations and HPHT

Because HPHT is controversial, different bodies follow different guidelines for HPHT. As per the Federal Trade commission, HPHT treated diamonds must be disclosed to the user. General Electric follows this norm and all diamonds that are HPHT treated are laser inscribed with the terms ‘HPHT PROCESSED’, IRRADIATED. If GIA notes diamonds to be HPHT treated, it also specifies them as ‘HPHT ANNEALED’ or ‘Artificially Irradiated’. Such details are displayed prominently on the grading report under ‘origin’ in the ‘color’ section of the report.

Pros and cons

The HPHT treatment of diamonds is a controversial issue because it has both advantages and disadvantages. These are further discussed as under.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Disclosure

As HPHT has become more commercially available, today there are various methods available to detect if your stone has been HPHT processed or not. At the basic level diamonds over 0.5 carat can only be HPHT treated. A trained gemologist may use equipment like the SSEF spotter and crossed polarization filter to detect the same. DiamondSure is also used to separate cape diamonds from the rest. At the next level FTIR and UVVIS spectroscopes are used and synthetic and PT treated diamonds can easily be identified ere. Besides this, renowned laboratories have many other proprietary procedures that they use to identify such diamonds.

With all sophisticated equipment it continues to be difficult to detect HPHT processed diamonds at many instances. It is thus important that you purchase diamonds from a trusted vendor online or offline. Diamonds accompanied with a certificate from a reputed laboratory like GIA also ensure that diamonds are completely natural. You could also choose signature or top of the line branded diamonds to protect yourself. Finally, if you cannot afford GIA stones, make sure to opt for a diamond that is accompanied by a certificate from a renowned laboratory.

About Loose DiamondsThe term loose diamonds is used to refer to diamonds that have been polished, but have not been set in jewelry. Loose diamonds come in many shapes, sizes, and qualities. Increasingly, people shopping for diamond engagement rings, and diamond rings for other occasions, purchase the diamond separately from the setting, or the ring.Purchasing Loose DiamondsThe reason why people choose to shop separately for loose diamonds with the intention of setting them in jewelry, is primarily price. Set diamond jewelry often comes with a big markup, and sometimes, the quality of the diamond is not as good as it could be. Shopping online for loose diamonds enables buyers to seek out the best possible stones at the best possible price. The internet is a good medium for the purchase of loose diamonds. If the diamonds are purchased from a reputable online dealer there is no reason to actually view the product with one’s own eyes. Shipping costs are also minimal (due to the weight). Once loose diamonds are purchased, they can be taken to a reputable jeweler in order to create a setting. Diamond engagement rings, as well as other types of jewelry, are harder to purchase online. Diamond rings need to be fitted especially for the wearer. The same goes for diamond stud earrings. Purchasing loose diamonds and then getting the setting separately also provides a sense of satisfaction from being more in control of the purchasing process, and it also inspires creativity.Loose Diamonds 4 Cs and ShapesWhen purchasing loose diamonds several aspects need to be taken into consideration. The first four are known as the four Cs of diamonds: Carat, cut, clarity, and weight. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, whereby one carat equals 0.2 of a gram. Diamonds come in many sizes, and the size of the diamond is no guarantee for its quality or brightness. Cut is more readily associated with the quality or loose diamonds. Cut refers to the quality of workmanship that is put into the many facets (or faces) of the diamond. A better cut means more symmetry and more brilliance. Color refers to the natural color of the diamond. Diamonds are either various degrees of colorless, or else of a specific color, such as yellow, pink, and green. Loose diamonds often comes with imperfections or inclusions, and these affect the diamonds’ brilliance. This parameter is known as clarity. Then there is the shape. Loose diamonds are cut into all kinds of shapes. Examples include princess shaped diamonds, round shaped diamonds, marquise shaped diamonds, emerald shaped diamonds, oval shaped diamonds, and pear shaped diamonds.

(The 4C’s revisited)

Information about diamond classification (the 4 C’s) is available on almost every  jewelry associated web site, but it shares a common shortcoming – the information is rather technical  In this article I will focus on different aspects of the 4C’s that are not usually mentioned and try to give you information that will help you choose right and buy wise.

The 4 C’s mentioned above stand for: Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut

Carat- This is the weight, and not the size of the diamond. The two are very much connected but often customers do not realize that they are paying for the weight but are wearing the size and appearance. A diamond’s weight is measured in what is known as a ‘carat’, which is a small unit of measurement equal to 0.2 grams. Carat is not a measure of a diamond’s size, since cutting a diamond to different proportions can affect its weight. Below is a diagram that shows the relative size of various carat weights in a diamond that is cut to the same proportions. Unproportionaly cut stones can ad a lot of weight and damage the appearance of a diamond. The usual reason for unproportional cut is to retain as much weight as possible (remember-you are paying for weight) Diamond like this must be sold with considerable discount. My personal opinion is to avoid such stones.How do we know the stone is cut for weight? Look at the report that must come with the diamond certificate. If the cut is rated ideal, excellent or very good then there is no problem. Anything under this, need proper examination. Look at the paragraph “girdle “. This is the place where most weight is usually added. Sometime up to 20%.Girdle must be described as thin or medium. The most important thing to remember when it comes to a diamond’s carat weight is that it is not the only factor that determines a diamond’s value. In other words, bigger does not necessarily mean better.

Color- Diamonds are found in nature in a wide range of colors, from completely colorless (the most desirable trait) to slightly yellow, to brown. So-called ‘fancy color diamonds’ come in more intense colors, like yellow, blue, green and pink, but these are not graded on the same scale. The best color for diamond is the lack of it. Color is an important quality but it is a bit overrated for non investment stones. Color is graded with the letters of the alphabet from D (ABC is skipped) being the whitest or more precise the most colorless to Z being rather yellowish. On the GIA grading scale below, D-F are considered colorless, G-I near colorless and any grade J or below shows an increasingly yellowish tinge. Beyond the preference for a whiter stone, however, the color of a diamond does not affect its brightness or sparkle. The color of a diamond is best observed when the stone is placed table down on a piece of pure white paper and viewed trough the pavilion.  The difference between two neighboring colors is completely undetectable for non specialist. Stones up to I and even J are perceived as white if there is no whiter stone next to them to compare. Color is a natural property of the diamond and although it greatly affects the price it should not be considered a shortcoming. The whiteness of the diamond is more important in case of pave set melee (smalls) where they must blend with the white metal around them. My advice is: for diamonds from 0.1ct. to under 1 ct go for colors F,G or H. Beautiful stones, great value for money. If you consider buying bigger investment diamonds go to chapter

Clarity is defining the existence (or lack of it) of natural inclusions or fractures in the diamond visible to a specialist by 10X magnification. Again, important for investment stones and not so for every-day-ring stone. Clarity refers to the number, position and size of the inclusions that occur naturally inside diamonds. The fewer and less obvious the inclusions, the more valuable the diamond. The usual diamond grading information boards used widely by retailers to explain the 4C’s to customers does not show the actual  size and visibility of the different grade inclusions. They are, to say it mild, a bit misleading. The only way for a non specialist to see and assess the clarity is in the real diamond. Inclusions up to VS2 are not visible for non specialist under 10 x magnifications. Inclusions up to SI2 are not visible by naked eye. Inclusions up to SI2 and in most cases SI3 do not affect the overall appearance of the stone. My advice is: for non investment stones go for VS1 to SI1 or even SI2. Often the inclusion is a small dot or fracture on the periphery completely concealable by the setting.

Cut-This is not the shape but rather the proportions symmetry and the quality of finish of the diamond. May be because it is not mentioned on the main body of the certificate the cut is often overlooked. It is though, the most important C. It defines the quality of human intervention on shaping the rough stone to a spectacular brilliant jewel. It can make, on the other hand a piece of fantastic rough material look dull and lifeless. It is not necessary to learn the ideal proportions. You have two definite guidelines. First is the proportion report I mentioned earlier, that must accompany every diamond certificate .It is usually printed on a sticker label and pocketed inside the cover. The report must say the proportions are very good, excellent or ideal. The second is your eye. Always ask for few diamonds to compare. If you think that the non reflective dull spot in the middle of the stone will brighten up after it is set in your ring, you are wrong. The well cut diamond will reflect light right from the center, and not only from the periphery. You can also use a simple test if the diamond is not set. Draw a short line with a black pen on white piece of paper. Put the diamond next to the line lying on its table (the flat top facet). Now, holding it for the griddle with your fingers or better with a pair of tweezers slide it over the line looking trough the pointy pavilion. If you see the line trough the stone then there is a problem with its proportions or it is not a diamond. With properly proportioned diamond one should not be able to see any trace of the line passing trough the pavilion while sliding it over. While color and clarity are big factors in the cost of a diamond, it is the Cut that breathes life, beauty and dazzling brilliance into a diamond.

Other diamond properties are: brilliance, dispersion, scintillation and fluorescence. They are properties discussed in more profound diamond study and do not fit the scope of this article.

Now, in a nut shell:

Try to find balance between the 4C’s that suite your budgetConcentrate on qualities that count most. In order of importance they are:

Cut

Color/Carat

Clarity

If you have a budget,(which applies to the most cases) you better spend on color or size instead on invisible clarity, especially higher than VS1. I would like to stipulate again that my advises in this article does not apply for investment diamonds bought with intention to sell for profit.Do not compromise the cut for bargain price. Always look at more than one stone. Compare similar size stones with different color and clarity and try to see the difference. If you don’t see it in close look most likely nobody else will. Then buy the cheaper one. Always relay on what you see rather on what you are told or what you read. The diamond is a feast for the eye and seeing it is the only way to appreciate it. Remember: the certificate does not determine the beauty of your diamond.“The beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

Diamonds are very expensive, which is why anyone who buys a diamond wants to make sure they are getting best value diamonds for the money they spend. When you buy a diamond from a jeweler, whether it is a retail location or a wholesaler, it should be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
The stones in GIA diamond rings have been analyzed and assessed by GIA, which is the world’s largest non-profit gemological research institute. This institute grades only loose diamonds and when you are satisfied that you have a best value diamond, then you can choose the setting for the ring.
There are many ways in which diamonds are analyzed to determine whether they are conflict or non-conflict diamonds. Conflict diamonds come from parts of the world where the sale of the diamonds is used to finance wars and acts of terrorism.
Such diamonds are not permitted to be imported into the US, Canada, and European countries. To make sure that such stones are best value diamonds in this regard, there is a process called the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is not an appraisal of the value of the diamond, as you find with GIA diamond rings and IGI appraisals. Instead it is a certificate attesting to the fact that the diamond you purchase has not been mined or bought from one of the countries on the list of those associated with blood diamonds.
This process lays down a minimum requirement for the shipping of diamonds all over the world and must accompany diamonds shipped into the country, especially from African countries. In this way, you know that you have best value diamonds in that no one has been harmed in the mining process and that the money from the sale will not be used for killing.
Appraisal of the diamonds is the best way to find if you have best value diamonds. GIA diamond rings and IGI appraisals look at four main features of the diamonds in order to assess its value. This is called the four C’s of diamond rating and each stone is assigned a letter grade according to the system.
The GIA actually instituted this system of rating that is now used internationally. The report you receive is very thorough and covers just about everything you want to know about the diamond you have purchased or are considering purchasing.
The four C’s of best value diamonds refer to the cut, clarity, carat and color of the diamond. Just because a diamond is white and shiny does not mean that it is of good quality because there may be imperfections in the stone that only a certified gemologist can discover.
Many people look at the carat of the diamond, which is its weight, but the other features are just as important. There are five main cuts of diamonds, for example, and if the cutter is a master at the trade, then cuts will be done to perfection. A poorly cut 2-carat diamond may not be as good a value for the money as a smaller size with a perfect cut.
The closer a diamond is to having no color whatsoever, the greater its value. Diamonds that are pale yellow in color are not the best value diamonds to buy because these have a lower rating on the scale. The most highly rated diamonds are those with the letter grades of D, E and F. However, there are also fancy diamonds which are very valuable showing colors of pink, green, blue and bright yellow. These are very rare and are therefore very expensive.

A diamond acts like a prism whereby light can be divided into a spectrum of colours.* A colourless diamond, allows more light to pass through it than a coloured diamond, these colourless diamonds reflect the light as colourful flashes called ‘fire’. The less colour in a diamond the more colourful the fire and hence the better the diamond grade.

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Diamond Colour

A diamond acts like a prism whereby light can be divided into a spectrum of colours.

A colourless diamond, allows more light to pass through it than a coloured diamond, these colourless diamonds reflect the light as colourful flashes called ‘fire’.

The less colour in a diamond the more colourful the fire and hence the better the diamond grade.

Colour in a diamond acts as a filter and reduces the range of colour exuded.

The perfect diamond is actually colourless.

The less colour (yellow) a diamond permeates the more rare and valuable it actually is.

A letter grade is given to a diamond to describe the subtle tones of colour in the stone.

D is perfectly colourless and therefore the most rare and expensive.

As you progress from D to Z on the alphabet colour scale, the level of colour increases with traces of a yellowish or brownish colour.

Vibrant colours such as pink, red, blue and green are constantly being discovered, but due to their rarity are incredibly expensive.

These colours do not follow the normal colour scale and are categorised separately.

At GoldeNet Australia you will only find the finest diamonds, therefore we do not offer diamonds that have been graded below M.

Which Colour Grade Should I Choose? Diamonds graded D through F are naturally the most valuable and desirable because of their rarity. The rarity and value of these diamonds are reflected in their price.

This does not mean that diamonds graded below F are not considered to be very attractive.

Diamonds graded G through I show virtually no colour visible to the untrained eye.

Diamonds graded J through M show an extremely faint trace of yellow, however this faint hint of colour can be minimised by the careful selection of the right jewellery setting on which to mount your diamond.

D, E, F = For the purest diamond, diamonds graded D-F are superb diamonds and are extremely expensive.

G, H, I, J = For excellent value in a diamond with no noticeable colour to the untrained eye.

Nearly colourless diamonds with noticeable colour when compared to higher grade diamonds. These are high quality and are excellent value.

K, L, M = Faint yellow diamonds.

N, O, P, Q, R = Very light yellow diamonds.

GoldeNet Australia does not offer these diamonds.

S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z = Light yellow diamonds. GoldeNet Australia does not offer these diamonds.

Diamond Cut

The cut of a diamond is one of the most important diamond characteristic as it provides the diamond with its unique sparkle and brilliance as the cut allows the maximum amount of light to enter and leave the diamond.

Of the Four Cs, the cut is the only value factor that is a result of human skill.

It refers to the angles and proportion of a diamond, as well as its polish and precision of faceting. Often the cut of a diamond is mistakenly referred to as the shape (round, pear, oval, etc.) of the stone.

Well-cut diamonds can reflect light like a mirror from one facet to another and disperse and reflect this light through the top of the stone.

A well-cut diamond will be symmetrically round, proper depth and width and have uniformity of the facets.

These features will result in optimal radiance.

On a classic round brilliant-cut diamond, for example, 57 or 58 facets must be precisely aligned so light will enter the diamond and reflect back through the large top facet, or table of the diamond. Diamonds that are cut either too deep or too shallow can lose light through the sides and bottom and will be less brilliant, and ultimately of less value.

The universal cut grading scale, as defined by the American Gemologist Society Laboratories (AGSL), is outlined below. Currently, only round diamonds are graded.

GoldeNet Australia does not carry any diamonds below the cut grade of ‘Good’.

IDEAL CUT: Represents roughly the top 3% of diamond quality based on cut.

Perfectly proportioned with the highest grade of polish and symmetry.

This grade of diamond reflects virtually all light that enters it.

They are the most brilliant, rare and expensive diamonds.

EXCELLENT CUT: Represents roughly the top 8% of diamond quality based on cut.

Proportioned to fit strict requirements for table and depth percentage.

This grade of diamond reflects almost all light but less than the ideal cut.

They are still quite rare and very expensive.

VERY GOOD CUT: Represents roughly the top 15% of diamond quality based on cut.

Proportioned to reflect much of the light that enters.

This is a high quality and moderately priced diamond.

GOOD CUT: Represents roughly the top 25% of diamond quality based on cut.

Proportioned to reflect most light that enters.

These are considerable value, quality diamonds.

FAIR CUT: Represents roughly the top 35% of diamond quality based on cut.

Disproportioned but allows some light to be reflected.

POOR CUT: This includes all diamonds that do not meet the proportion standards of a fair cut. Disproportioned so that most light entering is lost out of its sides and bottom.

Important characteristics of a diamond cut are described below. Some diamond cutters will compromise on the cut of the diamond in an attempt to optimise the diamond’s weight (carat).

This can result is a larger diamond with a duller appearance.

If all Cs are equal (cut, carat, colour and clarity), there can be as much as a 50% variation in the cost of a diamond if the cut is of poor quality.

TABLE SIZE %: The table length relative to the diameter of the diamond.

A table that is too large or too small will reduce the overall dispersion of a diamonds brilliance.

CROWN ANGLE: Angle between bezel facets and girdle.

Crown % is a measurement that relates to the depth of the crown to the diamonds overall depth.

GIRDLE THICKNESS: Ranges from extremely thin to extremely thick (assessed visually).

Extremely thin or extremely thick girdles are less desirable than more moderate girdles.

DEPTH %: Measurement of the distance from the table to the culet (bottom-most point). A depth that is too shallow or too deep will allow light to escape through the bottom of the stone, reducing the stones overall fire and brilliance. CULET SIZE: Ranges from pointed to extremely large (assessed visually). Unless the culet is abnormally large, it generally has no impact on the value of a diamond.

SYMMETRY: Refers to the overall uniformity of the cut of a diamond and is graded poor to excellent.

Symmetry is based on the diamonds proportions, the relation of one facet to another. A diamond with good symmetry can be more attractive than a less symmetrical stone.

Stones with poor symmetry can actually appear off-centred.

POLISH: The overall quality and uniformity of the polish of a diamond. It is graded poor to excellent based on the final finish applied to the facets and facet junctures by the cutter. Well-polished diamonds permit maximum passage of light and prevent potentially streaky surfaces.