My Pink Diamonds

The cut of a diamond is the physical measurement and relative proportion of a polished diamond and is the most important characteristic in producing a diamond’s beauty. A single number does not define cut. Instead, it is a myriad of measurements, relative percentages, angles, finish, and performance of light within the diamond.

The brilliance and sparkle of a diamond is the result of the reflection and refraction of light within a diamond and is the cumulative effect of the many facets on the surface of the three-dimensional diamond shape. What makes judging cut difficult is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Different people perceive the beauty of a diamond differently in terms of what they perceive as beautiful.

In recent years, major diamond grading laboratories like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS) have established cut grades to help the consumer make better decisions for purchasing diamonds based on cut characteristics. However, the cut grading systems are different from each other and constantly changing. As a result, there is no single official cut grade but the current systems are a giant leap ahead of the past with no cut grades.

The quality of the cut is most visible in terms of how light performs in a diamond to produce Brightness, Fire, and Scintillation.

Brightness is the visual effect of all the internal and external reflections of white light. This brightness (also known as brilliance) results primarily from the angles of the facets and the relative size of the top facet called the table.

Fire is the visual effect of rainbow colored flashes of light caused by the separation of white light into various colors when the diamond acts as a prism.

Scintillation is the visual effect of sparkle and patterns of light and darkness. Sparkle is the points of light that flash as the diamond, the light source or the observer moves. The arrangement and contrast between the bright and dark areas is important to what the eye perceives as beautiful. An all-bright diamond or an all-dark diamond is less attractive than a diamond with a balanced, symmetrical and contrasting pattern of reflection.

Some of the more important diamond measurements influencing the cut grade are depth percentage, table percentage, crown angle, and pavilion angle. The initial cut grade research focused on round brilliant diamond shapes but the grading laboratories are slowly introducing cut grades for the fancy shapes like the princess, emerald, oval, radiant, cushion and others. Each diamond shape has its own set of cut parameters that produce the optimal light performance and beauty for that particular diamond shape.

If the cut of the diamond is the key to its beauty, why would anyone purchase a diamond without great cut? Probably the main reason is lack of knowledge by the consumer. Until recent years, it has been difficult for the consumer to assess the cut of the diamond because jewelers focused on color, clarity and carat weight. The jeweler used the bright lights in the showroom to mask the light performance of the diamond. As the diamond shopper becomes more aware of what constitutes cut and has access to the GIA or AGS cut grades on the diamond grading reports, they will be able to filter out the average and poor cut diamonds in their purchase decisions.

Sometimes budget is a factor in purchasing something less than the best cut. However, cut is typically a real bargain since there is little visual difference between the top echelons of diamond cut and the price difference between average and exceptional cut is often minimal. Perhaps the real cost of getting better cut in a diamond, is the time and effort to learn about cut and to find a retailer who can provide diamonds with exceptional cut at reasonable prices.

Once a diamond shopper has determined what shape of diamond they want to purchase, they need to research what cut parameters contribute to desirable appearance. Some diamond shoppers fall into a trap of narrowly defining their acceptable range for every diamond measurement, not realizing that the beauty of the diamond results from the interrelationships of all the facets. Simply picking the middle of the range for each parameter can lead to a mediocre result. The cut grades are an attempt to rate how a combination of factors work together in the diamond.

Regardless of the cut grade systems today or in the future, only the diamond shopper can determine what is most appealing to their eye. Cut is critical to the beauty of the diamond so making the best diamond purchase decision means understanding the importance of cut and finding that special diamond that is beautiful to behold.

So, is it safe to buy diamonds online? Yes and no. It is only safe if you follow these essential and simple rules:

EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT DIAMONDS

This may sound like an obvious tip but it is very important to understand the differences between diamonds. All diamonds vary based on four characteristics that you should be aware of. They are commonly known as the 4 C’s:

CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONLINE RETAILER

Only buy from a reputable online retailer that only sells certified diamonds. The most common certifications are GIA and AGS. The certificate will ensure that you are getting the 4 Cs that the vendor advertised. You can research a certain online retailer’s reputation by looking at their reviews. For Canada, http://www.redflagdeals.com/deals/main.php/ratings/retailers/  provides an excellent source of reviews. Due to possible customs charges, outlandish shipping fees and possible legal warranties, it may be better to make the purchase from a retailer that is based in your country. It is also important to confirm that the vendor offers a 100% free 30 days return policy. That is the norm for good online retailers of certified diamonds. 

LAST MINUTE TIP

Finally, we always recommend making your purchase through a credit card. If you have problems with a retailer and have exhausted all possible recourses with the company, it may be possible to fall on your credit card company for assistance. For example, VISA and MasterCard both offer purchase and fraud protection for certain tiers of their credit cards. Consult your credit card issuer for actual terms of service and carefully read the insurance policies as some clauses exclude protection for jewelry.

Http://TheDiamondBuyingGuide.ca

Rough diamonds can be cut by experts to virtually any shape and size

Some of the most popular shapes are round, oval, princess, emerald, marquise, pear, heart, triangle and radiant. The cut of a polished diamond is the only human contribution to its beauty, fire and brilliance.

Because of its extraordinary ability to reflect light, the round brilliant diamond is the most popular shape today.

Cut determines amount of reflected light that exits through the top of a diamond. The better the cut, the more light exits through the top, the more brilliant and beautiful the diamond.

Is cut important? Many gemologists consider cut to be the most important diamond characteristic:

So, why don’t we hear more about cut? Diamond sellers prefer to talk about carat weight, color and clarity. That’s because those measures are relatively simple to explain:

Even the most reputable gemological laboratories try to avoid grading cut. In fact, only the AGS (American Gemological Society) has an established system for grading cut. Hopefully, the GIA, EGL, UGL will follow their lead.

How is cut graded? First, let’s look at the parts of a diamond that are considered when evaluating cut:

Diameterthe width of the diamond as measured through the girdleTablethe largest facet of a diamondCrownthe top portion of the diamond; the crown extends from the girdle to the tableGirdlethe narrow band around the widest part of the diamond; the girdle separates the crown from the pavilionPavilionthe bottom portion of the diamond; the pavilion extends from the girdle to the culetCuletthe facet at the tip of the diamond; diamonds of excellent cut have culets that are invisible to the naked eyeDepththe height of the diamond; depth is measured from the table to the culetTo determine the diamond’s cut grade:

The symmetry of the diamond is evaluated The final cut grade of the diamond is determined by its weakest component. For example, an ‘extremely thin’ girdle will result in a poor cut grade, even if every other measurement is ideal.

Remember: Only about 3% of polished diamonds are ideal cuts. They are exquisite and rare gems that reflect back 96% or more of the light that enters through the table.

No other diamond characteristic has so much impact on price!

To see a different types of diamond cuts please visit http://www.diamondswest.com

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.

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.

Many people purchase jewellery for their loved ones to mark special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas, as well as obviously commemorating the progression of a relationship into an engagement or marriage. All of these occasions deserve a little something special, which is why you should take a look at high quality jewellery as a token of your affection. In truth, they do not come at much higher a quality as Princess Cut Diamond rings.If you are looking for a priceless ring to give to a loved one then a Princess Cut Diamond ring could be just the ticket.

Princess Cut Diamond rings are highly sought after because the quality of the diamonds is unparalleled. They are incredibly elegant and will beautifully adorn any woman’s hand. The craftsmanship and quality of the diamonds is unbelievable, but then there are such high standards imposed on them that this should come as no shock. It is for these reasons that princess cut diamond rings make excellent engagement rings and proving incredibly popular at the moment. The beauty of a timeless piece of jewellery is that is will hold the memory of that certain occasion for a lifetime, and generations to follow. It is important to create the joy and surprise and capture it in that small piece of elegance and with Princess Cut Diamond ring this will do that and more.

Although princess cut diamond ring can be expensive, they are completely worth the price marked. They have been proven to increase in value over the years, which is why the price has consistently risen for some time now. They are widely available but visit a trusted jeweller in order to get the best quality, and choose a trusted online jeweller to get some of the best offers. A little time and effort is all it takes to find the right ring for you or your loved one.

While the classic white diamond is widely used all over the world, there has been an increasing demand for pink diamonds. Pink diamonds are an excellent choice for a distinctive piece of jewelry. Pink diamonds are one of the world’s most rare and valuable diamond, and are available in various shades ranging from delicate pastel rose to a full bodied red colour.

The Argyle mines in Australia are the world’s primary producer of pink diamonds. One of the main factors in pricing pink diamonds is the intensity of colour. As pink is one of the rarest colours found in diamonds, even secondary colours like light pink champagne to dark pink champagne diamonds are highly valuable, depending on the depth and strength of the colour. One can choose the hues and intensity of pink diamonds depending on his/her budget. Like white diamonds, the cut, colour, clarity and carat weight of pink diamonds make one piece surpass another in beauty.

As pink diamonds are available in a wide range of shades, from light champagne pink to intense purplish pink, they are beautiful alone or combined with coloured gemstones. A combination of pink diamonds and gemstones will make a special and unique piece of jewellery. Coloured gemstones are desired for their beauty and durability. There are many beautiful coloured gemstones such as Opals, Sapphires, Ruby, Jade, Amber, Amethyst, Tsavorite, Blue Topaz and so on. The list of fascinating gemstones is next to endless.

So, if you’re thinking of a precious gift for your loved ones, look no further than coloured gemstones in different cuts like oval cut, pear shape, round or princess cut. Pink diamonds set alone making a stunning piece of jewellery, but the different hues of pink also inspire the combination of pink diamonds with white diamonds or other coloured gemstones. A combination of pink diamonds and gemstones will make a special and unique piece of jewellery. There are many beautiful coloured gemstones such as Opals, Sapphires, Ruby, Jade, Amber, Amethyst, Tsavorite, Blue Topaz and so on.

Be it simple or elaborate, pink diamonds and coloured gemstones will make your piece of jewellery exclusive, unique and cherished for ever.