This is our Diamond Education page. In this blog we introduce you to basic diamond education. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the foremost authority in diamond and precious stone evaluations. Interpretation is everything in the diamond and precious gem stone business.
GIA uses a strict grading system, and values diamond education by providing free information to the public. The result being that they are consistent and accurate and their interpretation of the diamond or gem stone is trusted. 1-800 Loose Diamonds suggests that you follow their guidelines when purchasing a diamond of precious stone. Diamond education is easy to understand when following the four C’s is simply to understand.
Carat weight is the standard unit of weight for diamonds and other precious stones. Color range is organized by the alphabet letters from the range of D-Z; D is the highest color grade a diamond can receive, Z being the lowest. 1-800 Loose Diamonds follows the strictest of GIA standards when diamonds are evaluated and sold as uncertified. Color grades are established by comparing each diamond to a set of master comparison diamonds in a standard lighting and viewing environment. Clarity refers to the internal features and surface features within the diamond under the magnification power of 10x.
Flawless of Internally Flawless FL or IF
VVS1 and VVS2
VS1 and VS2
SI1 and SI2
SI3 and I1
I2 and I3
Refers to how the proportions and finish of a diamond affect its overall appearance and quality. Additionally, the cut is grading on a scale from Ideal to Poor. An Ideal or Excellent cut is a synonymous term. Furthermore, in AGS of EGL diamond, the term Ideal is on display. In GIA certified diamonds the term Excellent is on display. Very Good refers to a diamond that is cut to very good proportions.
Moreover, Good means the diamond was cut to acceptable proportions but the diamond was unable to be cut to anymore in order to save weight. Fair and Poor cuts are diamonds that have not been cut to acceptable proportions, these diamond still sparkle but not as much as the aforementioned. The term cut refers to round brilliant diamonds only, for example, if you want a princess cut diamond cut to Ideal proportions it is not specified on GIA or EGL certificates. It is important to not that fancy shape diamonds do indeed have Ideal proportions. If you have any questions about Ideal cut fancy shape diamonds please call us directly at 1800 566 7334.
Radiant Cut, rectangular shape with facets
Marquise Cut – Fashioned to a pointed edge on each side
Cushion Cut – Square and round shape combination
Princess Cut – Square shape with faceted finish
Asscher Cut – Square emerald, smooth finish, open table with no faceting
Emerald Cut – Rectangular shape, smooth finish, open table with no faceting
Pear Shape – Tear drop shape
Heart Shape – The shape of love, a heart shape
Oval Shape – Similar faceting to that of a round brilliant diamond in an oval shape
Fluorescence refers to the emission of visible light from a diamond when subjected to ultraviolet radiation. On GIA’s diamond reports, fluorescence is a description, not a grade. The terms for describing the strength if fluorescence are: none, faint, medium, strong and very strong. For medium, strong and very strong the color is also on display.
To certain individuals, the feature of fluorescence may be undesirable characteristic, and to others not so much. Furthermore, we see that diamonds with colors H and below fluorescence is a good. Additionally, this is because the color of the diamond balances the fluorescence. Also, the strength of the fluorescence is coming into play; if a D-G in color diamond has faint fluorescence this is completely acceptable and should not even be a factor to consider when purchasing.
If the diamond is a D-G in color and has very strong fluorescence the stone can appear milky (not always the case). Additionally, if it does you should expect a significant discount nonetheless. Additionally, the look of the diamond should always supersede what you see on the certificate. Furthermore, this is because you may find a good deal on a diamond you may find beautiful to your eye.
http://www.diamondcut.gia.edu/charts/022_crown.html
http://www.gia.edu/gem-education/carlsbad?gclid=CLaf5pbwyL0CFUNhfgod6ocAUg
GIA diamond color grading scale.
Certified by the Gemological Institute of America