Search results for "diamond" - on Sale Now: Search results for "diamond"
posted by me @ 9:51 PM
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Saturday, March 05, 2005
Search results for "loose diamonds" - on Sale Now: Search results for "loose diamonds"
posted by me @ 9:49 PM
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Sunday, February 27, 2005
Gevalia Coffee Tips The Bright Idea or What is in the Mail Popular Women UV Free Airbrush Tanning News New Car News Britney Spears Gevalia Coffee Tips The Bright Idea or What is in the Mail Popular Women UV Free Airbrush Tanning News New Car News Britney SpearsNew Wedding Band Collection
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posted by me @ 7:28 PM
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Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Loose Diamonds
Loose Diamonds: "Make Sure You Know How to Evaluate a Quality Loose Diamond Before Making Your Expensive Investment!
Diamonds on the Loose: How to Choose a Quality Stone
An exquisite piece of diamond jewelry begins with a single stone. The larger the stone you're looking for, the more sense it makes to the buy a loose diamond. When the diamond is loose, you will be able to evaluate it on its own merits and not be distracted by the setting.
Loose diamonds should be evaluated by the Five C's. (Yes, we said five.)"
Diamonds on the Loose: How to Choose a Quality Stone
An exquisite piece of diamond jewelry begins with a single stone. The larger the stone you're looking for, the more sense it makes to the buy a loose diamond. When the diamond is loose, you will be able to evaluate it on its own merits and not be distracted by the setting.
Loose diamonds should be evaluated by the Five C's. (Yes, we said five.)"
posted by me @ 12:57 AM
0 comments
Estate Buying: Diamonds
Estate Buying: "Our Philosophy
We are very active buyers of second hand diamonds and estate diamond jewelry. We understand that it is truly difficult, if not impossible, to obtain a competitive market price outside of New York since there usually is a very limited number of jewelers, if any, who are willing, or have the resources, to buy your second hand diamonds at their true value. Our experience tells us that the local jeweler will not offer you a price which the New York market can. You are best served by giving us the opportunity to offer you a competitive market price for your diamonds and jewelry.
Our philosophy is to do our best and service our clients by buying at market price. Located in the heart of New York's diamond market, we know the market as well as anyone. Not all of the diamonds we may be offered will be for us. But, after 57 years in business, we know the market and we know who can use those diamonds which may not fit our inventory needs. We can obtain the highest prices for you by directing those diamonds to other sources who we know can use them.
Our reputation in the diamond business is impeccable and you can feel confident that when you send us your second hand diamonds and jewelry it will be treated with care and will be secure. We make immediate decisions and pay immediately after we reach agreement on a price. You do not have to tell us what you are asking for the item. We will offer you the highest price we feel the market commands for your merchandise.
What We Buy
Diamonds, Large and Small
We buy all types of diamonds, with and without certificates, in all sizes.
Fine Estate Jewelry.
Think of us the next time you have an item of estate jewelry for sale. We buy both signed and unsigned pieces. "
We are very active buyers of second hand diamonds and estate diamond jewelry. We understand that it is truly difficult, if not impossible, to obtain a competitive market price outside of New York since there usually is a very limited number of jewelers, if any, who are willing, or have the resources, to buy your second hand diamonds at their true value. Our experience tells us that the local jeweler will not offer you a price which the New York market can. You are best served by giving us the opportunity to offer you a competitive market price for your diamonds and jewelry.
Our philosophy is to do our best and service our clients by buying at market price. Located in the heart of New York's diamond market, we know the market as well as anyone. Not all of the diamonds we may be offered will be for us. But, after 57 years in business, we know the market and we know who can use those diamonds which may not fit our inventory needs. We can obtain the highest prices for you by directing those diamonds to other sources who we know can use them.
Our reputation in the diamond business is impeccable and you can feel confident that when you send us your second hand diamonds and jewelry it will be treated with care and will be secure. We make immediate decisions and pay immediately after we reach agreement on a price. You do not have to tell us what you are asking for the item. We will offer you the highest price we feel the market commands for your merchandise.
What We Buy
Diamonds, Large and Small
We buy all types of diamonds, with and without certificates, in all sizes.
Fine Estate Jewelry.
Think of us the next time you have an item of estate jewelry for sale. We buy both signed and unsigned pieces. "
posted by me @ 12:50 AM
0 comments
What you should know about diamonds
What you should know: "While most diamond buyers focus on the Four C's to evaluate their diamond purchase, we at A. Fishman & Son feel very strongly that an exclusive focus on the Four C's may lead you astray in evaluating whether the diamond you are considering is really a pretty diamond and worth the money you are about to spend. To take identically graded diamonds and just compare their certificates and prices is a sure fire way to make a mistake. What are the factors that you should consider and how do they impact the value of a diamond? Let's discuss them. In the end, we hope you will come to the conclusion that you should be buying your diamonds from A. Fishman & Son, where your best interests are our primary concern. I welcome your call to discuss any of the matters described below.
Diamond Buying Philosophy
Factors Relating to Color, Clarity and Cut
Choice of Gemological Laboratories
More on Clarity Grade
Measurements
Rounds
Fancy Cuts
Proportions
Depth and Table Percentages
Polish and Symmetry
Fluorescence "
Diamond Buying Philosophy
Factors Relating to Color, Clarity and Cut
Choice of Gemological Laboratories
More on Clarity Grade
Measurements
Rounds
Fancy Cuts
Proportions
Depth and Table Percentages
Polish and Symmetry
Fluorescence "
posted by me @ 12:47 AM
0 comments
Loose Diamond Shipping Procedures Guide. Diamond Common Sense
Loose Diamond Shipping Procedures Guide. Certified Diamond Dealer AM-Diamonds.com: "Diamond Common Sense
In today�s world it is becoming harder and harder to make the money necessary for enjoying the good life. In addition there are many more items tempting our attention for purchase consideration. It has always been my view that my client should decide what their exact budget is before they proceed into the market for a diamond purchase. That way they will be able to live within their family budget while enjoying the fruits of their labor and their diamond purchase.
It is my job as your AGENT to help you determine the exact diamond size and quality, which fits your budget. Having a firm understanding of the target diamond I locate the best possible diamond at the lowest price. As I do not have any inventory, you will never be offered anything other than what we agreed on was our target diamond.
It is extremely important for my client to have a clear understanding of diamond qualities and the benefit of my experience to know where corners maybe cut and where not to cut corners. I call this the sizzle but not the stake pricing. Example a 2.00 carat F color VVS1 clarity round diamond wholesales for $30,400 and an F color VS2 clarity round diamond wholesales for $23,400. If I locate a clean F-VS2, which with ideal cut, I believe visually you will not be able to tell the difference from the F-VVS1 except in the cost.
Now if you are an engineer and really understand the difference and are willing to pay the difference that is another matter, however my personal view is keep your money for another item and buy the F-VS2. This of course is strictly a personal decision however common sense would say sizzle but not stake or have your cake and eat it too! "
In today�s world it is becoming harder and harder to make the money necessary for enjoying the good life. In addition there are many more items tempting our attention for purchase consideration. It has always been my view that my client should decide what their exact budget is before they proceed into the market for a diamond purchase. That way they will be able to live within their family budget while enjoying the fruits of their labor and their diamond purchase.
It is my job as your AGENT to help you determine the exact diamond size and quality, which fits your budget. Having a firm understanding of the target diamond I locate the best possible diamond at the lowest price. As I do not have any inventory, you will never be offered anything other than what we agreed on was our target diamond.
It is extremely important for my client to have a clear understanding of diamond qualities and the benefit of my experience to know where corners maybe cut and where not to cut corners. I call this the sizzle but not the stake pricing. Example a 2.00 carat F color VVS1 clarity round diamond wholesales for $30,400 and an F color VS2 clarity round diamond wholesales for $23,400. If I locate a clean F-VS2, which with ideal cut, I believe visually you will not be able to tell the difference from the F-VVS1 except in the cost.
Now if you are an engineer and really understand the difference and are willing to pay the difference that is another matter, however my personal view is keep your money for another item and buy the F-VS2. This of course is strictly a personal decision however common sense would say sizzle but not stake or have your cake and eat it too! "
posted by me @ 12:31 AM
0 comments
Diamond Recommendations
Loose Diamond Price Guide. Certified Diamond Dealer AM-Diamonds.com: "Our Diamond Recommendations
Based on many years of brokering diamonds, we have several suggestions, which may help in the selection process of your diamond purchase for color, clarity and cut. Most clients appreciate our ability to guide our client's purchase for the B-ROI-D Best Return On Invested Dollars!
Deciding on the shape is the first step in the diamond selection process. Everyone has a special attraction to a certain shape. It is extremely important to determine the diamond shape first as the shape can effect the final price dramatically.
If you want to maximize the diamond purchase, while spending the least possible amount of money then we suggest you consider a diamond with a Color Grade of G, or H. The reason is simple, diamonds in these color ranges still are basically white, (Top Near Colorless) and the prices are 45% - 65% below the D, E and F Colors. Once mounted, they'll look fabulous to the average person! Please see our COLOR GRADING SECTION under Diamond 5C's for further explanation.
A similar savings can be applied to the diamond clarity grade. The technical Gemological definition of an SI1 Clarity Grade is, "The Imperfection within the diamond can not be seen with the naked eye, but can easily be seen with the aid of a 10 X power loupe. Following this definition, if our clients purchase an SI1 Clarity Graded Diamond, they can save an additional 28% - 44% over the top clarity grades holding all other grades, Color, Cut, and Carat weight constant. Please see our CLARITY GRADIND SECTION under Diamond 5C's for further details.
Cut determines the sparkle and brightness so don't settle for a poor cut (made) diamond. Learn what the specifications need to be for a great cut for your shape of diamond and then find the best value within those criteria. Again an Ideal cut stone is 5% - 10% higher in price over a well-made stone. Buy a diamond with a great cut, (make) and you will be rewarded with exceptional sparkle and brilliance. Please see our CUT SECTION under the Diamond 5C's section.
Finally and most important careful attention must be addressed to the budget. When you get a feel for the diamond size and quality you want, go to our DIAMOND PRICE CALCULATOR and plug in the values you are looking for. The DIAMOND PRICE CALCULATOR will show you the GIA-Diamond price, which in all cases will be at least 15% below New York 47th Street wholesale pricing! We have never yet failed to meet or reduce the lowest price indicated! Remember we only sell GIA Lab Reports and we represent the buyer.
TRUST BUT VERIFY
"
Based on many years of brokering diamonds, we have several suggestions, which may help in the selection process of your diamond purchase for color, clarity and cut. Most clients appreciate our ability to guide our client's purchase for the B-ROI-D Best Return On Invested Dollars!
Deciding on the shape is the first step in the diamond selection process. Everyone has a special attraction to a certain shape. It is extremely important to determine the diamond shape first as the shape can effect the final price dramatically.
If you want to maximize the diamond purchase, while spending the least possible amount of money then we suggest you consider a diamond with a Color Grade of G, or H. The reason is simple, diamonds in these color ranges still are basically white, (Top Near Colorless) and the prices are 45% - 65% below the D, E and F Colors. Once mounted, they'll look fabulous to the average person! Please see our COLOR GRADING SECTION under Diamond 5C's for further explanation.
A similar savings can be applied to the diamond clarity grade. The technical Gemological definition of an SI1 Clarity Grade is, "The Imperfection within the diamond can not be seen with the naked eye, but can easily be seen with the aid of a 10 X power loupe. Following this definition, if our clients purchase an SI1 Clarity Graded Diamond, they can save an additional 28% - 44% over the top clarity grades holding all other grades, Color, Cut, and Carat weight constant. Please see our CLARITY GRADIND SECTION under Diamond 5C's for further details.
Cut determines the sparkle and brightness so don't settle for a poor cut (made) diamond. Learn what the specifications need to be for a great cut for your shape of diamond and then find the best value within those criteria. Again an Ideal cut stone is 5% - 10% higher in price over a well-made stone. Buy a diamond with a great cut, (make) and you will be rewarded with exceptional sparkle and brilliance. Please see our CUT SECTION under the Diamond 5C's section.
Finally and most important careful attention must be addressed to the budget. When you get a feel for the diamond size and quality you want, go to our DIAMOND PRICE CALCULATOR and plug in the values you are looking for. The DIAMOND PRICE CALCULATOR will show you the GIA-Diamond price, which in all cases will be at least 15% below New York 47th Street wholesale pricing! We have never yet failed to meet or reduce the lowest price indicated! Remember we only sell GIA Lab Reports and we represent the buyer.
TRUST BUT VERIFY
"
posted by me @ 12:30 AM
0 comments
Loose Diamonds Price Guide, Diamond Articles, Informational Resources.
Loose Diamonds Price Guide, Diamond Articles, Informational Resources.: "Diamond Brokerage Services
AM-Diamonds is in the business of brokering fine diamonds of 1.00 carat and larger between the top color grades of D to I, and clarity grades of FL-SI1 (Flawless to Slightly Included One) in all shapes.
Our mission is to offer our valued clients top quality diamonds at direct cutter's pricing, by-passing all of the traditional wholesalers and retailers with their added mark ups. We access the vast inventories of many of the world's leading site holders. Because of the monopoly De Beers maintains in the trading of fine diamond rough and the many traditional channels in the diamond distribution system, the public has very few places to turn to for purchasing fine diamonds direct at advantageous diamond cutter's pricing.
GIA, (Gemological Institute of America) has become the worldwide premiere Laboratory in the grading of fine diamonds and supplying Laboratory Reports to the diamond industry. These Lab Reports describe each diamond's DNA - Color, Cut and Clarity Quality Grades. These GIA Lab Reports eliminate the guesswork in diamond quality identification. While we don't have a nationally recognized Store Brand Name, we do have a World-Class Diamond Certificate.
The information age has continually forced most industries to become extremely efficient in order to survive in today's competitive environment. Prices have been falling while product quality and innovations have been improving. The Diamond Business and the entire Jewelry Industry are caught in these very difficult times, with their antiquated channels of distribution and inefficient pricing structures.
AM-Diamonds is simply applying the efficient distribution techniques develop in many other industries. We match our client's diamond requests with a diamond that has a GIA Lab Reports, and factory direct pricing. Since we broker only diamonds with GIA Lab Reports, our job becomes quite simple. After identifying a willing knowledge and capable buyer, we accurately identify the diamond that fits their budget, access the vast diamond inventories locating the exact diamond, saving our clients a ton of money. Our clients benefit by receiving the "Diamond of Their Dreams", at a price they have never seen.
If you love to save money, especially a bundle of money, you are our client! Call us and see. Better yet check out our Diamond Price Calculator and see if your local jeweler or friend can do better. Please remember one thing, apples to apples; you must request pricing for a diamond, which has a GIA Certificate, not someone's guess on a diamond's quality, so we may compare pricing! If someone tells you a Certificate Diamond is high priced, what they are really saying is, "Trust me I can sell you an inferior diamond at an inflated price!"
"
AM-Diamonds is in the business of brokering fine diamonds of 1.00 carat and larger between the top color grades of D to I, and clarity grades of FL-SI1 (Flawless to Slightly Included One) in all shapes.
Our mission is to offer our valued clients top quality diamonds at direct cutter's pricing, by-passing all of the traditional wholesalers and retailers with their added mark ups. We access the vast inventories of many of the world's leading site holders. Because of the monopoly De Beers maintains in the trading of fine diamond rough and the many traditional channels in the diamond distribution system, the public has very few places to turn to for purchasing fine diamonds direct at advantageous diamond cutter's pricing.
GIA, (Gemological Institute of America) has become the worldwide premiere Laboratory in the grading of fine diamonds and supplying Laboratory Reports to the diamond industry. These Lab Reports describe each diamond's DNA - Color, Cut and Clarity Quality Grades. These GIA Lab Reports eliminate the guesswork in diamond quality identification. While we don't have a nationally recognized Store Brand Name, we do have a World-Class Diamond Certificate.
The information age has continually forced most industries to become extremely efficient in order to survive in today's competitive environment. Prices have been falling while product quality and innovations have been improving. The Diamond Business and the entire Jewelry Industry are caught in these very difficult times, with their antiquated channels of distribution and inefficient pricing structures.
AM-Diamonds is simply applying the efficient distribution techniques develop in many other industries. We match our client's diamond requests with a diamond that has a GIA Lab Reports, and factory direct pricing. Since we broker only diamonds with GIA Lab Reports, our job becomes quite simple. After identifying a willing knowledge and capable buyer, we accurately identify the diamond that fits their budget, access the vast diamond inventories locating the exact diamond, saving our clients a ton of money. Our clients benefit by receiving the "Diamond of Their Dreams", at a price they have never seen.
If you love to save money, especially a bundle of money, you are our client! Call us and see. Better yet check out our Diamond Price Calculator and see if your local jeweler or friend can do better. Please remember one thing, apples to apples; you must request pricing for a diamond, which has a GIA Certificate, not someone's guess on a diamond's quality, so we may compare pricing! If someone tells you a Certificate Diamond is high priced, what they are really saying is, "Trust me I can sell you an inferior diamond at an inflated price!"
"
posted by me @ 12:29 AM
0 comments
Diamond Investment Value from AM-Diamonds.com - Certified Diamond Dealer
Diamond Investment Value from AM-Diamonds.com - Certified Diamond Dealer: "Diamond Investment Value
There comes a point in every sale my client asks, ' Is this diamond a good investment?' This is an important question on everyone's mind! The simple answer is no! Of course we need to define investment before the complete answer is fully understood. Everyone defines 'Investment' in his or her own way.
My personal definition is that an investment must pay a dividend every month to qualify as a financial investment. However how can I or anyone else value the Emotional Investment of a fine Certified Diamond? The fabulous feeling one gets wearing a top quality diamond with all of the sparkle, brilliance, and scintillation may be the best personal investment one can make. How can anyone place a value on the comments of friends or the admiration of a stranger when viewing the baby on you hand! What better investment could one make!
Perhaps a more accurate question would be, 'Is a diamond a good value when spending my hard earned money?' This answer is much simpler, a great value! Ask yourself what item can I purchase other than a diamond, that holds it's value and can actually increase in value over time other than my house?
Buying a diamond is like gaining a friend for life. It is the only Gemstone, which is universally recognized, the hardest known substance in existence and talks to you everyday! That's what I call a great investment!"
There comes a point in every sale my client asks, ' Is this diamond a good investment?' This is an important question on everyone's mind! The simple answer is no! Of course we need to define investment before the complete answer is fully understood. Everyone defines 'Investment' in his or her own way.
My personal definition is that an investment must pay a dividend every month to qualify as a financial investment. However how can I or anyone else value the Emotional Investment of a fine Certified Diamond? The fabulous feeling one gets wearing a top quality diamond with all of the sparkle, brilliance, and scintillation may be the best personal investment one can make. How can anyone place a value on the comments of friends or the admiration of a stranger when viewing the baby on you hand! What better investment could one make!
Perhaps a more accurate question would be, 'Is a diamond a good value when spending my hard earned money?' This answer is much simpler, a great value! Ask yourself what item can I purchase other than a diamond, that holds it's value and can actually increase in value over time other than my house?
Buying a diamond is like gaining a friend for life. It is the only Gemstone, which is universally recognized, the hardest known substance in existence and talks to you everyday! That's what I call a great investment!"
posted by me @ 12:28 AM
0 comments
The Proper Way To Buy A Diamond
The Proper Way To Buy A Diamond: "The Proper Way To Buy A Diamond
The process for buying a fine top quality diamond is much more simple than the jewelry industry would like you to believe! The reason is simple, if the public knew how easy it really is to purchase a fine top quality diamond, they simply would not allow the large sums of money, profits made by the retailers, for the very simple service they are supplying. This is the result of an extremely inefficient distribution system that has been in place since the beginning of time.
Believe me I am not interested in wasting your time. What I am truly interested in arming my client with the correct knowledge enabling them to make the best decision based on facts while removing as much of the emotion as possible. The jewelers, diamond brokers, and dealers have a bad habit of trying to confuse their clients with: 1.) Too much bad information. 2.) Too many concepts which confuse the client, 3.) Too many extraneous ideas or personal opinions that play no part in the decision-making process which lead to 4.) Too high of price!
I have found the best things in life are usually the simplest. The decision making process for just about everything is becoming too complex. It seem the more complex things become, excluding the technology industry, the higher profit margins are justifiable!
The best way to purchase a fine high quality diamond is: 1.) Gain a basic understanding of the qualities a fine diamond 2.) Set a personal budget, 3.) Obtain a realistic idea of what diamonds cost – Please see my revolutionary “Diamond Price Calculator” under the Current offers heading also under the Diamond 6 c”s “Cost” 4.) Insist on a GIA Diamond Certificate with any diamond you purchase remember “Trust but Verify” and 5.) Find your dream diamond at the lowest possible price armed with the above information.
Gia-Diamonds.net can easily save 50% - 60% on the same high quality diamond you may look at from Tiffany and Co., Harry Winston’s, Van Cleef and Arpels, or any top quality Carriage Trade Jewelry Store. Remember they have a brand name, however we both have diamonds certified by the exact same company!!! No one can put an accurate price on the blue box, which comes with the diamond at Tiffany’s.
Regarding diamond brokers pricing, GIA-Diamonds.net will save you between 20% - 30%. Armed with the knowledge you can acquire within this site, you can easily ask the correct questions and receive the correct answer without any of the unnecessary disinformation.
Your time is very valuable. In fact it is your most precious personal asset because of the nature of its limit. Take the time to understand diamonds, use the revolutionary, “Diamond Price Calculator” to realistically identify the price at which you should pay for your dream diamond. Then go into the market and search out the your diamond at your target price.
When you are almost done with your search but before you purchase, e-mail Alan@AM-Diamonds.com for our best quote. I am sure you will not be disappointed. We will find your exact diamond at the best possible lowest price. We offer Platinum and gold designing and setting service at our costs. In addition we offer a 7day 100% Money Back Guarantee if you are not 100% delighted with your diamond and your price!
If this information has allowed you to purchase the dream diamond from your friend or local jewelry store at a price that satisfies you than I have performed a valuable function and helped you make a very efficient purchase saving you a ton of money. However make sure you get a Certified Diamond by GIA so you can be assured of the diamond quality you purchased!
"
The process for buying a fine top quality diamond is much more simple than the jewelry industry would like you to believe! The reason is simple, if the public knew how easy it really is to purchase a fine top quality diamond, they simply would not allow the large sums of money, profits made by the retailers, for the very simple service they are supplying. This is the result of an extremely inefficient distribution system that has been in place since the beginning of time.
Believe me I am not interested in wasting your time. What I am truly interested in arming my client with the correct knowledge enabling them to make the best decision based on facts while removing as much of the emotion as possible. The jewelers, diamond brokers, and dealers have a bad habit of trying to confuse their clients with: 1.) Too much bad information. 2.) Too many concepts which confuse the client, 3.) Too many extraneous ideas or personal opinions that play no part in the decision-making process which lead to 4.) Too high of price!
I have found the best things in life are usually the simplest. The decision making process for just about everything is becoming too complex. It seem the more complex things become, excluding the technology industry, the higher profit margins are justifiable!
The best way to purchase a fine high quality diamond is: 1.) Gain a basic understanding of the qualities a fine diamond 2.) Set a personal budget, 3.) Obtain a realistic idea of what diamonds cost – Please see my revolutionary “Diamond Price Calculator” under the Current offers heading also under the Diamond 6 c”s “Cost” 4.) Insist on a GIA Diamond Certificate with any diamond you purchase remember “Trust but Verify” and 5.) Find your dream diamond at the lowest possible price armed with the above information.
Gia-Diamonds.net can easily save 50% - 60% on the same high quality diamond you may look at from Tiffany and Co., Harry Winston’s, Van Cleef and Arpels, or any top quality Carriage Trade Jewelry Store. Remember they have a brand name, however we both have diamonds certified by the exact same company!!! No one can put an accurate price on the blue box, which comes with the diamond at Tiffany’s.
Regarding diamond brokers pricing, GIA-Diamonds.net will save you between 20% - 30%. Armed with the knowledge you can acquire within this site, you can easily ask the correct questions and receive the correct answer without any of the unnecessary disinformation.
Your time is very valuable. In fact it is your most precious personal asset because of the nature of its limit. Take the time to understand diamonds, use the revolutionary, “Diamond Price Calculator” to realistically identify the price at which you should pay for your dream diamond. Then go into the market and search out the your diamond at your target price.
When you are almost done with your search but before you purchase, e-mail Alan@AM-Diamonds.com for our best quote. I am sure you will not be disappointed. We will find your exact diamond at the best possible lowest price. We offer Platinum and gold designing and setting service at our costs. In addition we offer a 7day 100% Money Back Guarantee if you are not 100% delighted with your diamond and your price!
If this information has allowed you to purchase the dream diamond from your friend or local jewelry store at a price that satisfies you than I have performed a valuable function and helped you make a very efficient purchase saving you a ton of money. However make sure you get a Certified Diamond by GIA so you can be assured of the diamond quality you purchased!
"
posted by me @ 12:27 AM
0 comments
Loose Diamond Price Guide. Certified Diamond Dealer AM-Diamonds.com
Loose Diamond Price Guide. Certified Diamond Dealer AM-Diamonds.com: "Why Are Diamonds Way Overpriced?
The business of creating an atmosphere conducive to the sale of fine diamonds has many direct costs, which the retail client may not be aware of but are required to generate a successful retail diamond trade. The general overhead costs are enormous adding a large percentage of cost to the final purchase price of any diamond.
The direct cost of a diamond inventory is related to product selection. The different diamond shapes, sizes and qualities provide a very challenging process for any proprietor. The inventory required to maintain a proper presentation can easily add up to several hundred thousand dollars and is always sitting in the display case. As a diamond sale is made the diamond must be replaced to make a presentable inventory. This cost of inventory leads to an added permanent interest charge, which must be averaged and included in the cost of all completed diamond sales. In addition the diamond inventory turnover in the best performing stores only approaches 1 time per year.
When shopping for a diamond the selling clerk is limited to presenting only the diamonds in the showcase. Generally this is a great place to start the diamond information gathering process; however the client will almost always want to see a size, shape or quality that is not present. At this precise moment the dynamics of the sale shifts, as the selling clerk try's to exert pressure on the client to seriously consider the diamonds present in the showcase. This is the point in the sale where the gloves come off and the subtle disinformation process begins. The owner tells the clerk, "Sell what you have!" Of course this is never in the customer's best interest. The client will ask to see a diamond not on display leading the retailer to have an additional diamond shipped in from his supplier. This leads to increased processing costs with the diamond generally costing the retailer more money as the memo diamond has a higher cost to the retailer than a diamond he may purchase for inventory.
All of these factors collide to produce hidden charges, which must be absorbed by the retailer's client adding a large percentage to the final purchase price of any diamond.
No wonder Why Diamonds Are Overpriced!"
The business of creating an atmosphere conducive to the sale of fine diamonds has many direct costs, which the retail client may not be aware of but are required to generate a successful retail diamond trade. The general overhead costs are enormous adding a large percentage of cost to the final purchase price of any diamond.
The direct cost of a diamond inventory is related to product selection. The different diamond shapes, sizes and qualities provide a very challenging process for any proprietor. The inventory required to maintain a proper presentation can easily add up to several hundred thousand dollars and is always sitting in the display case. As a diamond sale is made the diamond must be replaced to make a presentable inventory. This cost of inventory leads to an added permanent interest charge, which must be averaged and included in the cost of all completed diamond sales. In addition the diamond inventory turnover in the best performing stores only approaches 1 time per year.
When shopping for a diamond the selling clerk is limited to presenting only the diamonds in the showcase. Generally this is a great place to start the diamond information gathering process; however the client will almost always want to see a size, shape or quality that is not present. At this precise moment the dynamics of the sale shifts, as the selling clerk try's to exert pressure on the client to seriously consider the diamonds present in the showcase. This is the point in the sale where the gloves come off and the subtle disinformation process begins. The owner tells the clerk, "Sell what you have!" Of course this is never in the customer's best interest. The client will ask to see a diamond not on display leading the retailer to have an additional diamond shipped in from his supplier. This leads to increased processing costs with the diamond generally costing the retailer more money as the memo diamond has a higher cost to the retailer than a diamond he may purchase for inventory.
All of these factors collide to produce hidden charges, which must be absorbed by the retailer's client adding a large percentage to the final purchase price of any diamond.
No wonder Why Diamonds Are Overpriced!"
posted by me @ 12:26 AM
0 comments
Diamond Market Price Guide by AM-Diamonds.com
Diamond Market Price Guide by AM-Diamonds.com: "How Does The Market Price Diamonds?
There are as many ways to price diamonds as there are market makers. However the following are a few of the pricing guidelines and channels of distribution the jewelry industry uses:
One formula or another is applied to the original price of the rough diamond by the diamond sight-holder (company who purchases the rough diamond from De Beers), in order to determine the final selling price of the polished diamond to the: diamond dealers, jewelry manufactures, diamond wholesalers, diamond brokers, and jewelry retailers.
In order to identify the fair market value for a fine important polished diamond, an independent company must first certify the polished diamond’s quality grades: color, cut, clarity, carat weight.
The Sight-holder determines their selling price by adding the cost of the rough diamond, cutting cost, financial carrying cost, and profit to the polished diamond.
The cutter take the diamond to the market in the Diamond Dealer’s Club and makes a market called the Primary Market. This is the price level we Make A Market at by offering diamonds for sale direct to the public through these channels.
The diamonds may change hands between dealers several times at this point finally being directed to: diamond wholesalers, jewelry manufactures, and jewelry retailers. If the diamond does not reach the retailers at this point, additional profits are added at each turnover until the retailer obtains the diamond.
Having finally reached the retailer, the diamond’s cost is magnified by a large percent, Gross Profit, to cover the retailer’s cost of doing business.
The percentage mark ups on fine large diamonds through the inefficient distribution channels result in very large dollar amounts.
"
There are as many ways to price diamonds as there are market makers. However the following are a few of the pricing guidelines and channels of distribution the jewelry industry uses:
One formula or another is applied to the original price of the rough diamond by the diamond sight-holder (company who purchases the rough diamond from De Beers), in order to determine the final selling price of the polished diamond to the: diamond dealers, jewelry manufactures, diamond wholesalers, diamond brokers, and jewelry retailers.
In order to identify the fair market value for a fine important polished diamond, an independent company must first certify the polished diamond’s quality grades: color, cut, clarity, carat weight.
The Sight-holder determines their selling price by adding the cost of the rough diamond, cutting cost, financial carrying cost, and profit to the polished diamond.
The cutter take the diamond to the market in the Diamond Dealer’s Club and makes a market called the Primary Market. This is the price level we Make A Market at by offering diamonds for sale direct to the public through these channels.
The diamonds may change hands between dealers several times at this point finally being directed to: diamond wholesalers, jewelry manufactures, and jewelry retailers. If the diamond does not reach the retailers at this point, additional profits are added at each turnover until the retailer obtains the diamond.
Having finally reached the retailer, the diamond’s cost is magnified by a large percent, Gross Profit, to cover the retailer’s cost of doing business.
The percentage mark ups on fine large diamonds through the inefficient distribution channels result in very large dollar amounts.
"
posted by me @ 12:25 AM
0 comments
Loose Diamonds
Loose Diamonds: "Loose diamonds from YourDiamond.com
� Buy diamonds directly from cutters and jewelry manufacturers at below wholesale.
� Huge inventory of over 20,000 GIA Lab. certified loose diamonds.
� Free: Shipping, appraisal and expert advice.
� Lowest price & No-risk return policy."
� Buy diamonds directly from cutters and jewelry manufacturers at below wholesale.
� Huge inventory of over 20,000 GIA Lab. certified loose diamonds.
� Free: Shipping, appraisal and expert advice.
� Lowest price & No-risk return policy."
posted by me @ 12:22 AM
0 comments
Certified Loose Diamonds
Diamonds on Web - loose diamonds, engagement rings, diamond jewelry: "Certified Loose Diamonds
Traditionally, only jewelers purchased certified loose diamonds from suppliers that sold diamonds and other precious stones. However, it is becoming more common for consumers to purchase wholesale loose diamonds directly from the supplier, and have them made into rings, earrings, bracelets, and/or necklaces. This can be a different approach to take if you want to design a piece of jewelry that stands out from everything you've seen in retail jewelry stores.
Certified loose diamonds come in many shapes, cuts, carats, and colors, which means that you have a lot more to think about than just choosing a diamond. Of course, it all depends on your taste, as well as the type of jewelry you are going to create with the diamond(s). For instance, if you were planning on purchasing several round cut diamonds to make into an anniversary band, you would want to match the color of each diamond. In contrast, if you were interested in a solitaire anniversary band, this would not be a consideration.
Consider Price When You Purchase Certified Loose Diamonds
Remember, all diamonds are not created equal. You can look at two round cut, one-carat diamond solitaires, and see two completely different things. Maybe one cost considerably less than the other, but you will more than likely notice a lack of brilliance and sparkle in the cheaper diamond. Don't be fooled into the thinking that the bigger the diamond is, the better it is.
Diamonds on Web is an established supplier of top-quality diamonds with over 20 years of industry experience. We can offer you a wide selection of certified loose diamonds that vary in cut, color, carat, and clarity, at a price that can fit your budget. We have expert gemologists ready to assist you, and we would be more than happy to share our knowledge with you if you are in the market for a loose diamond or finished diamond jewelry.
"
Traditionally, only jewelers purchased certified loose diamonds from suppliers that sold diamonds and other precious stones. However, it is becoming more common for consumers to purchase wholesale loose diamonds directly from the supplier, and have them made into rings, earrings, bracelets, and/or necklaces. This can be a different approach to take if you want to design a piece of jewelry that stands out from everything you've seen in retail jewelry stores.
Certified loose diamonds come in many shapes, cuts, carats, and colors, which means that you have a lot more to think about than just choosing a diamond. Of course, it all depends on your taste, as well as the type of jewelry you are going to create with the diamond(s). For instance, if you were planning on purchasing several round cut diamonds to make into an anniversary band, you would want to match the color of each diamond. In contrast, if you were interested in a solitaire anniversary band, this would not be a consideration.
Consider Price When You Purchase Certified Loose Diamonds
Remember, all diamonds are not created equal. You can look at two round cut, one-carat diamond solitaires, and see two completely different things. Maybe one cost considerably less than the other, but you will more than likely notice a lack of brilliance and sparkle in the cheaper diamond. Don't be fooled into the thinking that the bigger the diamond is, the better it is.
Diamonds on Web is an established supplier of top-quality diamonds with over 20 years of industry experience. We can offer you a wide selection of certified loose diamonds that vary in cut, color, carat, and clarity, at a price that can fit your budget. We have expert gemologists ready to assist you, and we would be more than happy to share our knowledge with you if you are in the market for a loose diamond or finished diamond jewelry.
"
posted by me @ 12:15 AM
0 comments
A Brief History of Diamonds
A Brief History of Diamonds
The diamond has a history as old and fascinating as any ever told -- it is filled with mystery, myths, and wondrous truths. The name "diamond" comes from the Greek word for "unconquerable," and its actual and symbolic strength was revered by ancient kings from China and India to Egypt and Rome.
Until the 18th century - with the discovery of diamond deposits in Brazil and South Africa - nearly all diamonds came from India. Historically, diamonds were traded along two routes that ended in Europe. Starting from India, traders followed a land route that led to Constantinople. From there, they were shipped to Italian cities like Venice. The other route imported diamonds by water through the Saudi Peninsula and then to Europe from Egypt.
Even during the 16th century, the biggest and best diamonds never arrived in Europe -- they were bought up by Arab princes who lived along the traders’ routes. In China, diamonds were long a popular stone, too. The Chinese honored the diamond as an unbeatable stone cutting and engraving tool, to be used by only the richest and most noble men.
The French Dukes of Burgundy made wearing diamond jewelry popular in the second half of the 15th century. Before then, the diamond was generally used as a talisman -- more revered for its curative and strengthening powers than loved for its beauty. During the Renaissance, the diamond’s reputed killing powers were almost as great as its curing ones. Rumors about "diamond poison" grew, linked to the likes of Catherine De Medici (1519-89), whose "powder of succession" (probably arsenic) eliminated many unlucky enough to have hopes of sitting on the French throne.
Fortunately, the diamond’s appeal outlasted the nasty rumors. The tradition of giving diamonds as tokens of love and commitment began at the end of the 15th century when Austrian Archduke Maximilian gave a diamond ring to his fiancé. They chose to place the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand because legend held that this finger provided a direct link between tokens of love and the heart.
As the diamond’s popularity grew, so too did the demands on the mines. At the beginning of the 18th century, when Indian mines were running dry, diamonds were discovered in Brazil. A Portuguese colonist named Sebastiano Leme do Prado realized that gold prospectors outside of Rio de Janeiro were using strangely transparent stones that they’d found on the ground as chips in their card games. Soon, the diamond rush was on in Brazil.
The Brazilian sources were remarkably productive, but they were overmined and started to run dry within a century. Fortunately, in 1867, diamonds were discovered on a South African farm in the Cape Province. Since then, mines in South Africa have been recovering diamonds at a remarkable rate and are only second to India for producing the world’s largest and most famous diamonds.
Currently, most diamonds are mined in the following countries: South Africa, Zaire, the former USSR, Australia, Botswana, Angola, Namibia, Brazil, Ghana, and China. The major cutting centers of the diamond world are in Antwerp, Bombay, Tel Aviv, and New York.
A Brief History of Diamonds
The diamond has a history as old and fascinating as any ever told -- it is filled with mystery, myths, and wondrous truths. The name "diamond" comes from the Greek word for "unconquerable," and its actual and symbolic strength was revered by ancient kings from China and India to Egypt and Rome.
Until the 18th century - with the discovery of diamond deposits in Brazil and South Africa - nearly all diamonds came from India. Historically, diamonds were traded along two routes that ended in Europe. Starting from India, traders followed a land route that led to Constantinople. From there, they were shipped to Italian cities like Venice. The other route imported diamonds by water through the Saudi Peninsula and then to Europe from Egypt.
Even during the 16th century, the biggest and best diamonds never arrived in Europe -- they were bought up by Arab princes who lived along the traders’ routes. In China, diamonds were long a popular stone, too. The Chinese honored the diamond as an unbeatable stone cutting and engraving tool, to be used by only the richest and most noble men.
The French Dukes of Burgundy made wearing diamond jewelry popular in the second half of the 15th century. Before then, the diamond was generally used as a talisman -- more revered for its curative and strengthening powers than loved for its beauty. During the Renaissance, the diamond’s reputed killing powers were almost as great as its curing ones. Rumors about "diamond poison" grew, linked to the likes of Catherine De Medici (1519-89), whose "powder of succession" (probably arsenic) eliminated many unlucky enough to have hopes of sitting on the French throne.
Fortunately, the diamond’s appeal outlasted the nasty rumors. The tradition of giving diamonds as tokens of love and commitment began at the end of the 15th century when Austrian Archduke Maximilian gave a diamond ring to his fiancé. They chose to place the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand because legend held that this finger provided a direct link between tokens of love and the heart.
As the diamond’s popularity grew, so too did the demands on the mines. At the beginning of the 18th century, when Indian mines were running dry, diamonds were discovered in Brazil. A Portuguese colonist named Sebastiano Leme do Prado realized that gold prospectors outside of Rio de Janeiro were using strangely transparent stones that they’d found on the ground as chips in their card games. Soon, the diamond rush was on in Brazil.
The Brazilian sources were remarkably productive, but they were overmined and started to run dry within a century. Fortunately, in 1867, diamonds were discovered on a South African farm in the Cape Province. Since then, mines in South Africa have been recovering diamonds at a remarkable rate and are only second to India for producing the world’s largest and most famous diamonds.
Currently, most diamonds are mined in the following countries: South Africa, Zaire, the former USSR, Australia, Botswana, Angola, Namibia, Brazil, Ghana, and China. The major cutting centers of the diamond world are in Antwerp, Bombay, Tel Aviv, and New York.
A Brief History of Diamonds
posted by me @ 12:07 AM
0 comments
A Crash Course in Diamonds -- The Four Cs
A Crash Course in Diamonds -- The Four Cs
The ABCs of gem quality diamonds come down to the 4Cs, a term that you may have seen or heard of before. The 4 Cs are cut, color, clarity, and carat, the four aspects on which a diamond’s value is judged.
So, what does this mean to you? When you are in the market for a high quality diamond -- whether loose or mounted -- the diamond’s marking for each of these aspects can significantly affect the price you pay for it.
A Cut Above
Rough diamonds look like beach glass -- pretty, but not particularly amazing. Cutting techniques that bring out the diamond’s brilliance can reduce the final gem size by half, but can increase its market value four times. Modern cutting techniques that bring out the best brilliance from a diamond were established at the beginning of the 20th century. Before, diamonds were frequently cut to maximize carat weight -- as with the "old mine cut" -- rather than light diffusion.
Compare Modern Brilliant cut to Old Mine.
Diamond gemstones are created by cutting precise facets, or tiny polished faces, in the stone. This is possible by cutting along the diamond’s natural points of cleavage, by grinding down its surfaces with another diamond, and by employing modern laser techniques.
There are 58 total facets on the round brilliant diamond. Thirty-three facets, including the table - the largest top facet - are cut above the girdle, the diamond’s widest circumference. Below the girdle – in an area called the pavilion -- are twenty-four more facets and the culet, or bottom point.
Brilliance is the term used to describe those astounding flashes of light you see when bright light hits a diamond. Brilliance is caused by white light reflecting off the diamond’s surfaces and the mirrored depths of the pavilion. Flashes of color within the stone are called fire or dispersion. Fire and brilliance give diamonds their beauty and increase their value.
The key to excellent fire and brilliance is proportion. Light striking a diamond that is cut too shallow will fall through the bottom rather than reflect as brilliance. Likewise, a diamond that is cut too deep will have less brilliance because light hitting the bottom cannot be bounced back to the top.
SHAPES
In the jewelry industry, the word "cut" usually brings to mind the shape or the outline of a diamond’s front. The seven most popular and fashionable shapes are the round brilliant, marquise, pear, emerald, oval, princess, and heart.
Round Brilliant -- The modern classic for cut diamonds. 58 facets offer great brilliance and stability. This shape is most common and most popular for solitaire pieces.
Marquise -- Currently a very popular shape for engagement rings. The brilliant style marquise, with its distinctive pointed oval form, carries the name of a French noblewoman. The pointed ends make this shape the most fragile and the most expensive of brilliant style cuts.
Pear -- Less expensive than the marquise, but just as distinguished looking. Cut to maximize brilliance like the round brilliant, the pear shape has one pointed end -- and so, it has the same issue of fragility as the marquise.
Oval -- If you are looking for a unique alternative to the round brilliant, the oval may be just what you want. It has excellent light dispersal like the round, but its shape may make it look larger than a round diamond of the same weight and quality.
Emerald -- So named because it is the shape most associated with emerald gemstones, this is the most expensive shape for cut diamonds. Fewer facets distract the eye from any inclusions, so the emerald cut diamond generally has higher clarity. But, with fewer facets comes less brilliance than the other shapes. And, the emerald cut can look dull quickly, especially if you tend to wash your hands and put lotion on while wearing your jewelry.
Princess -- Remarkably lovely and eye catching, this diamond shape is very popular right now, especially in "invisible" settings. Better yet, its sparkle won’t dull as quickly as the emerald cut.
Heart -- A very special and romantic shape. The heart shape diamond is difficult to make perfectly proportioned, but it’s not hard to love. This shape is full of fire and brilliance like the round and the marquise.
Baguette -- These small, rectangular diamonds are cut to maximize brilliance like the shapes described above. But, their major duty is to fill in channels, or stable grooved tracks, around a gemstone centerpiece. Jewelry designers sometimes only use baguettes to create dramatic contemporary looks for rings and pendants.
True Colors
Deep in the earth, when a diamond was being formed out of carbon, certain chemicals may have been drawn into the mix. The result is an added tinge of color in the transparent stone. Most common in diamonds is a degree of brown or yellow color, but diamonds have been found in all the colors of the rainbow.
When jewelers talk about the "fine color" of a diamond, what they really want you to notice is how little visible color the stone has. Colorless, or icy white, diamonds are the most prized and most expensive. The slightly colored diamonds are less valuable than the perfectly white or boldly colored red, yellow, and blue "fancies." The 45.52 carat Hope Diamond, on display at the Smithsonian, is remarkable in part for its prized cornflower blue color.
Diamonds are graded according to the GIA color chart.
GIA color grade What is it called What you see
D Colorless Stone looks absolutely clear, with no hint of color to the eye in color grading or mounted
E
F
G Slight color Some color tint is visible during grading. Mounted in a setting, stone appears colorless
H
I
J
K Faint yellow Yellow or grayish tint is obvious during color grading. Mounted, this stone still shows a tint of color
L
M
N-Z Light yellow Obvious yellow or grayish color
Z+ Fancy Bright, remarkable color - usually blue, pink, yellow
Private companies once used their own grading systems and called diamond colors AA+, AB, 1+, etc. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) - an independent, non-commercial association - wanted to create a standard chart that couldn’t be compared or confused with others. Thus, the perfectly colorless diamond is now given a color rating of D. Any company that tries to sell you a diamond they rate as "A+" in color is probably up to no good.
Crystal Clear?
Clarity is the term used to describe a diamond’s clearness or purity. Taken into consideration are the number, size, nature, and location of imperfections on the finished gemstone. Internal flaws are called inclusions, and external ones are called blemishes. Many of these are not visible to the naked eye, but under magnification, tiny featherlike shapes, crystals, bubbles, and dark flecks become apparent. These marks are as distinctive and recognizable as fingerprints -- in fact, they are commonly referred to as the diamond’s fingerprint. The more imperfections there are in a diamond and the more visible they are to the eye, the lower the market value.
Clarity mark What it is called What you see
F Flawless Clear stone, free of all flaws, even under 10x magnification
IF Internally Flawless No inclusions visible at 10x magnification
VVS1 Very Very Slight Inclusion #1 Tiny inclusions are extremely difficult to find, even under 10x magnification
VVS2 Very Very Slight Inclusion #2 Tiny inclusions are very difficult to find, even under 10x magnification
VS1 Very Slight Inclusion #1 Minor inclusions are difficult to see under 10 x magnification
VS2 Very Slight Inclusion #2 Minor inclusions are somewhat difficult to find under 10x magnification
SI1 Slight Inclusion #1 Inclusions are easy to see under 10x magnification
SI2 Slight Inclusion #2 Inclusions and/or blemishes are easy to see at 10x
I1 Included #1 Inclusions and/or blemishes are obvious and rather easy to see without magnification
I2 Included #2 Inclusions and/or blemishes are obvious and easy to see without magnification
I3 Included #3 Inclusions and blemishes that are obvious to the unaided eye
Organic Carats
Diamonds are measured in terms of weight, not size. The heavier the diamond, the greater the carat weight. The name "carat" is derived from the carob seed. These seeds are remarkably consistent in weight and size and so were the favored scale balances in ancient markets. Carat weight should not be confused with "karat," the term used to describe gold’s fineness or purity.
A gem carat equals 200 milligrams, and there are 142 carats to every ounce. A carat is composed of one hundred points. Jewelers evaluate a diamond’s carat weight by using an exceptionally sensitive metric scale that measures weight in points. So, a 1/4 carat diamond is also called a 25 point diamond. Because large diamonds are extremely rare -- and diamonds over one carat in size are becoming increasingly so -- every tiny increase in weight can result in a big increase in market value. Generally speaking, the larger the diamond, the higher the price. Even a large diamond that has so-so color and clarity will cost more than a smaller but finer diamond, simply because the larger ones are scarce.
The ABCs of gem quality diamonds come down to the 4Cs, a term that you may have seen or heard of before. The 4 Cs are cut, color, clarity, and carat, the four aspects on which a diamond’s value is judged.
So, what does this mean to you? When you are in the market for a high quality diamond -- whether loose or mounted -- the diamond’s marking for each of these aspects can significantly affect the price you pay for it.
A Cut Above
Rough diamonds look like beach glass -- pretty, but not particularly amazing. Cutting techniques that bring out the diamond’s brilliance can reduce the final gem size by half, but can increase its market value four times. Modern cutting techniques that bring out the best brilliance from a diamond were established at the beginning of the 20th century. Before, diamonds were frequently cut to maximize carat weight -- as with the "old mine cut" -- rather than light diffusion.
Compare Modern Brilliant cut to Old Mine.
Diamond gemstones are created by cutting precise facets, or tiny polished faces, in the stone. This is possible by cutting along the diamond’s natural points of cleavage, by grinding down its surfaces with another diamond, and by employing modern laser techniques.
There are 58 total facets on the round brilliant diamond. Thirty-three facets, including the table - the largest top facet - are cut above the girdle, the diamond’s widest circumference. Below the girdle – in an area called the pavilion -- are twenty-four more facets and the culet, or bottom point.
Brilliance is the term used to describe those astounding flashes of light you see when bright light hits a diamond. Brilliance is caused by white light reflecting off the diamond’s surfaces and the mirrored depths of the pavilion. Flashes of color within the stone are called fire or dispersion. Fire and brilliance give diamonds their beauty and increase their value.
The key to excellent fire and brilliance is proportion. Light striking a diamond that is cut too shallow will fall through the bottom rather than reflect as brilliance. Likewise, a diamond that is cut too deep will have less brilliance because light hitting the bottom cannot be bounced back to the top.
SHAPES
In the jewelry industry, the word "cut" usually brings to mind the shape or the outline of a diamond’s front. The seven most popular and fashionable shapes are the round brilliant, marquise, pear, emerald, oval, princess, and heart.
Round Brilliant -- The modern classic for cut diamonds. 58 facets offer great brilliance and stability. This shape is most common and most popular for solitaire pieces.
Marquise -- Currently a very popular shape for engagement rings. The brilliant style marquise, with its distinctive pointed oval form, carries the name of a French noblewoman. The pointed ends make this shape the most fragile and the most expensive of brilliant style cuts.
Pear -- Less expensive than the marquise, but just as distinguished looking. Cut to maximize brilliance like the round brilliant, the pear shape has one pointed end -- and so, it has the same issue of fragility as the marquise.
Oval -- If you are looking for a unique alternative to the round brilliant, the oval may be just what you want. It has excellent light dispersal like the round, but its shape may make it look larger than a round diamond of the same weight and quality.
Emerald -- So named because it is the shape most associated with emerald gemstones, this is the most expensive shape for cut diamonds. Fewer facets distract the eye from any inclusions, so the emerald cut diamond generally has higher clarity. But, with fewer facets comes less brilliance than the other shapes. And, the emerald cut can look dull quickly, especially if you tend to wash your hands and put lotion on while wearing your jewelry.
Princess -- Remarkably lovely and eye catching, this diamond shape is very popular right now, especially in "invisible" settings. Better yet, its sparkle won’t dull as quickly as the emerald cut.
Heart -- A very special and romantic shape. The heart shape diamond is difficult to make perfectly proportioned, but it’s not hard to love. This shape is full of fire and brilliance like the round and the marquise.
Baguette -- These small, rectangular diamonds are cut to maximize brilliance like the shapes described above. But, their major duty is to fill in channels, or stable grooved tracks, around a gemstone centerpiece. Jewelry designers sometimes only use baguettes to create dramatic contemporary looks for rings and pendants.
True Colors
Deep in the earth, when a diamond was being formed out of carbon, certain chemicals may have been drawn into the mix. The result is an added tinge of color in the transparent stone. Most common in diamonds is a degree of brown or yellow color, but diamonds have been found in all the colors of the rainbow.
When jewelers talk about the "fine color" of a diamond, what they really want you to notice is how little visible color the stone has. Colorless, or icy white, diamonds are the most prized and most expensive. The slightly colored diamonds are less valuable than the perfectly white or boldly colored red, yellow, and blue "fancies." The 45.52 carat Hope Diamond, on display at the Smithsonian, is remarkable in part for its prized cornflower blue color.
Diamonds are graded according to the GIA color chart.
GIA color grade What is it called What you see
D Colorless Stone looks absolutely clear, with no hint of color to the eye in color grading or mounted
E
F
G Slight color Some color tint is visible during grading. Mounted in a setting, stone appears colorless
H
I
J
K Faint yellow Yellow or grayish tint is obvious during color grading. Mounted, this stone still shows a tint of color
L
M
N-Z Light yellow Obvious yellow or grayish color
Z+ Fancy Bright, remarkable color - usually blue, pink, yellow
Private companies once used their own grading systems and called diamond colors AA+, AB, 1+, etc. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) - an independent, non-commercial association - wanted to create a standard chart that couldn’t be compared or confused with others. Thus, the perfectly colorless diamond is now given a color rating of D. Any company that tries to sell you a diamond they rate as "A+" in color is probably up to no good.
Crystal Clear?
Clarity is the term used to describe a diamond’s clearness or purity. Taken into consideration are the number, size, nature, and location of imperfections on the finished gemstone. Internal flaws are called inclusions, and external ones are called blemishes. Many of these are not visible to the naked eye, but under magnification, tiny featherlike shapes, crystals, bubbles, and dark flecks become apparent. These marks are as distinctive and recognizable as fingerprints -- in fact, they are commonly referred to as the diamond’s fingerprint. The more imperfections there are in a diamond and the more visible they are to the eye, the lower the market value.
Clarity mark What it is called What you see
F Flawless Clear stone, free of all flaws, even under 10x magnification
IF Internally Flawless No inclusions visible at 10x magnification
VVS1 Very Very Slight Inclusion #1 Tiny inclusions are extremely difficult to find, even under 10x magnification
VVS2 Very Very Slight Inclusion #2 Tiny inclusions are very difficult to find, even under 10x magnification
VS1 Very Slight Inclusion #1 Minor inclusions are difficult to see under 10 x magnification
VS2 Very Slight Inclusion #2 Minor inclusions are somewhat difficult to find under 10x magnification
SI1 Slight Inclusion #1 Inclusions are easy to see under 10x magnification
SI2 Slight Inclusion #2 Inclusions and/or blemishes are easy to see at 10x
I1 Included #1 Inclusions and/or blemishes are obvious and rather easy to see without magnification
I2 Included #2 Inclusions and/or blemishes are obvious and easy to see without magnification
I3 Included #3 Inclusions and blemishes that are obvious to the unaided eye
Organic Carats
Diamonds are measured in terms of weight, not size. The heavier the diamond, the greater the carat weight. The name "carat" is derived from the carob seed. These seeds are remarkably consistent in weight and size and so were the favored scale balances in ancient markets. Carat weight should not be confused with "karat," the term used to describe gold’s fineness or purity.
A gem carat equals 200 milligrams, and there are 142 carats to every ounce. A carat is composed of one hundred points. Jewelers evaluate a diamond’s carat weight by using an exceptionally sensitive metric scale that measures weight in points. So, a 1/4 carat diamond is also called a 25 point diamond. Because large diamonds are extremely rare -- and diamonds over one carat in size are becoming increasingly so -- every tiny increase in weight can result in a big increase in market value. Generally speaking, the larger the diamond, the higher the price. Even a large diamond that has so-so color and clarity will cost more than a smaller but finer diamond, simply because the larger ones are scarce.
posted by me @ 12:05 AM
0 comments
Carbon Is A Girl’s Best Friend
Carbon Is A Girl’s Best Friend
The diamond is the hardest known substance in the world. It can cut through steel by pressure alone. Incredibly, the diamond is the only gemstone made of just one element -- carbon, the building block found in every living animal and plant.
Part of the mystery of the diamond is that it gets formed at all. Billions of years ago, in a deep layer of the earth, a unique combination of chemicals, pressure, and temperature changes created diamonds out of pure carbon. This was no easy task -- the pressure needed to create a diamond is close to what you’d get if you balanced a skyscraper on a small, flat metal disk.
Violent and powerful volcanic eruptions forced cone shaped veins of diamond-bearing ore – called Kimberlite -- to the earth’s surface, where they can now be mined. Mining techniques can process thousands of tons of diamond ore a day, but it still takes 250 tons of ore to produce one carat of rough diamond. Of all retrieved diamonds, only 20% are gem quality stones.
The diamond is the hardest known substance in the world. It can cut through steel by pressure alone. Incredibly, the diamond is the only gemstone made of just one element -- carbon, the building block found in every living animal and plant.
Part of the mystery of the diamond is that it gets formed at all. Billions of years ago, in a deep layer of the earth, a unique combination of chemicals, pressure, and temperature changes created diamonds out of pure carbon. This was no easy task -- the pressure needed to create a diamond is close to what you’d get if you balanced a skyscraper on a small, flat metal disk.
Violent and powerful volcanic eruptions forced cone shaped veins of diamond-bearing ore – called Kimberlite -- to the earth’s surface, where they can now be mined. Mining techniques can process thousands of tons of diamond ore a day, but it still takes 250 tons of ore to produce one carat of rough diamond. Of all retrieved diamonds, only 20% are gem quality stones.
posted by me @ 12:04 AM
0 comments
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Find Your perfect Diamond
Find your perfect Diamond
What shape are you looking for?
Round Princess Pear Marquise Emerald Asscher Oval Radiant Heart
What is your price range? (optional)
From to dollars
What is your size range (in carats)? (optional)
From to carats
What diamond color grades are you looking for? (optional)
D E F G H I J K L
What diamond clarity grade are you looking for? (optional)
FL (Flawless) VS1 (Few Inclusions at 10X)
IF (Internally Flawless) VS2 (Some Inclusions at 10X)
VVS1 (Few Inclusions at 30X) SI1 (Few Visible Inclusions)
VVS2 (Some Inclusions at 30X) SI2 (Some Visible Inclusions)
What shape are you looking for?
Round Princess Pear Marquise Emerald Asscher Oval Radiant Heart
What is your price range? (optional)
From to dollars
What is your size range (in carats)? (optional)
From to carats
What diamond color grades are you looking for? (optional)
D E F G H I J K L
What diamond clarity grade are you looking for? (optional)
FL (Flawless) VS1 (Few Inclusions at 10X)
IF (Internally Flawless) VS2 (Some Inclusions at 10X)
VVS1 (Few Inclusions at 30X) SI1 (Few Visible Inclusions)
VVS2 (Some Inclusions at 30X) SI2 (Some Visible Inclusions)
posted by me @ 11:55 PM
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