What is a laser-drilled diamond? Is it advisable to buy it for your engagement ring? 

Not all diamonds that sparkle are naturally made because some of them are artificially enhanced or treated. One of these enhancement procedures is called laser drilling. Let’s find out what laser drilling is and how it affects the artificial beauty of a diamond?

What is Laser Drilling?

Laser drilling is a means to improve a stone with inferior clarity. This procedure includes the use of laser to drill small holes which are finer than a hair in the stone. This goes all the way from its surface towards an inclusion inside. The channel created will be the way to eliminate the inclusions by dissolving it with acid or with heat. This kind of treatment is mostly applied to get rid of visible inclusions like black spots.

How Does Laser Drilling Enhance The Clarity Of A Diamond?

The clarity development that can be expected in a laser-drilled diamond is about 1 grade up. If for example, you have an SI stone and laser drilling is applied to remove the obvious inclusions, this same stone can be upgraded to become VS clarity. Rarely, we could see a 2 grade jump not because it is not possible but too much laser drilling would definitely compromise the appearance and sturdiness of the diamond and also to be set in a beautiful engagement ring eventually. The more the clarity improvement applied (requiring more holes to drill and more channels to make), the more fragile the diamond structure becomes.

What Is The Drawback Of A Laser Drilled Diamond?

The easiest means to detect if a diamond undergoes a laser drilling is to check its diamond report or certification as a laboratory would normally indicate if the diamonds are presence of drill holes in the stone.

If the stone does not have certificate, seek for a reliable diamond dealer in Los Angeles Diamond District who can examine through microscope. This will actually let you see the number of channels being drilled in a stone you are about to purchase.

What Does Fracture Filling Mean?

Since we discovered the visible holes a laser drilling can leave in the stone, there is also an artificial make up that a diamond cutter can apply in order the make that holes less obvious. This process is called fracture filling where the cutter fills the tunnels and cavities with a crystal substance.

Beware Buyers: Laser Drilling Activities Are Sometimes Undisclosed

It’s always best to get a trusted diamond dealer in buying a diamond so that you will be assured that the stone you are buying are naturally cut and genuinely graded. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States does not require for a direct disclosure of laser drilling enhancements upon selling a diamond to a consumer. It is primarily due to the fact that when a diamond’s clarity undergoes an enhancement procedure it will be permanent. An SI stone that is improved to become VS will now always be VS.

Such disclosure regulations may change, but as a consumer you are entitled for a proper and accurate information on a product that you are buying. Doing a research and asking questions are always the best tools. Do not be content with the paperwork a diamond dealer has but always throw questions about the diamond. And as much as possible make sure that the stone also has a legitimate laboratory certification such as GIA, EGL or IGI to verify everything.

Is It Advisable to Get A Laser Drilled Diamond If The Budget Is Limited?

This will be a matter of choice. Consider the pros and cons of what you are buying. Others would compromise the quality over the quantity, getting a lower durability laser drilled stone over a natural diamond just to fit within their budget. Please be reminded that the more holes present in a diamond, the weaker the diamond structure is.

Again, a wise judgment would surely lead you to the right decision. Would you rather spend cheaper for a diamond that might be questionable later on (vulnerable in chipping or cracking)?  Or spend a little more and be at peace knowing that you are getting a natural diamond as investment in the future.

Visit Gem Dynasty today, to experience our wide variety of exquisite diamonds.

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What are the rules in getting an Engagement ring?

Gone are the days when a man would secretly pick out a diamond ring for his girl and the latter would just pretend that she likes the ring as he proposed. Our present culture shows that the best approach is to let her choose the diamond engagement ring herself. Bear in mind that you will just pay the ring once but she will wear that same ring every single day of your marriage. You don’t want to hear her complaining every day, right?

Yet you still want to preserve that element of surprise. You want to see her eyes glowing when you throw the big question. Or maybe you prefer to keep from her the monetary value of that diamond ring. That’s understandable.

Here are the key points to follow so you can buy a wholesale diamond engagement ring that she cannot resist but fall in love with…..

Shape is priority.

Before considering the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity and carat), you must give weight first on the diamond shape that your fiancée prefers. Shape is different to a cut. The shape is the actual geometry of the stone whereas cut is the angles of the facets in a diamond.

Engagement ring is second.

A setting helps a lot in bringing out the beauty of the center diamond. After getting an idea as to which possible styles for setting she likes, try to work on the kind of ring that will match and blend with the shape, the size and the color of your stone. Not all settings work for all diamonds.

Safety should also be considered. Make sure that the setting you choose securely holds the center stone especially when your fiancée does a lot of physical activities.

Get a loose stone.

It is a wrong notion to get the setting first then the center stone for it should be the other way around. It will be easier to pick out a ring once you have the shape and size of the diamond. Avoid buying an assembled diamond ring (where center stone is already set on a ring) but rather get and check carefully a loose diamond with a loupe so that you will be able to clearly see the stone including its imperfections.

A good diamond dealer must be able to show you all the characteristics of the stone he or she is selling. Choose a stone with valid grading report issued by an independent gemological association such as GIA and EGL USA. This way you will not only rely on the diamond dealer’s verbal confirmation but on the certification of your stone.

Observe and know her style.

Since buying her an engagement is a top secret you must be very careful in finding ways to find out her style. You can tap her best friend, mom or sibling and let them swear for confidentiality. But if this is a one man job then closely observe jewelries or accessories she usually wear. Does she like white or yellow gold? Is she into vintage jewelries or classic pieces? Does she like high prongs or low type of setting?  Study her well and take mental notes to totally capture her style.

Take note on the importance of metal for her ring.

Again, after observing her style, you must identify also her preference for the metal of her ring. Platinum is one of the most popular choices. It is very durable and pure making it hypoallergenic for those who have highly sensitive skin. But if she is not sensitive, 14 or 18 karat gold is another great option.

Find out her ring size.

See if she has rings that she wears on her engagement finger. If none, you can request privately her best friend or family member to get hold of that size so you can have the diamond ring sized correctly.  Otherwise, simply get a standard size of ring which is 6. But let your jeweler be aware of the resizing ahead of time so that you’ll be able to know if the setting you are getting is possible to be resized.

Consider your Budget.

Be realistic on your spending ability. Buying an engagement ring shouldn’t be financially draining. Remember that the size and quality of a diamond will never be a gauge for the depth of love you have for your girl. It is the thought behind the gift. If you’re looking for a certain budget, go to Los Angeles Diamond District or aka Los Angeles Jewelry District where you will find most competitive diamond wholesalers. You will definitely save a lot, maximizing your budget towards the best quality stone as compared to going to a jewelry store where prices are usually in triple key.

Find a diamond dealer flexible for an exchange of setting.

When you purchase the engagement ring secretly, make sure that the diamond dealer has the flexibility when it comes to exchange in case your fiancée is not happy with the setting. Good option also is for a dealer who can allow you to get a temporary ring that matches your stone until you and fiancée are ready to come back and choose the right setting that she likes.

Visit Gem Dynasty today, to experience our wide variety of exquisite diamonds.

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"Your Love Says It All But Our Diamond Does It All!"

Diamond certification otherwise known as diamond grading report is a special kind of certification use to validate a diamond on its characteristics.  The diamond is submitted by an owner to a diamond laboratory that evaluates and gives the findings of specific diamond being certified.  It is also important because it verifies the quality of the diamond and guides non-experts to educate them in buying diamond.  Nowadays people are looking for a certified diamond for their diamond ring but the question is – Are you sure that the certified diamond you are buying is legitimate?  Diamond laboratories such as IGI (International Gemological Institute), AGS (American Gem Society) and HRD evaluate and certify the diamond.  There are two popularly known and acknowledged worldwide diamond laboratories that topped our list: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and EGL (European Gemological Laboratories).  GIA and EGL USA are one of the most trusted and well known diamond graders whereas EGL is very popular and more accessible here in the United States.

Diamond experts are always comparing these two diamond (GIA and EGL USA) if which one is better to use.  Consumers consider EGL certification because the processing fee is way cheaper than going to GIA and faster to complete and obtain the certificate.  But most people prefer GIA over EGL USA but the price of GIA grading and certification is way beyond higher compare to EGL and this will come out of the end users pocket.  These two diamond certifications are the most preferred provider of certificates compare to other independent gemological laboratories.  So why settle for IGI, AGS or even HRD certifications if you can spend few more dollars to get GIA or EGL certification for your diamond ring?

Whenever purchasing an engagement ring, this would give consumers an answer to their long time question, should I consider buying a diamond without certificate? Or should I focus on buying certified diamond instead?  Buyers must choose to a get a diamond with an EGL USA or GIA certification for the purpose of validity and its worth for insurance purposes or for future investment.  There are plenty of diamond dealers as well as jewelry stores that sell beautiful loose diamonds without certification.  The best places to purchase loose diamonds are in Los Angeles Jewelry District aka Los Angeles Diamond District where you will find some reputable wholesale diamond dealers.  Best way to find the most reputable wholesale diamond dealers is either finding them on Yelp or on Google by looking their reviews from other customers.  As far as certificates, our recommendation is GIA and EGL graders are truly the most recommended diamond laboratories in the world and by far the best in terms of certifying those precious stones.

Visit Gem Dynasty today, to experience our wide variety of exquisite diamonds.

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Now that you are sure with the woman whom you are bringing to the altar, you love her ways and her style and you’re even determined to fulfill her dream… It’s time to get a diamond that would seal your love forever. So then, choosing a diamond engagement ring especially the center stone is very significant and should be memorable.

Learning that she wants a cushion cut diamond engagement ring, you’re on for the search for that perfect cushion cut diamond. But first and foremost, you need to obtain a clear cut understanding of a cushion cut diamond that now comes in two categories: Cushion Brilliant and Cushion Modified Brilliant Diamonds.

Background

In the mid 1920s, cushion cut diamonds have fewer and longer facets, with deeper and smaller face size to weight ratio known as vintage or antique cushion. Though these vintage cushions have a certain character because of its antiquity, they are less brilliant compared to the modern properly cut cushions mainly due to the absence of skills and technology in that period.  

Cushion Brilliant Diamond versus Cushion Modified Brilliant Cut Diamond

The modern cushion cut diamonds are classified as either “Cushion Brilliant” or “Cushion Modified Brilliant“. GIA Laboratory has made distinctions of these 2 kinds of cushion based on technical faceting standard which should not be conclusive as it does not guarantee a more brilliant or superior cushion cut diamond.

We must remember that every cushion cut diamond is different. We need to make sure that we work with a trusted diamond dealer who can lead you to the right direction. You should also derive your diamond selection from beauty, brilliance and character of a diamond. Do not be too carried away with the technical information such as found in a diamond certification instead choose a stone based on its actual appearance and your personal preference as well.

A. Cushion Brilliant diamonds have common faceting arrangements as round brilliant cut diamonds. The facets formations in the pavilion of a cushion brilliant are extended from the center of the diamond out toward the girdle or outer edge, forming a star look. It has larger facets without “crushed ice” appearance.  It rather resembles the appearance of a round cut diamond with pillow like or cushion cut shape making it more popular and attractive.

B. Cushion Modified Brilliant diamonds are characterized by an extra row of facets below the girdle. But its facets on the pavilion do not actually reach the girdle, resembling a flower shape look. Cushion modified brilliants often carry an exceptional sparkle reminiscent like a ‘sparkling water’ or ‘crushed ice appearance’ of well-cut radiant shape stone.  And since these kinds of cushions have fewer demands in the market and diamond cutters save more weight when it is cut from a rough diamond crystal, they are less costly than a traditional cushion brilliant cut diamonds.

Additionally, there was a third technique discovered by diamond cutters to unite the appeal of the cushion brilliant with the brilliance and scintillation of a cushion modified brilliant known as hybrid cushion brilliants. These diamonds have four pavilion facets that goes from the center of the diamond out toward the girdle similar to cushion brilliant but with modified facets in between them. These added facets bring out more sparkle and fire to the diamond while the top part projects larger faceting like the brilliant round cut. Through this technique, cutters of diamonds are now capable to create cushion cut diamonds that retain the carat size and appearance of a modified cushion with the look of a classic cushion brilliant diamond.

Visit Gem Dynasty today, to experience our wide variety of exquisite diamonds.

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How to shop for a Certified Loose Diamond and Engagement Ring?

Start by finding a Wholesale Diamond Dealer you trust.

Finding a wholesale diamond dealer is as significant as learning the diamond specifications and price points in diamond buying. Purchasing a diamond engagement ring or certified loose diamond in Los Angeles isn't like buying a major appliance or a car as diamond speaks its own language and valued by its own exquisite intricacies. Hence, it entails an expertise to determine the quality, the style and the way these expensive diamond jewelry pieces are offered and sold. And not only the monetary aspect is involved, a buyer also makes an emotional investment in purchasing the perfect diamond for the perfect occasion calling for a crucial step --- getting a diamond dealer that you can depend on.

Building a relationship of trust with your dealer contributes a lot in making your diamond purchase experience worthwhile. Here are the ten important things you must consider before diving into the pool of diamonds:

1) A diamond dealer must be credentialed and established.

Integrity is one of the most important characteristics of a reputable dealer. A jewelry company popularized by advertisements and other forms of promotion should be the very least to consider in purchasing. Making your own research online through visiting the website, calling the company and checking its reviews from different social medias help a lot in validating the credible existence of a dealer.

Be sure that they are member of Better Business Bureau with A+ Rating or The jewelers Board of Trade.

2) A diamond dealer should know how to listen.

- A good diamond dealer must be open to listen to the buyer. He should not be pushy with his own interests especially when huge amount of money is involved.

- A diamond dealer must focus on the bride, her diamond qualifications including her desires, needs and style.

- A diamond dealer is ready to showcase a good selection of quality diamonds and well-crafted engagement rings and guiding the buyer according to the latter's preference.

3) A diamond dealer must carry an extensive tool of services.

- An established diamond dealer must be or must have a trained in-house gemologist who can walk you through the different properties of precious stones and able to help you in finding the best stone within the diamond criteria and price requirement that you set.

- A diamond dealer must know or have an experienced and dependable setter who can accommodate any kind of repairs or jobs for your diamond jewelry.

- Having a special software for designing custom pieces is also an advantage if you are looking to get a specific style of a ring.

4) A diamond dealer must be knowledgeable.

A diamond dealer must be well-equipped to answer each and every inquiry or concern you have about the diamond and engagement ring with confidence and ease. He must have the expertise in the diamond specifications and fine jewelry components so that you can be fully aware the value of the engagement ring you are buying for your own future investment and insurance purposes.

5) A diamond dealer must have an office or a store with a good collection of diamonds and engagement rings.

A credible diamond dealer should be situated in a legal and decent office or store and carry a wide selection of diamonds and engagement rings such as in Los Angeles Jewelry District where trusted diamond dealers are located. Though diamond dealer may carry a huge inventory of diamonds and settings he should know how to give space to the buyer by getting the latter's preference on diamond requirements, ring style and budget without overwhelming the buyer.

6) A diamond dealer must be open to teach the know-how of diamond buying and explain the basic information like 4C's (carat, color, clarity & cut) to his customer.

A regular buyer may not know much about the characteristics of a diamond and would probably base his judgment on the total appearance of the stone. But a genuine and transparent diamond dealer goes beyond his customer's needs and willingly share the basic yet important aspects of a diamond and how it is graded. This way, a buyer will have a clear idea of the real value of a diamond he is planning to purchase.

7) A diamond dealer should know how to handle diamond certification and appraisal.

A diamond dealer must be confident enough to suggest the buyer to verify his diamond certification and/or appraisal to a legitimate and independent gem lab like Gemological Institute of America (GIA), International Gemological Institute (I.G.I), EGL USA Gemological Laboratory or American Gem Society (AGS), in order to validate the authenticity of the diamond he is selling.

8) A diamond dealer must have clear and established policies for warranties & returns.

A good buy of a diamond or diamond jewelry should also be followed with clear policies when it comes to warranties and returns. Don't buy diamond out of impulse just because the stone and its price look very attractive. Have a good understanding of the terms and conditions provided by the diamond dealer before making a purchase. This will save yourself from headache later on when you decide to upgrade, trade, insure or sell your diamond.

9) A diamond dealer must also have a valid marking of precious metal in the engagement ring.

When you buy a diamond engagement ring you must also consider the quality of gold being used on the ring. It should have a proper stamp of 10K, 14K, 18K or PLT (platinum). A good wholesale diamond dealer would not be hesitant to show you this stamp on the jewelries he is selling.

10) A diamond dealer must be trustworthy in all aspects.

As the saying goes "Promises are meant to be broken" and this should not be happening with the jeweler whom you are getting your diamond. Don't be carried away by and rely on the dealer's words of assurance but know the dealer's background from online reviews, membership with legitimate institutions such as Better Business Bureau and The Jewelers Board of Trade, referral of a relative or friend, and the reputation in the community. Doing a research about the dealer is one of the effective preparations as you take your first step in looking and choosing your diamond.

Embracing all significant points mentioned above would surely result to a real good deal as well as fruitful and long lasting relationship with your diamond dealer grounded in confidence and trust.

Visit Gem Dynasty today, to experience our wide variety of exquisite diamonds.

Fore more information about the diamonds and jewelries:

Los Angeles Diamond District is located at the heart of Downtown Los Angeles and considered as one of the largest and busiest diamond/jewelry district in United States.  More than a century past, more businesses had been established here and the diamond market progressed from time to time.  The jewelry dealers around the area sell loose diamonds, diamond jewelries, gemstones, precious stones, gold and gold jewelries.  Compare to New York and Chicago’s diamond business, the market rate in Los Angeles is the highest and dominates most of the cities in United States.  The most prestigious wholesale loose diamond building in Los Angeles Diamond and Jewelry District is located in 550 South Hill where well known diamond dealers occupied in this building.

Why is it better to shop at Los Angeles Diamond District?

If you are looking for a loose diamonds, diamond engagement rings, diamond jewelries or even gold jewelries, Los Angeles Diamond District provides everything you need.  With over 8,000 independent diamond dealers as well as jewelry vendors in Los Angeles Diamond and Jewelry District, you can expect to find the perfect diamond engagement ring that you’re looking for.  Parking is very convenient because most parking lots are in the building and some companies validate parking for you but keep in mind that it will definitely be worth it since the prices from a wholesaler is a fraction of the price of a retailers.  Shopping around diamond/jewelry district is highly recommended and you will know which place gives you a better deal.  And when you find the right place with the right diamond or engagement ring that you are looking for then that’s the time you can pull the trigger.

What are the advantages of buying diamonds in Los Angeles Diamond District?

Researching online is the first step before shopping around Los Angeles Diamond District.  People prefer going on Google or Yelp to find who has the best deal or promo around the area.  Referrals or recommendation from someone is a plus but consumers nowadays are basing on the company’s reviews or feedbacks online.  Quality is always the question in terms of buying a diamond but this is the right place for all loose diamonds as well as certified diamonds like GIA or EGL.  Try Gem Dynasty where they have a huge inventory of certified loose diamonds as well as tons of beautiful engagement rings to choose from.  A wholesaler like them promotes a very good deal compared to other retailers in the market.  Pricing in Los Angeles Diamond District is very competitive compare to retail stores inside the shopping malls or some known jewelry stores you see advertised on televisions.  If you worry about return policy, most of the stores in the district have a money back guarantee.  Others will rather have an exchange or give you a credit for you to purchase a different diamond ring.

Visit Gem Dynasty today, to experience our wide variety of exquisite diamonds.

Fore more information about the diamonds and jewelries: