CUT…A diamond’s cut is not only about its shape, but how effectively the stone can return light back to the viewer’s eye. A well-cut diamond will appear very brilliant and fiery; while more poorly cut stones can appear dark and lifeless, regardless of color or clarity.

Color…When shopping for a diamond, it is generally preferred to have the least amount of color possible. Diamond color is divided into five broad categories:

Colorless: Diamonds within the colorless range are the most rare and valuable of all the colors. color stones display virtually no color, whereas colored diamonds will display a nearly undetected amount of color when viewed face down by a gemologist.

Near Colorless: Diamonds within the near colorless range appear colorless in the face up position, but do display a slight amount of color when viewed face down against a perfectly white background. This trace amount of color will be undetectable to an untrained eye once the diamond has been mounted. Near colorless diamonds offer a tremendous value for the money.

Understanding Fluorescence – How does it effect a diamond?

Some diamonds can display a visible light called fluorescence when exposed to an ultraviolet light source. This fluorescence will be measured as inert, faint, medium or strong. Blue fluorescence is most common, however diamonds can also fluoresce white, yellow, and orange (among other colors). Fluorescence usually has no effect on a diamonds appearance in regular light conditions. Strong blue fluorescence can make a yellow colored diamond appear more white, but in rare cases can cause a stone to appear milky or oily. This milky or oily effect is called an “over blue” and only applies to a small number of “strong” and “very strong” fluorescent stones.

Which Color should you Choose?

Most people find it very difficult (if not impossible) to tell the difference from one color grade to another. The difference in price, however, can be significant.However, you can find a tremendous value while still achieving a “colorless” look. Shopping on a budget or trying to maximize the size of your stone? If so then “J” diamonds are most affordable and still near colorless. You may also want to consider choosing a diamond with medium or strong fluorescence. Since these diamonds are discounted slightly in price you can often afford a higher color stone without paying the premium.

Angola

In 1998, the United Nations (UN) placed Angola under sanctions forbidding countries from buying diamonds from them. This was the first resolution of the UN which specifically mentioned diamonds in the context of funding war. Reports estimated that as much as 20% of total production in the 1990s were being sold for illicit purposes, and 15% were specifically conflict in nature.By 1999, the illicit diamond trade was estimated by the World Diamond Council to have been reduced to 3.06% of the world’s diamond production.The World Diamond Council reported that by 2004 this percentage had fallen to approximately 1%.

Angola is a former colony of Portugal and gained independence in 1975. Although independent, the country saw civil war between the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (PMLA) faction, and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) faction. During this war, diamonds were traded by rebel groups to fund their war. The UN recognized the role that diamonds played in funding the UNITA rebels, and in 1998 banned countries from buying diamonds from Angola. Today Angola’s civil war has ended and the country is now a legitimate part of the diamond trade.

Sierra Leone

In July 1999, following over eight years of civil conflict, negotiations between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front led to the signing of the Lome Peace Agreement under which the parties agreed to the cessation of hostilities, disarmament of all combatants and the formation of a government of national unity. The United Nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) helped facilitate the negotiations. In resolution 1270 of October 22, 1999, the Security Council established the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) to help create the conditions in which the parties could implement the Agreement. Subsequently, the number of personnel were increased and tasks to be carried out by UNAMSIL adjusted by the Council in resolutions 1289 of February 8, 2000 and 1299 of May 19, 2000, making UNAMSIL the second largest peacekeeping force currently deployed by the United Nations (the largest such contingent is in the Congo.

Following international concern at the role played by the illicit diamond trade in fueling conflict in Sierra Leone, the Security Council adopted resolution 1306 on July 5, 2000 imposing a ban on the direct or indirect import of rough diamonds from Sierra Leone not controlled by the Government of Sierra Leone through a Certificate of Origin regime. An arms embargo and selective travel ban on non-governmental forces were already in effect under resolution 1171 of June 5, 1998.

On July 31, 2000 and August 1, 2000, Ambassador Anwarul Karim Chowdhury, Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1132 (1997) concerning Sierra Leone, presided over the first ever exploratory public hearing by the Security Council in New York. The hearing was attended by representatives of interested Member States, regional organizations, non-governmental organizations, the diamond industry and other relevant experts. The hearing exposed the link between the trade in illicit Sierra Leone diamonds and trade in arms and related material. The ways and means for developing a sustainable and well-regulated diamond industry in Sierra Leone were also discussed.

As called for by resolution 1306 of July 5, 2000, the Secretary-General, on August 2, 2000, established a Panel of Experts, to collect information on possible violations of the arms embargo and the link between trade in diamonds and trade in arms and related material, consider the adequacy of air traffic control systems in the West African region for the purpose of detecting flights suspected of contravening the arms embargo, and report to the Council with observations and recommendations on ways of strengthening the arms and diamonds embargoes no later than October 3, 2000. The Chairman of the Panel was Martin Chungong Ayafor (Cameroon). The other members were Atabou Bodian (Senegal), Johan Peleman (Belgium), Harjit Singh Sandhu (India) and Ian Smillie (Canada). The Panel submitted its report to the Security Council on December 19, 2000. On January 25, 2001 the Security Council, at its 4264th meeting, considered the report of the panel of experts.

Diamond revenues in Sierra Leone have increased more than tenfold since the end of the conflict, from $10 million in 2000 to about $130 million in 2004,although from 1989 to 2003 Liberia was engaged in a civil war. In 2000, the UN accused Liberian president Charles G. Taylor of supporting the RUF insurgency in Sierra Leone with weapons and training in exchange for diamonds. In 2001 the UN applied sanctions on the Liberian diamond trade. In August 2003 Taylor stepped down as president, and after being exiled to Nigeria, now faces trial in the Hague. On July 21, 2006 he pleaded not guilty of crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Liberia today is at peace and is attempting to construct a legitimate diamond mining industry. The UN has lifted sanctions and Liberia is now a member of the Kimberley process.

Diamond is the most adamant stone found on planet earth. This stone has a unique kind of magnetism, which makes it favorite among women. The word diamond itself makes the heart of a women beat faster. And this is the reason why markets are flooded with diamonds of different styles, colors and size. Go out shopping, and what will you see is huge variety of unique diamond engagement rings available in the market.

Though, we all are fond of diamonds, especially in the form of diamond engagement ring, diamond engagement ring platinum, three stone diamond engagement rings, vintage engagement rings, choosing the right diamond is always dicey. Many people lack the basic knowledge about diamond, and some times end up paying more for these rings.

What can be more amusing than gifting diamond solitaire engagement ring to your lover. But if you end up gifting the wrong stone, you will not be able to do justice to the gift. Therefore, if you are planning to gift a ring to your lover this engagement, do it so, but only after a thorough research on the diamond stone.

To start with, the thing which is the most important is the 4 C’s of diamond i.e. Color, Clarity, Carat and Cut. In reference to the color of diamond, people often carry notion that diamond are colorless. Rather, it would be appropriate to say that many people believe that diamonds come without colors, and if they get to see a colored diamond, they will not take it for diamond. That is the reason; they at the first go, ask for colorless diamond engagement rings. Diamonds are mostly rated as Colorless, Near Colorless, Faint Yellow, Light Yellow and Fancy, as per their quality.

Now, if we speak about the clarity of diamond, clarity refers to the purity of diamond. A diamond piece leading in clarity can also be referred as flawless diamond.

Diamond cut refers to the symmetry of diamond. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. 1 carat diamond equals 100 points. And in the end, always remember to get your diamonds certified.

There is no harm in gifting a unique diamond engagement ring to your lover after a full research is done. Though, it is a time consuming process, it’s well known, that all is well that ends well. Diamond is something which people avoid selling, and it often passes from one generation to another. Therefore, take time, think back, and choose the one which will reflect your love through generations.

It is for sure; that if you follow the process of 4C’s you will definitely end up choosing a perfect piece for your lover. If you are still confused, there are many online jewelry stores which will help you choose the right diamond. Log on to some reputed online jewelry stores and go through numerous pages detailing about various diamond pieces. These days, online jewelry stores also help customize your diamond engagement rings. You can choose the stone and the band of your choice, and design your own diamond engagement ring.

So, buy diamond engagement rings from a certified online jewelry store. You can get the best diamond solitaire engagement ring, diamond engagement ring platinum, vintage diamond engagement ring and many more at affordable prices.

The dazzling diamond is actually just a miracle of nature. Diamonds come in a wide variety of colors and clarities and cuts. The size and weight of diamonds is normally weighed using the unit of measure, carat. When you decide to buy diamond and amethyst jewelry or citrine diamond jewelry you must take into account the cut, carat, color and clarity of the diamonds. Diamonds are available in various kinds of settings each of which displays it in a distinct fashion. Some of the more popular diamond settings include channels, chevrons, bezels, bars, prongs and paves.

Diamond and amethyst jewelry is one of the most beautiful forms of color stone jewelry. Diamond rings and more so diamond amethyst engagement rings and diamond citrine engagement rings are an all-time favorite with jewelry lovers. A diamond necklace is a desirable and luxurious jewelry gift. Diamonds set in gold are popular all over the world and Indians they say account for fifty percent of the entire world’s purchases of gold. Besides, there could be other precious stones set in gold along with the diamonds as in the citrine diamond jewelry.

Diamonds in settings of platinum also make great jewelry albeit a bit expensive. For those who look for elegance, they may choose a combination of colored diamond with any semi precious color stones. Citrine diamond jewelry in white gold settings is getting to be very popular with the modern generation. Rings with diamonds and amethysts set in them make great diamond and amethyst jewelry which can be worn with great versatility. You can also find bracelets, pendants and earrings set with amethyst or citrine with diamonds.

Despite the fact that diamonds are the hardest materials here on earth, they are brittle and therefore not indestructible. Amethyst and citrine are not nearly as hard and therefore one must make sure they do not wear any diamond and amethyst jewelry while engaging in heavy activity. Citrine diamond jewelry can be easily maintained by cleaning it with a soft brush and water and a small bit of ammonia. Make sure your diamond jewelry is stored in the velvet boxes it came in to make sure it stays free from scratches. Although diamonds were once upon a time a luxury item, today they have become quite affordable. The dazzle, little maintenance required and longevity of diamond jewelry more than makes up for the price. Hence diamonds are kept for some of life’s most special moments.

A perfectly clear diamond (FL) is rare and expensive from a vast number of stones just a very small percentage are flawless, a great example can be seen in our diamond price comparison engine where you can easily notice that from our huge diamond database only a dozen are flawless (FL) diamonds and their prices are 20% higher from similar VVS loose diamonds. Most diamonds have imperfections; these flaws can be present externally as blemishes or internally as inclusions within the diamond.

Inclusions can be in the form of minute spots of black, white and other colors or as colored and uncolored crystals. These are usually caused due to trace minerals in the stone from which the diamond is extracted.

Blemishes include the presence of scratches, cracks or pits on the surface of the diamond. While minute cracks may not cause any major problems, some cracks may cause the diamond to split.

Depending upon the various imperfections diamonds have, the GIA has devised various grades for determining the degree of clarity. These grades are given to diamonds based on the number of inclusions, position on the stone, composition and size. Using a magnification of 10X, diamonds are ranked with the following grades. Here are some examples from our online loose diamonds search results:

•· Flawless (FL) Diamonds

•· Internally Flawless (IF) Diamonds

•· Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1) Diamonds

•· VVS2 Diamonds

•· Very Slightly Included (VS1) Diamonds

•· VS2 Diamonds

•· Slightly Included (SI1) Diamonds

•· SI2 Diamonds

•· SI3 Diamonds

•· Included (I1) Diamonds

•· I2 Diamonds

•· I3 Diamonds

As the abbreviations explain the grading, FL comprises of flawless diamonds while IF comprises of diamonds that are flawless inside but have slight blemishes outside. VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds have minute inclusions that are difficult to detect even by experienced graders. VS1 and VS2 diamonds have minute inclusions too while SI1 and SI2 have noticeable inclusions. Finally the I1, I2 and I3 diamonds are those which have imperfections that can affect the brilliance and transparency of diamonds.

Modes for enhancing a diamond’s clarity

Today various technologies have evolved for enhancing the clarity of diamonds. One example is laser drilling where lasers are used to drill out the internal spots and acid is used to wash them out. Cracks on diamonds can also be filled easily, but the treatments are considered temporary in nature. Ask for certification and if the details state that a diamond is ‘enhanced’ then be sure to compare the price. Enhanced diamonds are treated diamonds and as a customer you have the right to ask which treatments have gone into enhancing the stone, for further info refer to our Diamond Enhancements article.

What diamonds buyers must look for!

A perfectly clear loose diamond is not only beautiful but highly expensive when buying. Moreover, in an era where synthetic diamonds are in fashion, imperfections only go on to tell that the diamond is original. While perfect clarity is not the main criteria to look for while buying diamonds, buyers must keep the following issues about diamond clarity in mind while purchasing.

Type of flaw: A large visible crack may cause the diamond to break and must be avoided. Similarly a large blemish may also cause the stone to look dull and lifeless. Consider the kind of flaw your diamond has before purchasing one. Ask for certified diamonds such as GIA certified diamonds or EGL certified diamonds.

Location of flaw: Consider where the flaw is located and how it affects the appearance of a diamond. Flaws are visible only when diamonds are put in a particular position and one must avoid that while setting the diamond in jewelry.   Size of the flaw: Look for a diamond that appears clean to normal viewing. If the flaw is of a bigger size, it would be visible to the naked eye. Trends indicate that most diamond buyers opt for stones with VS1 and VS2 grading over perfectly flawless stones.

Number of flaws: Finally if a stone has a large number of flaws, it would reduce the brilliance. Thus look for a diamond with fewer flaws so the brilliance of the diamond can be appreciated.

So before you buy a diamond go and take a look at the certificate, the drawing of the diamond will show you exactly how serious are the imperfections even if you are not a diamonds pro, you can also send us a copy of the certificate and we will do our best to explain to you about your chosen stone. Diamonds dug out of mines surprisingly, only 20% have clarity suitable for usage in jewelry. The rest 80% diamonds are put to industrial usage. Among the 20%, many have visible inclusions and very few are flawless. How ever negative the term inclusions or flaws may sound, they do have benefits. The price difference between a flawless stone and a VS stone is enormous and thus by buying a beautiful diamond that has slight inclusions that the naked eye cannot notice you save big. If you are still unsure whether the diamond you plan to buy is a high quality one or not, experts at gemisimo are there just to guide you through a buying process.

Most people think that all white diamonds are colourless. In fact, truly colourless diamonds are quite rare. The diamonds used most often in jewelry are nearly colourless with faint yellow or brown tints. These diamonds fall into the normal colour range.Within the normal colour range, the closer to colourless, the more desirable and valuable the diamond.

In the 1950’s, the GIA introduced the D-Z colour grading scale that is still the industry standard.

GIA Colour Grade ScaleD – F: ColourlessG – J: Near ColourlessK – M: Faint YellowN – R: Very Light YellowS – Z: Light Yellow

How is colour measured?Colour in white diamonds is most commonly measured by comparing the diamond to a set of ‘master stones’ of known colour. The highest ‘master stone’ is E-colour. Any diamond better than the E-colour master is rated D-colour.

Each colour grade is actually a narrow range of colors. There is no one exact colour for any GIA grade. So, an F-colour diamond can be a strong, average or weak F-colour. However, as long as the diamond is better than the G-colour master, it receives an F-colour grade.

For a Diamond colour chart please visit http://www.diamondswest.com

FluorescenceFluorescence is a unique effect that causes some diamonds to produce a glow (usually blue or yellow) when exposed to a strong ultraviolet light. Some prefer a diamond with some ‘blue fluorescence’ because it may make the diamond in the ‘near colourless’ or ‘faint yellow’ ranges look somewhat whiter.

In the ‘colourless’ range, fluorescence has no effect on colour, though it can cause the diamond to have a slightly milky appearance.

Why is a diamond’s colour grade important?The brilliant, fiery, sparkles of light that radiate from a high quality white diamond are unmatched by any other gem. The diamond acts like a prism, dividing light into spectral colors, which are then reflected as colour flashes, called fire. Any natural colour in the diamond filters the light, reducing its fire and brilliance.

The less colour in the diamond, the more colorful the fire, and the better the diamond’s colour grade. The better the colour grade, the more desirable and valuable the diamond.

Second piece of advice: Select a diamond separately and then arrange to get it set into your ring. Diamonds bought loose cost less than ones set into rings. Different kinds of diamonds are best for differently shaped hands. If your fiancée has long fingers, an oval shaped diamond is better than a round one.

Then there is the issue of selecting the right combination of diamond and its set into the ring.

Diamonds and Diamonds

Diamonds come in different shapes, colors and sizes. There are round, princess, oval, marquise and heart diamonds. The diamonds can be set into the ring in different ways. Bezel, pave, a focal diamond with smaller side stones and mounted on a mirror plate are some of the options.

The typical diamond is a clear diamond. Then there are colored diamonds, with both naturally colored ones and colors created by treating the diamonds. The naturally colored diamonds are rare, and more expensive. There is nothing wrong in treating the diamonds to give them color. However, don’t let the jeweler make you believe that such treated diamonds are naturally colored ones, and charge you accordingly!

Thus diamonds can come in pink, blue or the much cherished yellow colors. Intense colors are achieved through treatment as nature does not color diamonds that much.

Then there is the issue of your budget. The ideal ring set with a large diamond can prove a little too expensive. You might have to go for more affordable options. That does not mean the result will be cheap. As we discussed in a separate article, Your Diamond Engagement Ring: Make It Resplendent, you have options to create impressive rings out of even small diamonds. Rings and Rings The ring can be made of yellow gold, white gold, platinum or titanium. Gold is not only commonplace but can also get scratched (especially the higher carat 22 or 24 carat gold). For making your selection unique, it is better to go for the other options. Platinum is a prestigious option, though an expensive one. Platinum is also very durable. The white options are not only less commonplace but can also go with most kinds of outfits. The titanium option is for you if you can’t go for the highly expensive platinum-diamond wedding ring. Titanium is also durable and attractive. The main choice thus is between a modern white metal ring and a heritage yellow gold one. Do you want to be seen as a modern guy or gal, or a traditional person? Then there are options for setting the diamond into the ring. The pave option sets several small diamonds in a way that they look like one large diamond. The bezel option covers the diamond securely, and also hides any chipping on the stone. Having a focal diamond with smaller side diamonds on its sides adds some pizzazz to the ring. Mix and match all the options, look at your personality and finger shapes, and develop a unique combination for your diamond wedding ring that you can cherish for lifetime. After all, a wedding comes but once in a lifetime (unless you are frequent flyer from marriage to marriage, an option not recommended for most of us).

Rings and Rings

The ring can be made of yellow gold, white gold, platinum or titanium. Gold is not only commonplace but can also get scratched (especially the higher carat 22 or 24 carat gold). For making your selection unique, it is better to go for the other options. Platinum is a prestigious option, though an expensive one. Platinum is also very durable.

The white options are not only less commonplace but can also go with most kinds of outfits. The titanium option is for you if you can’t go for the highly expensive platinum-diamond wedding ring. Titanium is also durable and attractive.

The main choice thus is between a modern white metal ring and a heritage yellow gold one. Do you want to be seen as a modern guy or gal, or a traditional person?

Then there are options for setting the diamond into the ring. The pave option sets several small diamonds in a way that they look like one large diamond. The bezel option covers the diamond securely, and also hides any chipping on the stone. Having a focal diamond with smaller side diamonds on its sides adds some pizzazz to the ring.

Mix and match all the options, look at your personality and finger shapes, and develop a unique combination for your diamond wedding ring that you can cherish for lifetime. After all, a wedding comes but once in a lifetime (unless you are frequent flyer from marriage to marriage, an option not recommended for most of us).

As you attempt to pick the finest diamond ring to grace the occasion, you may be confused by the wide variety of choices in colors, styles, stones and shapes. Follow certain basic guidelines, some of which are commonly applicable for all diamond jewelry, and others specific to the occasion.

Decide on the Budget:

Don’t we all know how easy it is to exceed the budget while shopping for anything. Diamond ring shopping is no different, and here there is also the added pressure of getting a very expensive ring to show how much you love someone.

But remember that the price tag in no way represents the love you have in your heart. Do not succumb to external pressures as you firmly decide on the budget that you can afford. Buy the high end diamond ring within your budget. Spend the amount that you are comfortable spending.

Of course, if you want the rarest, most precious and most expensive, by all means go for it. The key to deciding on the budget is how much you can afford to spend.

Engagement Ring Style:

You are going to be faced with a mind boggling variety of choices in diamond jewelry. Platinum or gold? Traditional or modern? Chunky and flashy or elegant and classy? It is much easier for a man to pick just the right diamond engagement ring, if he has a fair idea about the kind of jewelry his sweetheart wears on a daily basis.

If she likes silver, white gold or platinum jewelry with intricate designs, you may want to select a platinum engagement ring with filigree. Platinum is the top pick among romantics at heart because it’s a pure metal, as they know their love is. If she favors gold pieces, pick a diamond ring set in gold. The classic look of gold makes it a popular choice. White gold is also a well-liked and more affordable alternative. If you are still undecided, it may be worthwhile asking for the opinion of a close friend or family member. She and her best friend may have spent hours discussing secret dreams about engagement rings and wedding attire.

A Diamond is All Bling:

A huge chunk of cost of a diamond ring is the stone. A sensible diamond buyer should know about the cut, clarity, carat and color before making the purchase. Two diamonds may look very similar, yet have remarkably different costs.

Shape of the Diamond:

The most popular engagement ring is the classic, round diamond solitaire. But that’s just the beginning in diamond ring choices. Always look at what really sparkles and stands out. It is possible to create newer cuts in diamonds with intricate refraction patterns. There are also novel diamond shapes like hearts, which may be the ideal choice for you.

One final tip is to buy that particular piece of diamond jewelry that makes you happy. As you embark on a life long journey of togetherness, what is more precious than even a diamond ring is the love and happiness in your hearts.

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.