#diamond_education

Diamonds are formed deep within the earth, under extreme heat and pressure. Clarity refers to the tiny, natural imperfections that that are present in all but the rarest diamonds. Gemologists name these imperfections by technical names, including blemishes and inclusions. The less inclusions, the better the clarity.

FL: Flawless - No inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.

IF: Internally Flawless: No inclusions, only blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.

VVS1-VVS2: Very, Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification.

VS1-VS2: Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are clearly visible under 10x magnification but can be characterized as minor.

Sl1-Sl2: Slightly Included: Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader using 10x magnification.

I1-I3: Included: Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance.

Very simple in composition: C carbon---99.95%. Diamond is the only inorganic gemstone that consists of only one element Chemically it’s simple carbon. Its crystal form gives it three desirable optical properties:

Hardest gemstone known to man. Diamond’s hardness enables it to accept a higher polish than any other gemstone, thereby making it more brilliant than any other gemstone.

Melting point is 6,900 degrees F -4,000 degrees C – 2 1/2 times the melting point of steel.

Does not undergo thermal expansion (water to ice).

Buying a diamond is a very personal experience. Diamonds can be bought to signify love, significant accomplishments, milestones in your life or that of a gift's recipient. Unlike when you buy clothing, electronics, or cars, the features of a diamond may not seem quite so obvious to you. We would like to change that. The more you know about your diamond jewelry, the more confident you will feel when making your diamond jewelry choices. Take a moment to learn more about the 4Cs and find out how they play an important role in making your diamond jewelry unique.

Shape

Cut

Color

Clarity

There are three main points to think about before stepping foot in a jewelry store.

#1: Budget. One of the many fantastic aspects of diamond jewelry is they come in all sizes and prices ranges. From a few hundred dollars to several thousand, you will undoubtedly be able to find some within your budget. It’s a good idea to think about how much you want to spend. Set a range that you would like to stay in, and look at earrings in that area.

#2: Quality. Diamond jewelry are measured and priced as per the four C’s: Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat weight. The good news about diamond jewelry is that, typically, you can purchase stones that are not as high quality as rings demand, so you can get more size for your money.

Diamond shopping is fun and exhilarating, or is it? While the purchase is rewarding, the actual decision process can become frustrating. Why? There are many choices of stones, coupled with an enormous variety of jewelry stores, and you are laying out a significant amount of money. It’s easy to make the wrong decision, and end up with a diamond that falls short.

Check out these top diamonds buying mistakes:

Deciding too quickly

Choosing price over quality

Buying online

Thinking all diamonds are alike

Failing to get educated beforehand