All About Diamonds
It’s April, the perfect time to dive deep into the wonderful world of diamonds. This gem is the official birthstone for April, and the most popular gemstone in fine jewelry. Every woman’s jewelry box should include a diamond pendant and diamond stud earrings, among other staples like the statement right-hand ring and a watch or three. As an April baby and Certified Gemologist (AGS/GIA GG), diamonds are my literal life focus. Here are the basics when it comes to all things diamond…
When buying diamonds, the first thing you’ll want to know is if they are natural, treated, or lab grown. Natural diamonds were created 1-3 billion years ago deep within the Earth; they are small miracles of nature. Natural diamonds come in a variety of qualities. Diamond treatments such as High Temperature and High Pressure (HPHT), Laser Drilling, and Fracture Filling were all created to improve the appearance of natural diamonds. Many “big box” and department stores are known to hide treatment disclosures in the fine print of their jewelry descriptions. Today, there are also companies around the world who produce diamonds in factories via technological advances; these are referred to as synthetic diamonds, lab created diamonds, or grown diamonds. Natural, Treated, and Lab Grown diamonds are priced in 3 very different ways, making this knowledge priority #1.
Once you determine a diamond is natural, we get into valuation. Diamonds are valued based upon multiple factors, which are broken up into the 4 Cs. The 4 Cs were developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as a standard to compare diamond qualities worldwide. The 4 Cs are:
Carat Weight – This is an actual weight measurement of a loose diamond on a scale, not a visual size. Carats are broken down into points, with 100 points to a carat. For example, 1.50 carats.
Color – The normal color range goes from completely colorless at D to light yellow at Z. A diamond that is more yellow than a Z is outside the normal color range, and qualifies as a fancy color diamond. There is a separate color scale for fancy colored diamonds as well.
Clarity – This is the absence or presence of inclusions within a diamond. Types of natural inclusions are feathers, included crystals, clouds, and pinpoints. Clarity is graded under 10 power magnification, as many inclusions are not visible to the unaided eye.
Cut – Cut can refer to the shape of the diamond or the quality of the cut. Round diamonds are the most popular and most expensive diamond shape.
In general, the larger, cleaner, and whiter a diamond is, the higher its value. That is why a 1 carat round brilliant diamond can currently range in price from $1,600 all the way to $23,000. Here at Jae’s Jewelers, we stock a variety of colors and clarities with indepedent GIA laboratory reports. Looking for something specific? We are happy to source a special stone at your request. Find more information about the 4 Cs at https://4cs.gia.edu
Legend has it that wearing diamonds brings benefits such as balance and abundance. In the Middle Ages, diamonds were believed to hold healing properties too. What do you think? It’s worth a try!
For your free diamond consultation at Jae’s Jewelers, feel free to call or text us at 305-443-7724. Our diamond experts are available Tuesdays through Saturdays 11am to 6pm. Shop our current diamond jewelry selection now BY CLICKING HERE.