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.

Diamond pendants, being made up of a small piece of jewelry hanging from a metal chain, will generally have less diamonds embedded into each pendant compared to diamond necklaces that may have diamonds linked to each other all throughout the length of the chain. Some people may prefer to wear diamond pendants because the beauty of the few diamonds or one diamond set into the pendant may be prettier or more appealing to see, than a host of diamonds linked to each other in a diamond necklace. But other people may like their jewelry to be flashier so they choose diamond pendants because these can show off more diamonds to whoever is watching.

Diamond necklaces may be of three types of length – you can buy the choker length, the princess length, or the opera length. Choker length diamond necklaces are those that surround the neck slightly above your collarbones. Princess length diamond necklaces are those that will hang lower than your collarbones or maybe drape just over the collarbones. (Princess length diamond necklaces are usually the most popular type of diamond necklaces bought by consumers.) The last type, the opera length diamond necklaces, are definitely more dramatic than the first two types because opera length diamond necklaces may hang over your dress front or blouse front – and so are more obvious to see. The jeweler that sells diamond necklaces to you may also have diamond necklaces that are variations of these three main types.

Who usually buys diamond necklaces? It is more accepted nowadays for women to use diamond necklaces, but that is not a hard and fast rule actually. There are really men too who like to wear diamond necklaces, especially diamond pendants, to accentuate their personal style of dressing up. You may find men who wear a diamond stud in one ear and a diamond pendant on a chain around his neck. When used the right way, men can really wear diamond necklaces and look good in the process. However, in more traditional and conservative work environments, men may not be comfortable wearing diamond necklaces or any type of diamond jewelry (aside from maybe a designer watch or diamond bracelet) because they may be mistaken for effeminate men. But in more laid-back work environments, wearing jewelry such as diamond necklaces may have become quite acceptable for men as well as for women in these modern times. In such a case, your diamond necklaces can be safely worn without fear of negative consequences happening to you in the end.

Diamond pendants are pendants that have diamonds set into their metal (sometimes precious metal) base. A pendant is a piece of jewelry, usually quite small, that you can hang around your neck on a chain. The chain of the pendant may also be made of precious metals, or at least some type of expensive metal. In this sense, diamond pendants can be said to be a way of discreetly showing off the beauty of your wealth.

Diamond bracelets are simply bracelets made out of precious metals or metals with diamonds set into them in a pattern. You wear diamond bracelets on your wrist. We might say that diamond bracelets are a more overt way of displaying your jewelry to others while diamond pendants tend to play down your wealth and just let others get a peep at the jewelry when it flashes at them out of your upper clothing.

The design of diamond pendants is becoming more and more creative as time goes by. One design shows two tiny gold baby shoes into which the diamonds are attractively set. This would probably be an appropriate diamond pendant for a mother who has just given birth, or for the child himself to wear during his baptism. Another design which you might like is for the pendant to be shaped in the form of the infinity symbol (that looks like a number eight) with diamonds set all throughout the shape of the infinity symbol.

Crucifixes are a very popular among those who buy diamond pendants. When crucifixes are used, these diamond pendants may be a bit larger than other types of diamond pendants. But some diamond pendants in the form of crucifixes can also be tiny and discreet.

If you want your diamond pendants to be custom-made, you might want the diamond pendants to also use other precious stones aside from diamonds. Sapphires are a popular choice because these colored gems go so well with the flash and fire of diamonds. Try looking for sapphire and diamond pendants – you’ll see how beautiful the combination is actually with just one glance.

The value of diamond pendants comes not just from the diamonds themselves but also from the artistry that went into designing and making these diamond pendants. A diamond cut and shaped by a novice will be of lesser value than a diamond crafted by a master artisan, even if the rough diamond of the novice was of higher value before being cut and shaped for setting into the pendant. You may want to invest in diamond pendants if you can see the financial value such investments can bring you over time. That is partly why diamond pendants are still in demand today even among people who may not even wear the jewelry themselves or maybe wear them infrequently.

You have to be careful though about where you choose to wear your diamond pendants. That is because if they hang from your neck on a gold chain, it is very easy for a thief to simply grab the pendant and – with one swift tug – break the chain and run away with the pendant. Even if the thief can’t get the gold chain, he will still make a pretty profit from his loot because the diamond pendant may be worth quite a lot on the black market anyway. Wear diamond pendants only in a secure environment where you know you can relax and let your diamond pendant be appreciated by those you encounter.

About the author: Mr. P Sharma is the owner of the Diamonds and Diamond Jewellery (http://djewels.org), a website that offers reviews on online jewelry stores selling diamonds and diamond jewelry.

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.

Diamonds are the hardest natural material. Only a diamond can scratch a diamond. Use great caution when wearing multiple diamond rings on the same finger. If the diamonds of one ring touch diamonds in another ring, both diamonds will likely end up scratched in a relatively short time. If you have a diamond wedding band next to your diamond engagement ring, be sure their design allows them to fit together so the diamonds do not touch.

The next most dangerous place for diamonds scratching each other is in the jewelry box. Do not throw your diamond rings, diamond earrings, and diamond bracelet together. Since diamonds will scratch diamonds, think of what they can do to other gemstones and precious metals. Keep your diamond jewelry in separate compartments or isolated by soft cloth to keep them from rubbing each other.

While diamonds are very durable, they can break or chip. You would not let someone hit your diamond with a steel hammer but your diamond ring faces the same type of danger every day. File cabinets, metal seat belt buckles, and car doors are just a few of the metal surfaces that can hit a diamond in the course of a normal day. Avoid sharp impacts with hard surfaces and you will avoid chips and cracks in your diamond.

Diamonds are natural grease attractors. Some diamond mines separate diamonds from the broken rocks by running the material over a conveyor belt covered with a layer of grease. Diamonds stick to the grease and the rocks slide off. At the end of the shift, they remove the grease and melt it away, leaving the diamonds.

Remember diamond’s attraction to grease when you touch a diamond with your finger. The oil from your fingertips will coat the diamond and reduce the sparkle. The same is true when your diamond ring touches the oil in your hair. Hand creams, lotions, hair spray, soap, and grease from food will create a film on your diamond that hides its beauty. When you put your hands in dishwater, the dirt and grease in the water will adhere to the diamond. Dust and powders also cling to diamonds.

Fortunately, diamonds are easy to clean. Put your diamond jewelry in a warm solution of mild liquid detergent and water. You can also use the containers of “Jewelry Cleaner” available at jewelry and department stores. These typically have a small basket the ring can sit in and a small, soft brush to clean the hard to reach places around the diamond. Swish the ring around in the solution, rinse it with warm water, and dry the ring with a lint-free cloth. While chemicals will probably not hurt your diamond, harsh chemicals like chlorine or bleach can weaken and discolor the metal in the jewelry. Keep in mind that swimming pools and hot tubs usually have high levels of chlorine and are not a safe place for jewelry.

There are many types of ultrasonic cleaners available to the public today. The piece of jewelry sits in a basket of water and detergent. The ultrasonic cleaner produces high-frequency turbulence that is an excellent way to clean the hard to get at part of jewelry. Not all gemstones are as durable as diamonds. Never put soft materials like emeralds, opals and pearls in an ultrasonic cleaner.

With a little common sense and regular cleaning, your diamonds will keep their sparkle and beauty for years of enjoyment.

1) Diamonds have price per carat increases at the most popular carat weights (0.50, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 2.00, etc.) because that is what shoppers request when they go into a jewelry store. Your dollars can go further buying a diamond that has a carat weight just under those weights. For example, a diamond that weighs 0.90 carats can be the same millimeter diameter as a diamond weighing 1.00 carat but cost $1000 less.

2) The price of diamonds is very sensitive to color grade, yet most shoppers have a difficult time seeing the difference between some of the color grades. If you buy the lowest color grade that looks beautiful to your eyes, the lower price per carat allows you to buy a bigger diamond with your dollars. The highest color grades (D, E, and F) are categorized as “colorless.” The next color grades (G, H, I, and J) are “near colorless” and the source of beautiful diamonds at much lower prices.

3) A ring with several smaller diamonds is less expensive than a single diamond with the same total carat weight. For example, three 0.50 carat diamonds will cost a fraction of what a single diamond weighing 1.50 carats. The same holds true for a 1.0-carat center stone with 0.25-carat diamonds on each side. If you want a finger full of diamonds with a limited budget, consider several diamonds rather than a solitaire.

4) All diamonds have inclusions; the key is what you can see with your eye. Once a diamond is clean to the eye (VS2 or good SI1 for brilliant cut shapes), higher clarity grades have no impact on the beauty or appearance of a diamond, they only add to the expense. Get the lowest clarity grade you are comfortable with and save a lot of money will no sacrifice in beauty.

5) The shape of the diamond can affect the millimeter size. Of course, you should always get the diamond shape you like best but some shapes do look larger than other shapes. Ovals, marquises and pear shaped diamonds generally look larger than round or square diamonds with the same carat weight.

6) Even diamonds with the same shape and carat weight can be different sizes. The cut of the diamond can influence the millimeter size. Shallower diamonds tend to be bigger in length and width than deeper diamonds. It is similar to two men each weighing 200 pounds, where the smaller waistline probably results in a taller man.

7) The type of setting you select to hold your diamond can influence the diamond’s perceived size as well as affect the dollars you have to spend on the diamond. White gold settings cost about one-third of platinum settings, leaving more money for your diamond. Bezel set diamonds or diamonds with pave around the center stone can make the diamond appear bigger.

Perhaps the most important factor in getting the biggest diamond for your dollars is where you purchase. The retail markup on diamonds can range from well under 10% with online retailers to over 200% at high-end jewelry stores. Finding a retailer with very low overhead and low prices will ensure more of your dollars go for your diamond. Why spend your money for polished marble floors, fancy display cabinets, and elaborate store interiors, all things you cannot wear out of the store?

In the end, you want to go with the diamond that excites you and makes you happy every time you wear it. That is the best indicator that you have made the right decision and have the best diamond for you.