Diamonds
Are you ready to propose or celebrating a special anniversary? Maybe you're looking to upgrade an existing wedding set, or trying to find a sparkly gift for a special someone? People purchase diamonds for many wonderful reasons - often accompanied by powerful emotions, and we want to offer you a buying experience that is exceptional and stress-free.
There are many things to consider when diamond shopping and we can provide you with the knowledge and information you need to make an educated decision - one that will satisfy your intended recipient, as well as your budget!
Cut
Diamond cuts are graded by the GIA as Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor. The cut refers to how well the diamond is faceted, proportioned and polished.
A diamond's cut also determines its brilliance. The shape of the stone is something to consider, too, as some shapes will return more reflected light to the eye than others.
Popular diamond shapes include: Cushion, Radiant, Princess cut, Asscher, Round, Heart, Trilliant, Oval, Pear shape, Emerald, Marquise and Baguette. One style is not recommended over another. Instead, we believe that the "perfect" diamond is the one that pleases the wearer!
Color
Diamond colors are rated by the GIA system on a D-Z scale, with D being virtually colorless (and the most expensive), to Z which has a light yellow hue and is less expensive.
As with diamond cut, the amount of noticeable color in the stone is a matter of personal preference and the "perfect" diamond is the one that best suits the wearer's taste and budget.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the number of imperfections - called inclusions, occurring in a natural diamond.
The GIA rates natural and lab grown diamonds on a scale from Flawless (FL) to Included (I), with Very Very Slightly Included (VVS), Very Slightly Included (VS) and Slightly Included (SI) in between. Diamonds are graded using 10 power magnification, so not all inclusions are visible to the naked eye - plus cut, color and carat weight may also influence the way a diamond appears.
What is most important in the selection process, though, is the the stone that appeals most to the wearer.
Carat
Carat refers to the actual weight of a loose diamond using a scale. Also important to consider when examining carat weight is how it will look in the chosen setting. Similar to cut, color and clarity, carat weight is a personal preference.
Other Gemstones
