Diamond Basics At Maddux Jewelry we believe you have a right to know the facts about the stone that will symbolize your love before you buy. So feel free to come in and ask any member of our knowledgeable sales team and we will be more than happy to help you in making one of the most important purchases you will ever make.
Here are some basics to help you get started. | | Rick Maddux, visiting one of our diamond suppliers in Antwerp, Belgium, inspects each stone prior to purchase to ensure that we deliver only the best values to our customers. |
The Four C’s - Cut
Cut describes the proportions and angles of a diamond. Many people confuse cut with the shape of a diamond. Although nature determines the other 3 characteristics, it takes a master diamond cutter to reveal a diamond’s true beauty. Diamonds are available in various shapes including round, square, pear, heart, marquise and oval but cut refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond.
- Color
White-colored diamonds remain the most popular, even though diamonds are found in a kaleidoscope of colors. Diamonds are graded on a color scale implemented by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which ranges from ‘D’, which is colorless, to ‘Z’. Color differences can be so subtle that diamond colors are graded under controlled lighting conditions and are compared to a master set for accuracy. While truly colorless diamonds, graded ‘D’, are treasured for their rarity, diamond color is ultimately a very personal taste. Ask us, your Master IJO Jeweler, to show you an array of color grades next to each other to help you determine your color preference.
- Clarity
Nature ensures that each diamond is as individual as the person who wears it. Naturally occurring inclusions such as minerals or fractures are formed in the earth. Master IJO Jewelers use magnification at 10x their actual size so these inclusions are more easily seen. Inclusions are measured on a scale of perfection known as clarity, which was established by GIA. The greater a diamond’s clarity, the more rare and valuable it is. An inclusion in the middle or top of a diamond can impact the dispersion of light, making it less brilliant.
- Carat Weight
Carat is a diamond’s measure of weight, not size. One full carat is equal to 100 points. A ¾ carat diamond is the same as 75 points. Since larger stones are found less frequently in nature, a 1 carat diamond will cost more than twice a ½ carat diamond (assuming all other characteristics remain constant). The cut and the mounting can make a diamond appear larger than its actual weight. As your Master IJO Jeweler, we will be glad to help you find the right diamond and mounting to optimize its beauty.
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