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Diamond Education
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The Diamond is the birthstone of April and the anniversary gemstone for the
10th and 60th years of marriage. Diamonds were discovered in India in 500 B.C.,
and the name "diamond" comes from the Greek word "Adamas" which means
unconquerable - suggesting the eternity of love. A diamond is the hardest
substance known to humankind, and is made of a crystallized carbon that has
unique powers of light reflection.
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Become a diamond expert with our Diamond Education.
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Before you start diamond shopping, you want to have an understanding of what
you're buying. This guide simplifies the four Cs of diamonds ¡ª cut, color,
clarity, and carat weight, so you can select your diamond based on the same
criteria jewelers use to grade them. After reading through this guide, you'll
be ready to choose the diamond that's right for you.
| The Structure of a Diamond |
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Proportion refers to the angles and relative measurements of a polished
diamond. More than any other feature, proportions determine a diamond's optical
properties. Studies have shown that table size, crown angle, and pavilion depth
have a dramatic effect on a diamond's appearance.
Symmetry is a grading term for the exactness of shape and placement of facets.
Variations in symmetry include off-center culets and tables, poor facet
alignment, misshapen facets, out-of-round girdles, and wavy girdles.
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| Reflection |
Refraction |
Dispersion |
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A) When a ray of light touches the surface of a diamond, part of the light is
reflected back, this is external reflection.
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B) The rest of the ray penetrates the stone and is then reflected toward the
center of the diamond. This is known as refraction.
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C) The ray of light is reflected to the surface, where it is seen as the colors
of the spectrum. This is known as dispersion.
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| The Value of a Diamond: The Four C's |
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The Cut is the factor that determines the brilliance of a diamond. A classic
round brilliant cut diamond has 58 facets : 33 on the top, 24 on the bottom,
and the culet (1 point at the bottom). Each of the diamond's facets must be
placed in exact geometric relation to one another when the stone is being cut.
Quality diamonds must be properly cut and not "spread", which means that the
proper proportions are compromised to make the diamond weigh more.
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The Clarity of a diamond is based on the number, location, size, and type of
inclusions found in the stone. An inclusion is an imperfection or trace mineral
in the stone that is visible under the magnification of a jeweler's loupe. The
fewer inclusions the diamond has; the clearer, more brilliant and more
expensive the diamond will be. A "Flawless" diamond is one that has no
inclusions and is extremely rare and valuable.
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Colorless and near-colorless diamonds are the most valuable. Though most
diamonds may appear colorless to the naked eye, the majority of diamonds
contain slight traces of yellow or light brown when viewed under a jeweler's
loupe. Depending on the stone's size, a single increase in color grade can
boost the value of a diamond by thousands of dollars per carat. A traditional
engagement diamond is usually colorless or near-colorless.
In nature, diamonds can also occur in shades of red, pink, blue, green and deep
yellow - These are called "Fancy diamonds". In the United States and around the
world colorless diamonds are graded on an alphabetical scale, introduced by the
Gemological Institute of America (GIA). "Colorless" or "rare white" diamonds
are of color grades D, E and F. Diamonds of color grade D are very rare, and
extremely valuable.
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The weight of a diamond is measured in carats (ct.). Each carat is divided into
100 points. For example: 1ct.= 100 points, 1/2 ct. = 50 points. Points in a
fraction are measured within acceptable ranges. For example: a 1/2 ct diamond
pendant may have a range of + or - .06 points. In other words, the total
diamond weight may vary from .44 to .56 points and still be considered a 1/2
carat. Here are the most popular carat fractions and their approximate decimal
equivalents:
| 1/10 |
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.08 - .12 |
| 1/5 |
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.17 - .23 |
| 1/4 |
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.21 - .29 |
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| 1/3 |
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.27 - .39 |
| 1/2 |
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.44 - .56 |
| 3/4 |
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.69 - .81 |
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| 1.0 |
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.94 - 1.06 |
| 11/4 |
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1.18 - 1.32 |
| 11/2 |
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1.43 - 1.57 |
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The carat weight alone is almost meaningless unless you also consider the cut,
clarity and color of the diamond. A large diamond is not very valuable if it
lacks brilliance, purity and high-grade color. However, since larger stones are
rarer than smaller ones, diamond value rises exponentially with carat weight.
Therefore, a diamond weighing 3.0 carats, will always be worth more than three
1.0 carat stones of the same quality. No two diamonds are exactly alike, and
you must weigh all of the factors - color, cut, clarity and carat weight - when
making your diamond jewelry buying decision.
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| Diamonds are the hardest substance on earth. They are uniquely
resistant to damage by heat or scratching, and can be cut or polished only by
another diamond ¡ª but an extremely hard blow to the girdle can cause a diamond
to chip. By having your diamond set in a relatively protective setting, and
remaining conscious of it on your finger, you can keep your diamond intact for
a lifetime. Exposure during ordinary wear to perspiration and household
chemicals, like chlorine and hairspray, can cause buildup that dulls the
surface of a diamond. We suggest periodic cleanings to keep the diamond
brilliant and refractive. |
Cleaning Your Diamonds
A solution of one part ammonia and six parts water can be used to clean diamond
jewelry at home. If cleaning by hand, gentle scrubbing with a soft brush should
loosen most dirt and greatly increase the brilliance of the diamond, but be
careful not to scratch the metal of your setting. Once a year, it is a good
idea to have your diamond cleaned and have the security of the setting checked.
Storing Your Diamond Jewelry
We recommend that all diamond jewelry is stored individually in soft cloth
pouches when not being worn to prevent the diamond or diamonds from scratching
or dulling other jewelry.
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Diamond Jewelry Collection
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BlueStarJewelry is pleased to present high quality
Diamond Jewelry in classic and modern styles: rings, earrings,
necklaces and pendants |
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