- Education
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- There are four characteristics that all
diamonds are graded by. They are known as the 4Cs, and they are Cut, Color, Clarity and
Carat weight. It is the combination of these four Cs that determines a
diamonds value. By changing any of the characteristics, you can dramatically affect
the diamonds value, all other factors being equal.
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Carat Weight
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- A diamonds weight is measured in what is known as a
carat, which is a small unit of measurement equal to 200 milligrams. Carat is
not a measure of a diamonds size, since cutting a diamond to different proportions
can affect its weight. (The word Karat is used to express the purity of gold,
and is not used in relation to diamonds.)
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- Color
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- The most important thing to know about color when it comes to
diamonds is, in general, the less color a diamond has, the more valuable it is, all other
factors being equal. Diamonds are found in nature in a wide range of colors, from
completely colorless (the most desirable trait) to slightly yellow, to brown.
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- The color grading system for diamonds uses the letters of the
alphabet from D through Z, with D being the most colorless and Z
having the most color within the normal range.
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- Clarity
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- Clarity refers to the number, position and size of the inclusions
that occur naturally inside diamonds. The fewer and less obvious the inclusions, the more
valuable the diamond.
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- F
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- Flawless. The diamond shows no
inclusions or blemishes of any sort under 10X magnification when observed by an
experienced grader. Note: Truly flawless or internally flawless (F or IF on the
GIAs grading scale) diamonds are extremely rare.
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- IF
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- Internally Flawless. The diamond has
no inclusions when examined by an experienced grader using 10X magnification, but will
have some minor blemishes.
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- VVS1, VVS2
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- Very, Very slightly included. The
diamond contains minute inclusions that are difficult even for experienced graders to see
under 10X magnification.
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- VS1, VS2
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- Very slightly included. The diamond
contains minute inclusions such as small crystals, clouds or feathers when observed with
effort under 10X magnification.
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- SI1, SI2
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- Slightly included. The diamond
contains inclusions (clouds, included crystals, knots, cavities, and feathers) that are
noticeable to an experienced grader under 10X magnification.
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- I1, I2, I3
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- Included. The diamond contains
inclusions (possibly large feathers or large included crystals) that are obvious under 10X
magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance.
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- Cut
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- The only one of the 4Cs that is within our control is a diamond's
cut. Cut is the result of a craftsmans skill in transforming a rough diamond into a
breathtaking gem. A diamond has facets that allow light to enter it, become refracted, and
exit in a rainbow of colors. So it follows that a better cut diamond does a better job of
dazzling us with its beauty. Heres the secret to how a diamond sparkles:
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- As you can see, the diamond with the correct
proportions does a more effective job of refracting light out the top of the stone to your
eye. The less-than-ideal cut diamonds allow some light to become lost out the bottom.
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- There are many measurements that go into creating a diamond that
truly maximize the refraction of light. Facets must be cut at exactly the right angles
relative to one another; the top and bottom halves of the stone must have the proper depth
relative to each other; the table, or flat surface on the top, must be the correct size,
relative to the overall size of the stone. And, of course, the facets on the top (crown)
and bottom (pavilion) must align correctly with each other. Here is a diagram showing a
diamonds basic proportions:
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- Symmetry
Symmetry describes several factors: how the facet edges align with each other; whether the
corresponding facets from opposite sides of the diamond align with each other or not; and
whether the facets from the crown, or top of the diamond are properly aligned with the
corresponding ones on the bottom (pavilion). When choosing a diamond, look for Excellent,
Very Good or Good ratings on the grading report, if symmetry is graded.
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- Shape
Of course, the most popular and commonly seen shape for diamonds is the round or brilliant
cut, which has 57 or 58 facets (depending on whether the culet, or point at the bottom of
the stone, is faceted or not). It's the 'classic' shape that most people think of when
they think of a diamond. But the round cut is by far not your only choice. All shapes are
capable of fantastic fire and brilliance. The only difference is the result of the diamond
cutter's decision to cut the rough diamond into that particular shape.
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- Fluorescence
When exposed to ultraviolet light, small percentages of diamonds fluoresce, or emit light,
which may be yellow or blue. Fluorescence does not necessarily affect a diamond's value,
however it is listed on a diamond grading report.
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- Finding the Perfect Diamond
Email us at furthers@yahoo.com or call us at 905-787-1652
(office) or 416-820-7736 (cell)
Provide the following information in your
email:
a/ Desired Stone Size in carat weight ie:
.25ct, .5ct, etc..
b/ Budget - how much would you like to spend
on your diamond - diamonds come in all different qualities, cuts, colors and we can find
the perfect diamond to meet your budget.
c/ any other specifications that you would
like us to meet in terms of quality level, color and cut.
d/ any other information you feel is
important
NOTE: We will provide you a quote
listing 3-5 diamonds to choose from. We sell our diamonds at wholesale prices so you are
sure you will get the best price found anywhere. All our diamond sales are final sales,
however, you can purchase your diamond and examine it for 48 hours. If for any reason you
are not happy with it, we will gladly refund the full purchase price less any shipping
charges incurred.
Our Diamonds come with a Lab Cert from an
independent gem lab so you can be sure what you purchase is what you receive. Ask for a
copy of the lab cert with your stone viewing.
Certification is the key to selecting a
quality diamond at the lowest price. Certification is your only assurance of quality.
A diamond certification is a detailed diamond quality report issued by an accredited
independent gemological laboratory. The most recognized gemological laboratories that
provide certified diamond quality reports to the diamond and jewelry industry are listed
below:
G.I.A. - Gemological Institute Of America
A.G.S - American Gem Society
E.G.L. - European Gemological Laboratory
I.G.I. - International Gemological Institute
Talk to one of our Experienced Diamond
Experts
Feel free to setup an appointment to discuss
any questions you have regarding your diamond. EMAIL us at furthers@yahoo.com with your questions and phone
number and our store expert will call you for a free consultation
Ask us about Clarity Enhanced Diamonds
This revolutionary process optically
eliminates "feathers", which are naturally occurring in most diamonds. The
result is a more visually stunning diamond that you can purchase for significantly less
then a similar-looking, non-enhanced diamond. The Diamonds are totally natural and come
from the same diamond mines as all other diamonds. The clarity enhancement process is not
visible to the naked eye. Only your trained jeweler will ever know that you own a natural
Clarity Enhanced Diamond.
Ask us about Moissanite Stones
Moissanite stones are the best alternative
to diamonds at one-tenth of the cost. It possesses most of the same qualities
of a natural diamond. Your friends will not tell the difference. Moissanite
was discovered by DR. Henry Moissan in an ancient meteorite in the Diablo Canyon area of
Arizona. In 1893 Dr. Moissan realized Moissanite possesses properties that no other jewel
has. Not being available naturally in quantities large enough for the jewelry industry, he
decided to attempt to create moissanite in a laboratory. That process would take 104 years
to complete.
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